Can't get the fricking lids off these jars!

[Taranta]

I know this is a first world problem, but if anyone can offer any cunning solution to aid me try and get into these jars I would be most grateful. I have tried the usual techniques, tapping lid on floor, even took a hammer to one in a fit of pique. Nothing. Nothing at all...gah!

Rubber gloves work everytime For me.Its the meat vacuumed on to a plastic tray that gives me the rage.

For now rubber gloves is someone else at home - maybe luck. For the future a jar key works well for me.

Crosswithlifeatm, oh, me too! You need the strength of Samson to peel from the tiny corner, I feel your rage!

I have a little plastic gadget called JarKey jar opener. It is brilliant and works every time. You just position the JarKey against the rim of the lid and gently lift the Key to release the vacuum until the middle of the lid pops up then just unscrew like normal.

Completely agree you need to break the vacuum seal. You do this, as outlined by pp, by wedging a butter knife of teaspoon under the little lugs under the lid that are griping the jar, twist gently and the seal pops.

@Redpriestandmozart

Turn jars upside down, tap hard on the countertop (teatowel down to dampen thud) it releases the vacuum and you should be able to open them (right way up again).

Absolutely this, works every time

Have you got a waiters' friend style bottle opener? Use that to lever the lid off/pierce the lid. Never fails.

Tapping edge of the lid all of the way around against the worktop

Yes, whack the side of the lid against the worktop.

OP WE NEED AN UPDATE.

Pour about an inch of boiling water in a dish, turn the jars upside down so lid sits in bowl for 5 mins. If you still can't open it, try wearing rubber gloves .

Pointy screwdriver, put a hole in the lid to release the vacuum. I’m forever doing that.

Pierce the lid with a corkscrew, releases the vacuum.

I do the screwdriver under the edge to release the seal. Not a sharp knife, I'm far too clumsy!

Knife under the lid and lever it out to pop the seal

Pierce a small hole with the tip of a knife and they will open no problem

I always tap the lids all the way round on the countertop. Works every time.

Put a rubber band around the lid & twist off. Will allow you to grip easily.

@Taranta are the jars open?

God I'm SO SORRY, I left this post to do some work thinking it hadn't posted properly - having wifi issues - and have just come back to an avalanche of helpfulness and update enquiries!

I feel it's a bit too late for tuna now - had to make do with coco pops earlier - but will try the corkscrew in the lid tomorrow lunchtime and I WILL REPORT BACK!

Incidentally, I have indeed tried the whacking upside down trick, the tapping side of jar trick, the rubber band round the lid, and there's not enough gap to get an implement in between the lid and jar either... Honestly these jars are poorly designed IMHO Waitrose need to sort it out!

@JesusInTheCabbageVan

Are you near Cardiff? I love a good jar challenge

Sadly not, am in London but PM me your address I will post you one if you think you're ripe for the challenge!

I'm genuinely tempted!

@JesusInTheCabbageVan

Are you near Cardiff? I love a good jar challenge

OP and the law is, if anyone opens the jar after you have tried you should say "I loosened it for you".