Many kitchen scissors have a small ridged section between the handles that’s more than decoration—it’s a built-in gripping tool. Known as a jar opener, nutcracker, or bone cracker, it gives you extra traction for tasks beyond cutting. It can loosen stubborn jar lids, twist off small bottle caps, crack nuts, and even grip small poultry bones for cleaner cuts. It also works for cracking crab legs, holding slippery caps, or securing twist-ties before cutting.

This feature is most common on heavy-duty or multipurpose shears. To use it, close the scissors until the teeth meet, place the item in the ridged section, and apply steady pressure. Always avoid forcing it on items too tough for your scissors, keep fingers clear of the teeth, and clean it well after use—especially if it’s touched raw meat.

That little notch turns your scissors into a mini multitool, saving space and replacing several single-use gadgets.