How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew?

How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew?

Having a glass of wine at the end of the day is something most of us look forward to with our crazy schedules. It can help you unwind and relax.

Are you ready to open your favorite wine but have seemed to have misplaced your corkscrew?

Not everyone has a corkscrew handy when taking a sip of wine. There are several ways to open a wine bottle without using a corkscrew!

You may be wondering, how to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew? Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to open up a wine bottle, even when you’re missing a corkscrew.

How to Open a Wine Bottle Without a Corkscrew?

There are multiple ways to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew. These methods include using a key, pair of pliers, wire hanger, pliers, bike pump, and more.

Pair of Pliers

Try taking pliers and removing the cork by gripping around the neck of the bottle and pulling upwards. The pliers should grip around the neck of the bottle enough so you can pull hard enough on the cork without damaging it.

If this method does not work for your particular bottle, you could also try using pliers to twist off the cap where it meets the bottleneck. This will also allow you to access and remove the cork easily.

Wire Hanger

A wire hanger is a tool that can be used to open a wine bottle without using a corkscrew. The wire hanger is inserted into the cork and then twisted to remove it from the bottle.

Paper Clip

Opening a wine bottle with a paper clip is quite simple. First, you need to find the right spot on the cork to insert your paper clip.

Then, you need to insert the paper clip into the cork and twist it to remove it from its position.

Finally, you need to pull out your paper clip and use it as leverage to remove the cork from its position.

Serrated Steak Knife

The first thing you want to do is position your knife at an angle around the cork and gently slide it in between the cork and bottle.

You should move it back and forth until there’s just enough space to fit the point of the knife in between the cork and bottle.

Now, get a good grip on your wine bottle with one hand, while using your other hand to pry the cork out of the bottle.

A Key

A key can be used to open a wine bottle without a corkscrew. The trick is to find the right key size for your wine bottle and find the sweet spot between the neck of the wine bottle and the cork.

The first step is to find a suitable key. An old-fashioned house key works well with most bottles, as does a small key from an office desk.

A flat metal object such as a spatula or butter knife will work with smaller bottles, although it may need more force to successfully open the bottle.

Key sizes vary depending on the size of the wine bottles themselves, so you may need to try several keys at first before you find one that fits your specific wine bottle.

Once you have found the right key, place it carefully into the narrow space between the neck of the bottle and its cork.

There is usually a sweet spot that allows you to open the bottle with minimal effort and damage to either the cork or lip of the bottle.

Once you have located this sweet spot, use the palm of your other hand to hit downwards on top of both the key and wine bottle. This should pop open your bottle quickly and easily!

Bike Pump

The average bike pump mouth is about the same size as a corkscrew (though the pump typically has a screw-shaped handle).

If you’ve got a bottle of wine and no corkscrew, you can pierce the cork using a needle and then use the pump to insert air into the bottle until the cork pops out. Viola! Your wine bottle will open in no time.

Crucible Tongs

To open a wine bottle without a corkscrew, use tongs to grip the neck of the bottle. Turn the bottle until it is vertical and pull up (away from the cork) while holding the tongs.

The cork should come out easily.

Lighter or a Blowtorch

The best way to open a bottle of wine without a corkscrew is with an item that’s often found in every home—a lighter or a blowtorch.

The first step is to grasp the wine bottle firmly, so your hand won’t slip while you’re using the flame. If you’re using a lighter, rotate the top of the lighter upwards.

Turn it on and bring it close to the cork if you’re using a blowtorch.

Next, use the flame to dry out the cork to become soft and easier to push in. Don’t put too much pressure on the cork as you push it down; otherwise, you might break it and not get any wine!

A String or Shoelace

1: Pull out a length of shoelace that’s about the neck length.

2: Tie the ends of the shoelace into a simple knot and then hold both ends of the lace between your thumb and forefinger.

3: Hold the wine bottle firmly with the opposite hand and use it to wind the shoelace around the bottle at least two or three times. (Don’t skimp here; you want it nice and tight.) Once you’ve wrapped the shoelace around the bottle several times, pull on each end of it to tighten even more.

Step 4: Place your index finger over the top of your bottle and use it to hold down one end of the shoelace while you pull on its other end with your thumb. (Be sure to pinch the top of your bottle with your fingers before attempting this step.)

Step 5: Once you’ve created some slack in the lace, slide your thumb up onto it.

This should help pop the cork out of the bottle.

Pair of Scissors

To open a wine bottle without a corkscrew, you’ll need a pair of scissors.

Follow These Steps:

Cut the foil and remove any extra pieces.

Turn the bottle so that the neck is facing up. If you’re right-handed, use your left hand to hold the base of the bottle and your right hand to hold the neck of the bottle. If you’re left-handed, do the opposite.

With your non-dominant hand, grab ahold of one of the blades of the scissors and place it on top of the cork. Push down firmly until you hear a “pop” as the cork begins to crack. You can also feel it crack if you run your finger along with the cork.

You might need to cut more off if there’s still not enough room for your finger to fit into the opening without touching the sides of the bottle, but don’t push too hard, or you’ll end up breaking off pieces of the cork, which will make it difficult to get out later.

Once you’ve heard a “pop,” slowly start pulling out the cork with your non-dominant hand until it comes free from the rest of the bottle.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, camping, or just plain thirsty after a long day at work, there are often occasions where you need a glass of wine.

These tips will earn you a well-deserved glass of wine even if you don’t have a corkscrew handy.

About the author

Johnny is dedicated to providing useful information on commonly asked questions on the internet. He is thankful for your support ♥

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