Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing the lid of a container. A pair of operating members are pivotally joined and are movable between open and closed positions. The operating members include juxtaposed handle elements at one end and associated jaw elements at their other ends. A resilient strap fixed at one end to an operating member forms a loop in the region between the jaw elements adapted to encircle the lid. The free end of the strap is drawn between the open handle elements in a direction away from the lid and draws the lid firmly against the jaw elements. The handle elements are then pivoted into the closed position and the device is moved as a unit to unscrew the lid. A piece of rigid sheet material may be attached to one of the jaw elements to enable the lid to be readily positioned in the plane of the jaw elements. In another embodiment, the invention is of one-piece construction and includes a handle portion and a strap portion.