You’ve probably seen it dozens of times—the jagged, ridged section between the handles of your kitchen scissors—and never given it much thought. But this small, hidden feature is far more useful than you think.

The Hidden Feature in Kitchen Scissors You’ve Been Ignoring

That small, toothed section between the handles of your kitchen shears isn’t just decorative—it’s an integrated multi-tool. From opening stubborn jar lids to cracking nuts, breaking down poultry, and gripping slippery caps, this feature can make kitchen tasks faster and easier.

What Is the Ridged Section for?

Located where the handles curve inward, this part is often metal or reinforced plastic. When the scissors close, the ridges align to form a gripping surface. Depending on the brand, it may be called a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or “bone gripper.” Its job? To give you traction and control when your hands alone aren’t enough.

Practical Uses for the Built-In Gripper

1. Open Jars and Bottles Easily

• Close the scissors slightly until the teeth touch.
• Slide the jar lid into the ridged area.
• Hold the scissors with one hand, twist the jar with the other.
• Perfect for soda bottles, sauce jars, and vacuum-sealed lids.

2. Crack Nuts Without a Nutcracker

• Place a walnut, pecan, or hazelnut in the toothed section.
• Squeeze gently until the shell cracks.
• Rotate and repeat until the shell can be removed.

3. Grip Poultry Bones for Easier Cutting

• For heavy-duty scissors, grip chicken wing or thigh bones in the ridged section.
• Apply steady pressure to help the blades cut without slipping.

Bonus Uses

• Grip slippery juice jug caps.
• Crack crab legs or lobster shells.
• Twist out soft synthetic corks.
• Hold stubborn twist-ties or seals while cutting.

Why Manufacturers Include This Feature

Multi-use design saves space and money. Instead of buying separate jar openers, nutcrackers, and bone shears, one good pair of kitchen scissors can do it all—especially helpful in small kitchens.

Does Your Pair Have It?

This feature is common in heavy-duty kitchen scissors, poultry shears, and multipurpose utility shears. Look for a notched or ridged section that aligns when the scissors are closed.

Safety Tips

• Don’t force the scissors on hard, uncrackable items.
• Keep fingers clear of the ridged section when applying pressure.
• Clean thoroughly after use, especially if in contact with raw meat.
• Use for food only—don’t twist wires or pry open paint cans.

The Bottom Line

The ridged section on your kitchen scissors is a hidden multi-tool that can make kitchen prep easier. Whether you’re opening jars, cracking nuts, or gripping slippery items, this underappreciated feature can save time, effort, and frustration—if you actually use it.