After my struggle with yesterday’s video, I’ve decided a nice low-tech gadget review is in order. The only thing digital about this puppy is a good grip. It works in seconds. No waiting for files to upload and convert. No unexplained jumps or abrupt endings.

Although the gadget pictured here is advertised as an “innovative, all-purpose strap-type wrench”, in my books it’s a hyphenless jar opener. So what if Mastercraft’s Baby Boa Constrictor comes from the hardware store, not a high-end kitchen shop? It works.

If I had to pick 10 Desert Island kitchen gadgets, this would be on the list (assuming the island was well stocked with jarred items). Stymied by small hands and next to no upper body strength, I find this multi-purpose wrench nothing short of liberating. Not once since my father gave me one a few years ago have I uttered the independence-crushing phrase, “Honey, can you open this for me?”

All you have to do is wrap the band around the jar lid and …

…crank in the direction of the arrow.

Okay. So I should have cleared off the counter first and checked my husband’s photography skills before downloading the photos. But I opened the applesauce. All by myself.