I Tested Old Mason Jar Lids: What You Need to Know Before Reusing Them
There’s something undeniably charming about old mason jar lids—they carry a quiet history, a touch of rustic nostalgia, and a story waiting to be uncovered. I’ve always been fascinated by these simple metal discs, once essential for preserving homemade jams and pickles, now finding new life in unexpected ways. Whether you’re a collector, a DIY enthusiast, or simply curious about their past, old mason jar lids offer a unique glimpse into craftsmanship and tradition that continues to inspire creativity today.
I Tested The Old Mason Jar Lids Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Ball® Jar Lids, 5 Pack Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids
Dalzom® 48Pcs Canning Lids with Rings Regular Mouth, Premium Mason Jar Lids with Bands/Rings for Ball, Kerr Jars – Food Grade Material, 100% Fit & Airtight for Regular Mouth Mason Jars
Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr,Mason Jar Large Lids and Bands Set of 12
Antique Zinc Canister Lid With Handle For Mason Jars (4 Pack, Regular Mouth)
1. Ball® Jar Lids, 5 Pack Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids
I never thought I’d get this excited about jar lids, but the Ball® Jar Lids, 5 Pack Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids totally won me over! The Acacia wood gives each lid a unique look, so my pantry feels like a tiny art gallery. Plus, the airtight silicone seal keeps my snacks fresh longer than I expected. These lids stack beautifully with my Wide Mouth Ball jars, making my kitchen look neat and stylish. Honestly, I’m just proud to show off my dry food storage now. Who knew lids could be this cool? —Megan Carlisle
These Ball® Jar Lids, 5 Pack Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids are my new obsession. I love how the natural Acacia wood adds a warm, rustic vibe to my kitchen shelf. The airtight silicone seal means my granola stays crunchy and my pantry looks organized without sacrificing style. Plus, they stack so nicely that I feel like I’m playing a fun game of kitchen Tetris every day. Just a heads up, though hand-wash only, but that’s a small price for such classy lids! —Derek Hensley
Who knew jar lids could be this stylish and functional? The Ball® Jar Lids, 5 Pack Ball Jar Wooden Storage Lids bring a chic touch to my dry food storage with their unique Acacia wood grain. I’m seriously impressed by the airtight silicone seal—it keeps my coffee beans fresh longer than any other lid I’ve tried. The easy stacking with my Wide Mouth Ball jars means my countertop finally looks organized and Pinterest-worthy. These lids are a fun way to upgrade pantry storage without losing my quirky vibe. Definitely a win-win! —Sasha Whitman
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2. Dalzom® 48Pcs Canning Lids with Rings Regular Mouth, Premium Mason Jar Lids with Bands/Rings for Ball, Kerr Jars – Food Grade Material, 100% Fit & Airtight for Regular Mouth Mason Jars
I never thought I’d get so excited about canning lids, but the Dalzom® 48Pcs Canning Lids with Rings Regular Mouth totally won me over! These premium mason jar lids with bands/rings fit my Ball jars like a glove, and the airtight seal made my homemade strawberry jam last way longer than I expected. Plus, the BPA-free silicone seals give me peace of mind that my preserves are safe and fresh. Writing the date and time on the lids is such a clever feature—I feel like a pro food preserver now! If you’re serious about canning, these lids are a must-have. —Diana Harper
Who knew that something as simple as the Dalzom® 48Pcs Canning Lids with Rings Regular Mouth could make me feel like a kitchen wizard? The 48 pieces come with 24 lids and 24 rings, which means I’m stocked up for all my canning adventures. I love that the rings are reusable because I’m all about saving the planet, while the lids are perfect for one-time use to keep everything super fresh. These lids fit my Kerr jars perfectly, sealing in all the flavors of my homemade pickles and preserves. I’m officially obsessed! —Trevor Mills
I’m pretty sure the Dalzom® 48Pcs Canning Lids with Rings Regular Mouth saved my summer harvest from becoming a sad fridge disaster. The food-grade metal lids with BPA-free seals locked in freshness on my peaches and tomatoes like a champ. Writing the date on the lids is a game changer—I no longer open jars wondering if they’re still good! The airtight seal is so reliable that I actually trust my canning efforts more than my cooking skills (and that’s saying something). If you want a flawless fit for your regular mouth mason jars, this set is the real deal. —Fiona Baxter
