How to use a Double Lever Corkscrew

The double lever corkscrew, also known as a waiter's friend, is one of the most popular and practical wine openers available. Lightweight, easy to grip, and straightforward to use, it's a favourite among professionals and casual wine drinkers alike.

Thanks to its two-step lever mechanism, removing a cork is smooth and effortless, without risking breakage or damage to the bottle. Many models also feature a built-in foil cutter, adding to their all-in-one convenience.

Below is our step-by-step guide on how to use a double-lever corkscrew effectively.

Step-by-Step Guide - How to Use a Double Lever Corkscrew

1 - Prepare the bottle - Place the wine bottle on a stable, flat surface. This provides better control and reduces the chance of spills or slips.

2 - Cut the foil - Use the foil cutter (usually a small retractable knife or wheel on the corkscrew). Position it just below the bottle lip, hold it steady, and twist the bottle with your other hand. The foil should come away in two neat pieces, remove both.

3 - Insert the corkscrew - Position the worm (the spiral screw) in the centre of the cork. Twist it in gently but firmly, stopping when about two spirals are still visible, this prevents puncturing the base of the cork.

4 - Use the first lever step - Hook the first notch (lower step) of the lever onto the bottle lip. Hold it steady and pull up on the handle to lift the cork partway out.

5 - Use the second lever step - Engage the second notch (upper step) on the lip of the bottle. Pull again to fully extract the cork. If needed, give a slight final tug to release it completely.