If you’ve ever owned a sturdy pair of kitchen shears, chances are you’ve noticed a strange little detail tucked between the handles—a jagged metal section that doesn’t seem to line up like the scissor blades. At first glance, it’s easy to wonder: “What’s that even for?” It doesn’t cut like the blades do, and it seems like it serves no real purpose. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.

This overlooked part of your kitchen scissors isn’t just a decorative design choice—it’s a hidden multitool with some seriously practical uses.

More Than Just Scissors

Most of us think of scissors as tools for cutting, slicing, and trimming. But kitchen shears are in a league of their own. They’re not your average pair of scissors. Designed with food prep in mind, they come loaded with built-in features tailored for cooking, and the metal piece between the handles is one of the smartest of them all.

This jagged, tooth-like section might not look like much, but once you understand its functions, you’ll never see kitchen shears the same way again.

Solving the Mystery with a Quick Search

Let’s be real—most of us didn’t learn about this feature from our parents or a cooking class. These days, the internet is the go-to place for figuring out what strange things are for. Whether you’re stuck trying to fix your Wi-Fi or puzzled by your kitchen tools, a quick online search can open the door to a wealth of knowledge shared by everyday people.

Thanks to online forums and helpful social media posts, we now know that this jagged metal part is way more useful than it looks.

It’s Actually a Nutcracker

One of the main functions of this metal piece is cracking nuts. That’s right—next time you’re snacking on walnuts or almonds in the shell, you don’t need a separate nutcracker. Just place the nut between the teeth of your kitchen shears and squeeze. The pressure from the handles helps break the hard shell cleanly and easily. It’s simple, convenient, and keeps your drawer from overflowing with single-use tools.

It Can Crush Bones (in a Good Way)

If you cook with meat often, this feature is a total game-changer. Whether you’re dealing with small chicken bones or snapping fish spines, the metal jaws provide the grip and leverage needed to make the job easier. Think of it as having a mini pair of pliers built right into your scissors. It gives you more control and strength when handling tougher food prep tasks.

Say Goodbye to Stuck Jar Lids

We’ve all wrestled with a stubborn jar lid at some point. Running it under hot water, banging it on the counter, or using a towel sometimes helps, but not always. That’s where the scissor jaws come in. By gripping the lid with the metal teeth and giving it a firm twist, you can break the seal and pop it open with ease. No more sore wrists or failed attempts!

Great for Seafood Lovers

If you’re a fan of lobster, crab, or other shellfish, this tool has another hidden talent. Those metal jaws can crack lobster claws without the need for a dedicated seafood cracker. That means less clutter in your drawers and one less tool to wash after dinner. It’s a win-win.

Get the Most Meat Off the Bone

Another clever trick? Use the jagged teeth to strip meat off bones. Just slide the bone through the metal part, and it helps remove those last bits of meat you might otherwise throw away. It’s a small but effective way to reduce waste and get more from your ingredients.

Boiled Eggs, Anyone?

Here’s one of the more unexpected uses that’s been making the rounds online: boiled eggs. Believe it or not, you can use the metal part to crack the tops off your eggs. With just the right pressure, you can create a clean break without shattering the shell into a million pieces. One user even called it “life-changing” after discovering this trick. It might take a few tries to get the hang of it, but once you do, it’s oddly satisfying.

Time to Put It to Work

Now that you know all the things this mysterious metal part can do, don’t let it go to waste. Whether you’re cracking nuts, prepping seafood, or opening jars, it’s all about getting hands-on and trying it for yourself. With a little practice, it’ll become second nature—and you’ll probably start to wonder how you ever got by without it.

Share the Kitchen Wisdom

This little feature might be one of the best-kept secrets in your kitchen. It’s not just a neat design; it’s a multi-use tool that can save you time, effort, and even counter space. So next time you’re using your kitchen shears and someone asks, “What’s that part for?”—you’ll know exactly what to say.

Better yet, show them. Let them in on the secret and spread the word. After all, kitchen hacks like this are meant to be shared.