The one-handed jar and package opener was designed to assist individuals with the use of only one upper extremity in food preparation. It allows them to open jars and packages without needing to ask for help. The device prevents overuse of the unaffected arm and eliminates the need to use teeth as tools for opening, which can damage tooth enamel. It is made from wood, grip liner, and suction cups at a total cost of around $21.58. The directions outline the cutting, sanding, painting, gluing, drilling, and assembly process to construct the device.

1. ONE-HANDED JAR AND
PACKAGE OPENER
Jordan Pulliam, MOTS & Stacy Richards,
MOTS

2. Purpose:
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A one-handed jar and package opener assists
people with the use of only one upper extremity in
food preparation without having to ask another
person for help.
It also eliminates the need to use teeth as “tools”
when opening food packages. Using teeth as
“tools” can cause cracking, breaking, and/or
wearing down of tooth enamel (WebMD).
Prevents non-use of unaffected upper extremity
that can lead to decreased range of motion and
possibly contractures

3. Population:
The one handed jar and package opener can
be used by anyone with the use of only one
upper extremity. This can include, but is not
limited to, individuals with:
- Hemiparesis following a CVA
- Amputation of one upper extremity
- Arthritis flare ups in one hand more than the
other
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4. Materials & Costs:
K & K Hardware
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Plywood scraps
= $8
Magic Cover Thick Grip Liner (12” X 5’)
=
$4.49
12 Flat screws (10 x 1- ½)
= $1.44
6 Suction Cups
= $2.94
Menards
3M Sand Paper (3-2/3X9" Sheets)
=
$1.98
Ultra Interior/Exterior High Gloss Paint (29.5 fl.
oz.)
=

5. Materials & Costs Continued…
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Walmart
Gorilla Wood Glue (8 fl. oz.)
Loctite Go 2 Glue (1.75 fl. oz.)
= $3.99
= $5.47
Grand Total: $43.16 (for 2 jar openers)
Divided by 2: $21.58 (for one jar opener)

6. Additional Items Needed:
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-
Table saw
Electrical sander
Paint brushes
C clamps
Drill and 3/32” drill bit
Pencil
Ruler
We borrowed these items from family members, but
they can be purchased at any hardware store (K& K
Hardware, Menards). Also, K & K Hardware has a
rental service:
Sander: $3 per hour/$15 per day
Cordless Drill: $5 per hour/$25 per day

7. Directions: Measurements

Measure 2 side pieces at 12.5” x 2” each with
a thickness of 0.5”.

8. Directions: Measurements
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Measure base to be 12.5” long.
Measure width at one end to be 5.5” wide
Measure 25 degree angle and use
ruler/straight edge to meet the width of the
board at 5.5”

9. Directions: Cutting
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Cut wood to measurements with the assistance of
individual skilled in using a table saw.
K & K Hardware will cut wood for free, but will not
cut angles (base). K & K employee cut our side
panel pieces.
Joseph Lappie (Stacy’s brother-in-law) cut our
base for us.
Alternative method: Angled base can be
eliminated by using a square base instead. If this
method is used, both ends should be measured at
5.5” wide and 12.5” long.

10. Directions: Sanding
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Sand all surfaces until smooth and round
corners so they are not sharp.

11. Directions: Painting
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Paint all surfaces with a high gloss paint to
ensure durability and let dry overnight.

12. Directions: Grip Liner (Side
Panels)
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Cut grip liner to the measure of side panels
(12.5” x 2”).
Using high adhesive glue, glue the grip liner to
the inside surface of the two side panels.
Let the glue set overnight or until dry.

13. Directions: Wood Glue & Clamp
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Add wood glue to the outer edge of the base
and the bottom of the one side panel, which is
.5” wide.
Clamp base and side panel together and let sit
overnight.
Repeat for the other side panel.

14. Directions: Drill & Screws
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Using an electric drill and 3/32” drill bit, drill 4 holes on
outer edges of base (2 on each side) so that the screws
will connect the base and the panels.
Kirk Koster (Jordan’s father) assisted with drilling the
base.
Add screws to 4 holes in order to connect base and
panels and add stability.

15. Directions: Grip Liner (Base)
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Cut 3 holes slightly larger than the suction
cups that will be used in next step. The holes
should be placed approximately 1-1½ inches
from each corner of the base.
Glue the grip liner to the bottom of the base
and let dry.

16. Directions: Suction Cups
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Cut extra material off back of suction cups so
there is a flat surface.
Using high adhesive glue, glue 3 suction cups
to bottom of the base where the holes in the
grip liner are.
Let the glue set for 24 hours.

17. Almost Done!!!
Only one more step for the one handed jar and
package opener to be complete!

18. Directions: Add Safety Blade
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With electric drill and
3/32” drill bit, drill two
holes into the back of the
one handed jar opener
where the two panels
meet.
Have one person hold the
safety blade in place over
predrilled holes.
Have one person add
screws with electric drill

19. Finished Product!

20. Our YouTube Video:
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36JHACwAr
Ys&feature=youtu.be

21. We would like to thank…
Joseph Lappie
 Kirk Koster
 K & K Hardware employees
 Menard’s employees
 LIFT program
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