Why is it hard to open a tight container, like a jar lid or bottle cap, with just your bare hands, but when you grip with your shirt or a piece of cloth, it becomes no effort?

Question

Why is it hard to open a tight container, like a jar lid or bottle cap, with just your bare hands, but when you grip with your shirt or a piece of cloth, it becomes no effort?

In: Physics

Answer 1

Higher friction, more comfortable (softer material). You don’t need to use as much force for a tight grip and instead use it for twisting.