What is a jar wrench used for?
- Opening stuck bands and lids on stored jars
- Handling hot jars right after canning
- Removing bands after jars have sealed and cooled
Before processing, put bands on fingertip-tight by hand. Cranking them tight with a wrench can keep air from venting and cause seal failures.
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Jar wrench questions
What is a jar wrench used for?
A canning jar wrench grips hot jars and screw bands. Use it to snug down or loosen bands on hot jars, and to open stuck lids and bands on stored jars.
What is a jar spanner?
Jar spanner is another name for a jar wrench, the adjustable grip tool used to turn canning jar bands and lids.
Should I use a jar wrench to tighten bands before canning?
No. Bands should go on fingertip-tight before processing. Over-tightening can keep air from venting and cause seal failures. Use the wrench to handle hot jars and to open stuck bands, not to crank bands down.
Does the jar wrench fit regular and wide mouth jars?
Yes. It adjusts to large and small canning jars and bands.
Updated September 2026