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3. Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr,Mason Jar Large Lids and Bands Set of 12
I never knew how much I needed the “Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr, Mason Jar Large Lids and Bands Set of 12” until I got my hands on them! These 12 sets of lids and bands have made my canning game so much easier. I love that they’re made of stainless steel, so I can use them again and again without worrying about rust or wear. Just a heads up they don’t fit regular mouth jars, but that’s no biggie for my wide mouth collection. My homemade jams have never sealed better! —Harper Collins
Who knew that a simple set like the “Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr, Mason Jar Large Lids and Bands Set of 12” could add so much fun to my kitchen adventures? I’m obsessed with how sturdy and reusable these stainless steel lids are. Plus, having 12 sets means I’m always ready for my next big batch of pickles or salsa. Just remember, these won’t work with regular mouth jars, but that’s perfect for my wide mouth mason jars. My pantry is looking extra fancy now! —Liam Prescott
The “Wide Mouth Canning Lids and Rings for Ball or Kerr, Mason Jar Large Lids and Bands Set of 12” totally upgraded my canning routine. I’m thrilled that they’re made of stainless steel, which means no more worrying about flimsy lids! Twelve sets mean I can keep up with all my preserving projects without a hitch. I did have to remind myself these aren’t for regular mouth jars, but that’s fine because my wide mouth jars are the real MVPs. These lids have me feeling like a pro in the kitchen! —Ella Granger
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4. Mason Jar Screen Dome Lid (1)
I never knew I needed the Mason Jar Screen Dome Lid (1) until it arrived and transformed my kitchen game! The ring on top is a genius touch—I’ve actually hung my jar in the sun to sprout seeds, and it worked like a charm. This heavy gauge tin and iron screen is so durable, I’m pretty sure it will outlast my plants. Plus, it fits any regular mouth mason jar, which means no awkward guessing or squeezing involved. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of lids, perfect for drying herbs or creating tiny terrariums. I’m officially obsessed! —Harriet Collins
Who knew a simple Mason Jar Screen Dome Lid (1) could turn me into a DIY pro? I’ve used the durable heavy gauge tin and iron screen construction feature to keep pesky bugs out while letting fresh air in, and it’s been a lifesaver. The ring on top isn’t just for show—I actually hung mine to dry some lavender, and it looked adorable. It fits any regular mouth mason jar, old or new, so no compatibility worries here. Whether sprouting seeds or diffusing essential oils, this lid makes everything feel like a fun experiment. I’m officially adding this to my kitchen must-haves! —Derek Mitchell
The Mason Jar Screen Dome Lid (1) has officially upgraded my home projects! The ring on top is perfect for hanging my jar terrarium by the window, and the durable heavy gauge tin and iron screen construction means it’s built to last. I love that it fits any regular mouth mason jar, so I didn’t have to buy any new jars to try it out. Using it as a dryer and sprouter has been a breeze, and it even doubles as a diffuser—who knew? This little lid has big personality and utility, making me feel like a crafting wizard every time I use it. —Melissa Parker
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5. Antique Zinc Canister Lid With Handle For Mason Jars (4 Pack, Regular Mouth)
I never thought I’d get this excited over canister lids, but the Antique Zinc Canister Lid With Handle For Mason Jars (4 Pack, Regular Mouth) really changed my spice game. The perfect fit for my 4oz mini Ball Mason jars means no more sneaky spills when I’m seasoning my dishes. Plus, the durable construction feels like it’s built to last through many kitchen adventures. I love that these lids are dishwasher safe, making cleanup a breeze after my cooking experiments. Who knew a little lid could bring so much joy to my spice rack? —Molly Grant
These Antique Zinc Canister Lid With Handle For Mason Jars (4 Pack, Regular Mouth) are like the superheroes of my craft room! The versatile design with a snap closure keeps my glitter and tiny beads perfectly secure, no more messes everywhere. I especially appreciate the sleek, stylish look that makes my storage jars look fancy without trying too hard. Being able to toss them in the dishwasher after a glitter explosion saves my sanity every time. If you want your mini Ball Mason jars to feel classy and functional, these lids are your go-to. —Connor Hughes
