What Those Metal Teeth Are
The small serrated or jagged metal section between the handles of your kitchen scissors isn’t a design flaw or a blade edge — it’s actually a built-in bottle or jar opener, sometimes also called a nutcracker or grip assist.
It’s not meant to be touched during normal cutting, which is why it can feel sharp or uncomfortable if your fingers slip there.
Main Purposes
1. Jar or Bottle Opener
The most common use is gripping and twisting open bottles or jar lids.
The ridged section helps you:
- Get a better grip on stubborn, slippery lids (like soda caps or small jars).
- Use the leverage of the scissor handles to twist them open more easily.
To use it:
- Open the scissors slightly (so the teeth are apart).
- Place the metal teeth around the lid.
- Squeeze gently to grip the lid.
- Twist while holding the scissors firmly.
You’ll notice it provides a much stronger grip than your bare hand.
2. Nutcracker or Shell Breaker
Those teeth can also act like a nutcracker — especially for soft-shelled nuts (like walnuts or pecans).
You place the nut between the teeth, squeeze gently, and it cracks open without crushing the inside completely.
Some people even use it to:
- Crack crab or lobster shells
- Crush garlic cloves quickly
- Open tough plastic bottle caps
⚠️ Why It Hurts Your Fingers
If your fingers have been cut or pinched, it’s probably because:
- You’re holding the scissors too far up, near the hinge area.
- The metal teeth are exposed when the handles are open, and brushing against them can scrape or pinch skin.
- Many cheaper scissor designs have sharper edges in this area, making it more likely to cause small cuts.
Tip: Always grip the scissor handles by their loops only — avoid touching the ridged section altogether.
Cleaning Tip
Since this part often comes into contact with food or jar lids, make sure to clean it well. Food residue can easily get stuck in those grooves. A small brush or an old toothbrush works great for this.
In Short
That metal-toothed section on your kitchen scissors is:
- ✅ A grip tool for opening jars or bottles
- ✅ A nutcracker or shell breaker
- ⚠️ Not a blade — but still sharp enough to hurt if you touch it directly
Bonus Tip
Next time you’re shopping for kitchen shears, look for ones with:
- Covered or recessed teeth, if you find this feature dangerous
- Or no teeth at all, if you never use that function
Brands like OXO and KitchenAid now make shears with safer, more ergonomic versions of this design.
