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All corkscrews have a single objective: to help you remove the cork from the bottle so you can enjoy your favorite alcohol at your home bar. But why, with a task so simple and straightforward, are there so many different types of corkscrews? Well, each type has advantages and while the result is the same, the steps on how to use a corkscrew differs.

The basic principle is that you need the worm or the pointy screw-like part of the corkscrew to go into the cork so you can pull it out. But alas, science and technology have provided us with more options on how to open a wine bottle or any other corked bottle for that matter. We now have a wide array of options from old-fashioned corkscrews to electric wine bottle openers. This post features 12 of the best corkscrews available to help you make an informed choice.

1. How to Use a Wing Corkscrew

A wing corkscrew has a top handler where the center part of the corkscrew is the driller, enveloped inside two flaps and two levers. These twin arms provide extra leverage to remove wine corks with ease. These winged corkscrews are also referred to as “corkscrews with arms”.

Steps:

1. Simply position the opener over the bottle. Twist the handle to insert the auger into the cork and raise the opener's wings. 
2. Using both hands, push the wings down. 
3. To remove the cork from the spiral, squeeze the sides against the cork and turn the handle counter-clockwise.

Watch the video below to see the procedure in action.

2. How to Use a Waiter’s Corkscrew

A waiter's corkscrew has the main staff that has a driller, a retractable knife, and a lever to place on the bottle's lip for a smoother pull.

Steps:

1. Put the bottle on a table or flat surface and remove the foil.
2. Carefully extend the double-hinged part and extend the worm so that it forms a T-shape with the handle. 
3. Holding the bottle with your non-dominant hand, use your dominant hand to center the tip of the worm in the middle of the cork. 
4. Twist the worm clockwise into the cork until the last loop is just above the top of the cork, trying to keep the worm straight as you do so.
5. Hook the first notch of the hinge point closest to the handle on the neck of the bottle. Then pull up on the handle with your dominant hand until the cork can’t rise any higher. Then hook the hinge point at the end of the lever on the neck of the bottle and repeat the motion. The cork should slide out cleanly.
6. To remove the cork from the corkscrew, hold the cork with your non-dominant hand and twist until the worm screw is out of the cork.

For more tricks on opening a bottle with a waiter’s corkscrew, watch the video below:

3. How to Use a Two-Step Corkscrew

A two-step corkscrew also called a “twist and pull” corkscrew, is actually identical to the waiter's corkscrew. It has the same main staff with a retractable knife, a driller, and a lever. It is a favorite in the beverage industry due to its ease of use coupled with its small stature easily tucked in a waiter’s pocket. This corkscrew contains all tools that are necessary to properly open a bottle and provide an elegant look while doing so.

Steps:

1. Using the retractable knife, open the lid of the bottle. Do this by dragging the tip of the knife in a circular motion around the neck of the bottle. 
2. Remove the foil. 
3. Next, place the tip of the screw onto the cork slightly askew so that when you twist the screw, it goes into the middle of the cork and not sideward. 
4. Continue twisting the screw into the cork with even pressure. 
5. Place the first hinge of the screw on the lip of the bottle, leave it in place with your hand, and pull the cork up until halfway.
6. Finally, move the second hinge on the lip of the bottle until the cork is out.

Some people ignore removing the cork from the corkscrew and leave it broken or crumbled. However, it is important to remove the cork from the corkscrew once it is out of the bottle and keep it intact. So should you not be able to finish the bottle, you can re-cork it to maintain its freshness and taste.

To remove the cork from the corkscrew, unscrew it from the tool being careful not to break it. Also, make sure not to poke yourself with the sharp point of the corkscrew. Examine the cork for possible brittleness or damage so you may know whether or not you can use it again.

Below is a 1-minute video on how to use a two-step corkscrew:

4. How to Use a Laguiole Corkscrew

The Laguiole corkscrew has a simple yet efficient structure. It is made up of one main staff from where the retractable knife and the driller can be pulled out. This corkscrew has no lever but still does the job.

Steps:

1. First, open the cap with the knife part of the screw. 
2. After opening the bottle, place the screw in a horizontal position and then dig the screw down. 
3. Clip the cork's left side to lever the cork and pull it up using the right side. 

Below is a visual guide on the procedure:

5. How to Use a Corkscrew Without a Lever

A corkscrew without a lever is also called a pocket corkscrew or a travel corkscrew. It is a subset of the screwpull corkscrew category and is one of the most affordable options you’ll find. Instead of a wide handle to grip onto, it has a simple circle that’s big enough for you to slip your finger into to pull up. This type of corkscrew includes a cover, so you can slip it into your purse or pocket and take it with you wherever you go. 

The corkscrew without a lever mainly uses a driller and a cylindrical container. The cylindrical container of the driller is placed on top of the driller, creating a T-position. The container then serves as a handler for twisting the driller downwards.

Steps:

1. Simply drill the cork until a quarter of the driller remains. 
2. Then pull the driller up with the handler.

Watch the video below on how to use a pocket corkscrew:

6. How to Use an Oneida Corkscrew

The Oneida corkscrew is one of the most popular one-lever corkscrews. Most one-lever corkscrews only require two steps: one forward motion where the worm is inserted into the cork and another that pulls the cork from the bottle. The advantage of using a one-lever corkscrew is the amount of control they provide as the handle firmly holds the neck of the bottle while the corkscrew is in use.

