Have you ever discovered the jagged, tooth-like portion buried between the handles of your kitchen scissors, directly behind where your fingers rest? You might have wondered what it was for. If you’ve never used this handy tool, you’re not alone. Many people think it’s purely cosmetic or superfluous.

But, in truth, the serrated section is a surprisingly useful built-in tool. It’s not a mistake or a gimmick; it’s a great design feature that can make cooking considerably easier. Let’s look at what it does, how to use it, and why you should pay closer attention to it the next time you pick up your scissors.

First things first: what is it?
The ridged portion is sometimes referred to as a jar opener, nut cracker, or bone gripper, depending on the manufacturer. Simply put, it is a grasp device.

You can find it where the handles curl inward. It can be made of metal or reinforced plastic. When you close the scissors slightly, the grooves interlock, forming a strong gripping surface that keeps objects from slipping.

Consider it your kitchen scissors’ “silent partner”—always ready to provide extra traction when needed. Tip #1: Open Stubborn Jars and Bottles.
We’ve all been there: standing in the kitchen, wrestling with a jar lid that won’t turn. Perhaps you tried tapping or wrapping it in a towel. Nothing works.

This is where the built-in gripper excels: Close the scissors just enough to make the teeth meet. Position the jar lid between the ridges. Hold the scissors in one hand, the jar in the other. Twist.

The grooves assist in gripping the lid, while the leverage distributes pressure evenly. Suddenly, that jammed lid doesn’t seem so impossible. This also applies to small bottle tops, such as those used on soda or sauce bottles. This function can be extremely useful for those with limited hand strength or arthritis.

Tip #2: Crack nuts without a nutcracker. No Nutcracker in the house? Not an issue. This serrated handle can help you crack walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and more. Here’s how. Place the nut into the grooved slot.

Press the handles carefully until the shell breaks. Rotate the nut and continue until the shell loosens. The idea is to be patient and not squeeze too hard. The idea is to break the shell rather than smash the nut inside. It may not be as fancy as a proper nutcracker, but it does the job when needed.

Tip #3: Break small poultry bones. If your scissors are heavy-duty (like poultry shears), the ridged part can assist you hold and break small bird bones like wings, thighs, and drumsticks.

Simply place the bone in the serrated section, apply consistent pressure, and let the grooves prevent slippage. Make careful you choose a robust pair; lightweight scissors may not be adequate for this work.

Bonus Uses You Might Not Know This little notch can aid in a variety of ways: Crack crab legs or lobster shells to use in seafood preparations. Open the stiff plastic covers on juice and milk cartons. Loosen synthetic bottle caps in a pinch.

Hold twist ties or plastic seals tightly so you can cut them cleanly. Simply put, whether something is slippery, rough, or difficult to grip, this feature can help.

Why Do Manufacturers Add It? Because it provides both value and variety. Kitchen space is typically limited, therefore multi-purpose equipment are very useful. With this single feature, your scissors can serve as a jar opener, nutcracker, and even a poultry assist.

This means fewer gadgets in your drawers and more room conserved. This is a big benefit for folks who live in small kitchens or apartments.

Do all scissors have this?
Not all. It is most commonly found on:

Heavy-duty kitchen scissors.

Poultry or bone scissors

Multipurpose utility scissors

Check your pair. If the handles have ridged grooves that align when the scissors are closed, you have a built-in gripper ready to go.

Here are some safety reminders before you try it out:

Do not overdo it. Forcing very hard items (like extremely tough shells or large bones) can damage your scissors or hurt your hands.

Keep fingers clear. The teeth can pinch if you’re not careful.

Clean thoroughly. Food residue, especially from raw meat or sticky foods, can get trapped in the grooves.

Stick to kitchen use. It might be tempting to open paint cans or twist wires with it, but that can ruin your scissors.

The Hidden Power of a “Goofy Notch”
At first glance, this toothy section may look odd or pointless. But in reality, it’s a clever and versatile helper that many people overlook.

With it, your scissors become more than just a cutting tool—they’re a mini multi-tool: jar opener, nutcracker, bone gripper, and more.

Once you start using it, you’ll probably wonder how you ever ignored it. So next time you reach for your scissors, give that notch a try—you might be pleasantly surprised by what it can do.