thanx for reply. i have sustained a pretty severe injury. after opening hundreds of bottles in my career, just one did the damage. we have been put in harm's way by the manufacturers. if reps are passing out 'special grippers' then they know they have a problem. to you that are still 'fighting with them'--please take care of your hands. i am a musician, as well as a NICU nurse, and i may never play again (or work) if this does not heal. thanx again for posting.