Abstract: A powered jar lid remover includes a work table supporting a rotatable platen, an electric motor with associated drive and manual on-off switch, and a clamp disposed above the platen. The platen rides on plungers which, in turn, ride on a cammed track disposed beneath the platen. A jar placed on the platen is urged into progressively tighter engagement of the clamp when the platen rotates, and ascends a ramp formed in the cammed track. The clamp has a friction brake opposing upward movement, so that the jar cannot defeat clamping action by pushing the clamp upwardly. A manual lever releases the brake so that the clamp can be moved upwardly for adjustment, as for accommodating a jar of greater height. The brake opposes upward movement only, and downward movement of the clamp is unopposed by the brake.