Many of us have trouble wresting tight lids from jars - especially those vacuum-sealed screw-on lids.

In this story, Texas writer Carolyn Poirot of The Star-Telegram test-drives six jar openers from gripper cloths to an electric opener that resembles a small hovercraft in a science fiction movie.

Using suggestions from The Arthritis Foundation, Poirot’s article may be useful for anyone affected with arthritis, carpal tunnel or simply weak hands, fingers, wrists or lower arms.