Stuck Mason Jar Light: How to Unstick a Stuck Mason Jar

I used Mason jars as kitchen lights screwing the light fixture through the inner lid to wood. Six years later it's time to change the light bulbs and the glass is stuck to the inner lid. The outer lid turns, but the glass will not separate. Any ideas? WD40 did not work.

Jane

Hi Jane,

Most materials contract with cold and expand with heat. If you can accomplish both with the stuck jar, you’ll create maximum separation between the metal lid and the glass jar; but even one technique might do.

I would try putting an insulated cooler designed for wine or champagne (just out of the freezer) around the Mason jar. A water-filled plastic bubble strip designed to be put in a picnic cooler might also work (again fully frozen).

Heat the metal lid gently with a blow dryer. Then try to untwist the jar from the lid.

I assume you will need to stand on a ladder or step stool to do this; so be sure to have a buddy standing right by to steady and protect you.

Regards,
Eileen

P.S. My in-box has been full of canning jar craft questions lately. Please come back next week for more Mason jar lamp ideas and where to find the supplies you need.