Steps:

1. Cut the foil under the lip of the bottle.
2. Remove the foil from the bottle’s neck.
3. With the lever in the up position, place the corkscrew on top of the wine bottle.
4. Push the lever down to insert the worm into the cork.
5. Once the lever is all the way down, pull the handle back up to remove the cork from the wine bottle.
6. To remove the cork from the worm, lift the corkscrew off the bottle and flip the handle up and down a few times.

Here’s a video on how to use a lever-style corkscrew.

7. How to Use a Wall Mount Corkscrew

Wall mount corkscrews mount to a beam or wall for higher stability and safety when removing corks from a bottle. They can be configured for different levels of penetration depths. This type is ideal for partial wine cork extraction at banquet room functions where the wine is placed on the table before the event begins.

Steps:

1. Cut the foil under the lip of the bottle.
2. Insert the neck of the wine bottle into the cradle.
3. Pull down on the handle to insert the corkscrew.
4. Return the handle to the starting position to pull the cork out.
5. Once the bottle is removed from the cradle, the cork will fall to the floor.

8. How to Use a Wine Cork Extractor

Wine cork extractors are prongs that slide down between the wine bottle and cork to remove it from the bottle. They are commonly used for vintage corks made from natural cork. The good thing about extractors is they won't damage vintage wine corks or cause them to break apart dropping crumbs into the wine. Because they’re small, these extractors are best for keeping behind the bar or in aprons for easy access. 

Steps:

1. Cut the foil under the lip of the bottle.
2. Slide the extractor prongs between the cork and the inside of the bottle’s neck while firmly holding the neck of the bottle.
3. While applying light force to the handle, shimmy the prongs down using a left to right motion.
4. Once the extractor is fully inserted, twist and pull upward to remove the cork.
5. To remove the cork from the extractor, simply slide it out from between the prongs.

Watch this video on how to use a wine cork extractor:

9. How to Use a Tabletop Corkscrew Puller

A tabletop corkscrew puller can be attached to — you guessed it —  a table or counter for sturdiness and support. It provides added torque and can remove screws faster and with less effort than any other types of corkscrews. The tabletop corkscrew is ideal for high-volume establishments like bars and restaurants.

Steps:

1. Insert the wine bottle in the corkscrew.
2. Pull down on the handle to insert the corkscrew worm.
3. Release the handle to uncork the wine bottle.
4. Return the handle to the up position and the cork will fall off the worm.

10. How to Use an Air Pump Corkscrew

The mechanism of this corkscrew is anchored on forcing air into the space between the wine bottle and the cork. The device pumps air and the pressure will force out the cork (high school Physics in action). This pressure pushes a sharp, thick long needle through the cork. 

Steps:

1. Insert the wine bottle’s neck into the cradle.
2. To insert your corkscrew, pull down on the handle.
3. To begin pulling out the cork, return the handle to its starting position.

Here’s an instructional video that shows exactly how an air pump corkscrew works:

11. How to Use a Continuous Pull Corkscrew

Continuous pull corkscrews work by using a twist motion to force the worm into the cork. Furthermore, the sides of a continuous pull corkscrew sit on the neck of the bottle. Other styles have hinges on the handles so you can squeeze them around the bottle's neck to get a tighter, more stable grip. Because of their small size and user-friendly design, these corkscrews are great for front-of-house use by servers and bartenders.

Steps:

1. Cut the foil under the lip of the bottle.
2. Place the base of the corkscrew over the top of your wine bottle.
3. Turn the handle clockwise to insert the worm into the cork.
4. As the worm screws into the cork, slide the sides over the neck of the bottle for a better grip.
5. Continue turning the handle clockwise until the cork is fully extracted.
6. To remove the cork from the corkscrew, simply turn the handle counterclockwise.

12. How to Use an Electric Corkscrew

If you don’t mind being “futuristic” even for the simple chore of removing a cork, then electric corkscrews are the choice. It’s a simple push-button operation that makes it possible for anyone to open a bottle of wine. They’re great for opening bottles of wine and looking all cool and snazzy behind your home bar. But they’re not just for show — electric corkscrews are also helpful for people with arthritis or weak hands.

Steps:

1. Place the electric corkscrew on top of the wine bottle’s neck while making sure you’re keeping the corkscrew vertical.
2. Turn the electric corkscrew on and it will automatically insert the worm and remove the cork.
3. Remove the corkscrew from the top of the bottle once the cork has been removed.
4. Reverse the corkscrew motion to remove the cork from the worm.

Below is the electric corkscrew in action:

Conclusion

Most alcohol lovers would agree that a great drinking experience starts with a seamless process of opening a bottle. You don’t want to get frustrated with figuring out how to use a corkscrew on what could otherwise be a relaxing moment with your favorite drink. Luckily, there are plenty of options on how to open a wine bottle and it just boils down to which is more suitable for your needs.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also check out the guide on How to Open A Wine Bottle Without A Corkscrew. Did you find this article helpful? Share it with your friends or leave your comments below.

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