Most people have noticed the small jagged section tucked between the handles of kitchen scissors and dismissed it as a design oddity. It looks harmless, maybe even decorative. In reality, that toothed area is one of the most useful — and overlooked — features in your kitchen. That ridged section is a built-in gripper.
When the scissors are closed, the teeth interlock, creating strong traction designed to hold, twist, or crack items that are difficult to manage by hand alone. Manufacturers include it to turn ordinary scissors into a compact multi-purpose tool. One of its most practical uses is opening stubborn jar lids. Simply close the scissors, fit the lid into the ridged area, grip firmly, and twist.
The teeth distribute pressure evenly, making it especially helpful for people with limited hand strength. It also works well on small bottle caps and tightly sealed containers. The gripper can also serve as a makeshift nutcracker. Place a nut between the teeth and squeeze slowly until the shell cracks. With care, it can handle small poultry bones as well — but only if the scissors are heavy-duty and designed for kitchen use.
Beyond that, the toothed section can grip slippery plastic caps, crack shellfish, twist stubborn seals, or hold items that keep slipping from your fingers. It’s a quiet example of smart design meant to save space and effort. Next time you pick up your kitchen scissors, look closer. That small toothed feature isn’t decorative at all — it’s a hidden helper ready to work.
