Ever notice the random jagged section between the handles of your kitchen scissors—the little metal teeth housed behind your fingers? You have likely also thought, what the heck even is this? If you have never used this portion of your scissors, you are not alone. Many people don’t even recognize this part as functional. It just is… there.What you should know is that it is actually quite helpful. It is not an accident of design or a bizarre feature of the manufacturer. That little gripping part is an integrated tool you have probably been ignoring for years. Let’s talk about what it is, how to use it, and why this little piece is one of the underappreciated components of your kitchen apparatus.

First: What is this toothed part?

You will find it either where the handles start to curve inward—sometimes it is metal, other times, reinforced plastic, always rugged-looking. If you close the scissors slowly, the ridges come together and lock, creating a gripping surface that looks like it has to do something instead of silently waiting for action in your drawer.

It is usually called a “jar opener,” “nutcracker,” or sometimes even “bone cracker” depending on the brand—but it is essentially a gripping device and nothing more. It enhances the level of traction and control if your hands are not cutting it.