Invited your friends over or are you out and about and find yourself without your trusty corkscrew? Well if you won’t have a screw-top, you may find yourself totally corked. After spending more than 7 hours (yep, really) researching dozens of insane ideas on how to remove that cork without a corkscrew, I narrowed it down to some of my personal favorites.
Some of these tricks are, well, tricks, but some of them will actually work when you find yourself in need. Back when I was in college I used to jam my scissors into the cork and push it down with all my might until either the bottle cracked or the cork when sailing down into the bottle. Classy, right?
Well, if you’re ready to retire the “scissor strategy” you may want to check out these 11 (yes 11!) different ways you can get that cork out with some things you’ll most likely find around your home or, well, right in your backyard.
Please Note: Always be extremely careful when trying any of these ideas so you don’t get hurt and, remember, these are really all just for fun. Best of luck.
1.
Smack the Hell Out of It With Your Shoe
One of the most popular methods for opening a wine bottle without a corkscrew involves using a shoe. To do this, all you have to do is simply place the bottom of the wine bottle into the heel of a shoe, and then hit the sole of the shoe against a hard surface, such as a wall or tree (if you’re outside of course). The pressure and friction of the impact can help to push the cork out of the bottle.
Just be sure to wipe the bottle off with a clean cloth before you pour your prized wine so that shoe dirt and grime doesn’t get into everything.
2.
Try a Screwdriver and Hammer
Another option is to use a screwdriver and hammer to remove the cork. First, insert the screwdriver into the center of the cork and twist it in until it’s firmly embedded. Then, use the claw end of the hammer to gently pull the cork out of the bottle.
If you don’t have a screwdriver around, but you can find a screw, I have a tip for that below.
3.
Got a Knife? Give This a Go.
Hey killer, if you have a sturdy knife on hand, you can also try using it to remove the cork.
Start by removing the foil from the top of the bottle when applicable, and then use the knife to carefully pry the cork out of the bottle. Be sure to use caution when using a knife to open a wine bottle, as it can be dangerous. You want to be able to drink the wine and not have your friends drive you to the ER.
4.
Try Using a Bike Pump
Believe it or not, a bike pump can also be used to open up a wine bottle. To do this, remove the needle from the pump, and then insert it into the center of the cork. Pump the air into the bottle, and the cork should slowly start to rise out of the bottle. Keep pumping until the cork is fully removed.
This definitely can take a while, but if you work at it enough and pray enough (kidding) it just may do the trick. A lot of campers swear by this one.
5.
Go Get Your House or Car Keys
If you have a spare key on hand, you can also use it to open up a wine bottle. Start by removing the foil from the top of the bottle, and then insert the key into the center of the cork at a slight angle. Twist the key back and forth until the cork begins to lift out of the bottle, and then use your hands to gently pull the cork out the rest of the way.
I recommend gently pulling it because I almost lost all the skin on my fingers by grabbing it like an animal. Please note, swear words may also be necessary with this one.
6.
Use a Metal Coat Hanger
Yes, a coat hanger can also be used to remove the cork from your wine bottle when desperate times call for desperate measures.
Straighten out the coat hanger and then twist one end into a spiral shape. Insert the spiral end of the hanger into the center of the cork, and then gently pull the cork out of the bottle.
Of course, this only works with metal hangers, but if you got it to work with a plastic hanger I personally want to be friends with you.
7.
Outside? Grab a Tree Branch!
If you’re outdoors and don’t have any tools on hand, you can use a sturdy tree branch to remove the cork.
Look for a branch that’s about the same diameter as the cork (uh, good luck) and then remove any leaves or twigs. Insert the branch into the center of the cork, and then twist it back and forth until the cork begins to lift out of the bottle.
8.
Try Removing It With a Screw and Pliers
This is the one I was telling you above with the screw. If you have a screw and a pair of pliers, you can use them to remove the cork.
Insert the screw into the center of the cork, and then use the pliers to grip the head of the screw. Gently pull the screw and the cork out of the bottle together. Personally, this one worked for me, but it took longer than I’d like and I almost wanted to smash the bottle against my house and sift through the glass shards to drink the wine.
9.
Start Boiling That Water!
Bring a pot of water to a boil, and then remove it from the heat. Hold the neck of the bottle over the steam, making sure that the cork is not submerged in the water. After a few minutes, the heat should cause the cork to expand and pop out of the bottle.
10.
Use Dental Floss (Since You're Not Using It)
If you have dental floss or a thin piece of string on hand, you can use it to remove the cork.
Tie the floss around the cork (of there is tiny bit of cork – at least – already sticking out), and then use a back-and-forth motion to slowly wiggle the cork out of the bottle. This method requires a bit of patience, but it can be effective. If you get the cork out after 45 minutes, let me know.
11.
Use a Corkscrew App
Ok, so this one really is for shiz and giggles. You can download a corkscrew app that uses your phone’s microphone to create vibrations that can loosen the cork. Simply place the phone on top of the bottle, and then follow the instructions on the app to remove the cork.
In Conclusion
While these methods may not be as easy or efficient as using a corkscrew, they can definitely come in handy in a pinch. Remember to use caution when attempting to open up a wine bottle without a corkscrew, and always be mindful of the potential dangers involved. With a little bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can enjoy your favorite bottle of wine even when a corkscrew is nowhere to be found. Or, just go for a screw-top. Whatever is easier.
Resources
So many great ideas out there (some more than others), so here’s a special shoutout to the following websites that were consulted for a few of the above-mentioned options:
Overall I must have read through more than 50 different tips and tricks – most of which were legit insane. Hopefully you found the ones I’ve chosen helpful and, at the least, gave you a laugh or two.
Some additional helpful wine info we’ve come up with here at The Wine Down Report include things like: How beginners can pick out a good rosé, the correct way to hold your wine glass, the official number of glasses per wine bottle, our favorite review of the trendy Summer Water Rosé. There’s a little something to learn for everyone!