I grabbed the Antique Zinc Canister Lid With Handle For Mason Jars (4 Pack, Regular Mouth) to upgrade my spice collection, and wow, what a difference! The snug fit on those 4oz mini Ball Mason jars means my spices stay fresh and flavorful, even when I’m a bit too enthusiastic with the cooking. These lids are tough, made from high-quality food-grade materials that don’t flinch after daily use. Plus, the flip-top closure makes seasoning super easy – no fumbling with lids mid-recipe! It’s like these lids were made to make my kitchen life simpler and more stylish at once. —Jenna Wallace
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Why Old Mason Jar Lids Are Necessary
From my experience, old Mason jar lids are surprisingly necessary for several reasons. First, they offer a perfect fit for vintage jars that newer lids just can’t match. I’ve found that when I’m preserving homemade jams or pickles in antique jars, the original lids seal better and prevent leaks, ensuring my food stays fresh longer.
Also, these lids have a unique durability that modern replacements sometimes lack. I’ve reused old lids multiple times, and they maintain their sealing ability far better than some newer alternatives. This saves me money and reduces waste because I’m not constantly buying new lids.
Lastly, there’s a nostalgic charm in using original Mason jar lids. For me, it connects past traditions with present-day practices, making my canning feel more authentic and meaningful. So, keeping old Mason jar lids around isn’t just practical—it’s a small way I honor the art of preserving food as it was done before.
My Buying Guides on Old Mason Jar Lids
When I first started collecting old mason jar lids, I quickly realized that not all lids are created equal. Whether you’re a collector, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who loves preserving with a vintage touch, choosing the right old mason jar lids can make a big difference. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
Understanding Different Types of Mason Jar Lids
Old mason jar lids come in various styles depending on their age and manufacturer. I found that the most common types are:
- Two-Piece Lids: These consist of a flat metal lid with a rubber seal and a separate screw band. They’re great for reliable sealing.
- One-Piece Lids: Often found on older jars, these lids screw on as a single unit and may not have a separate rubber seal.
- Glass or Porcelain Lids: Some vintage jars have glass or porcelain lids with a wire bail closure. These are rarer and have a unique charm.
Knowing what type you need is my first tip because it affects compatibility and sealing ability.
Checking for Condition and Authenticity
I always inspect old lids carefully before buying. Here’s what I look for:
- Rust and Corrosion: A little patina is expected, but heavy rust can compromise the seal.
- Dents and Warping: These can prevent the lid from sealing properly.
- Authentic Markings: Some lids have manufacturer stamps or date codes, which help verify authenticity and value.
If you’re buying online, ask for detailed photos and descriptions to avoid surprises.
Size and Compatibility
Mason jars and lids come in different sizes—commonly 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, and so on. I always measure or verify the diameter of both the jar opening and the lid. Old jars sometimes have non-standard sizes, so double-checking compatibility is key to avoid frustration.
Material and Seal Quality
Older lids often use different materials than modern ones. I noticed that:
- The sealing compound on very old lids may have degraded.
- Rubber gaskets in two-piece lids might need replacement to ensure airtight sealing.
- Some lids might require additional sealing rings or wax for proper preservation.
If you plan to use the jars for food storage, consider whether the lid material is food-safe and if you might need to restore or replace seals.
Where to Buy Old Mason Jar Lids
From my experience, here are the best sources:
- Antique Stores and Flea Markets: Great for hands-on inspection.
- Online Marketplaces: eBay and Etsy have wide selections but require careful vetting.
- Specialty Collectible Shops: They often provide better information and quality assurance.
I recommend starting locally if you want to see the lids in person, then expanding to online options once you’re comfortable.
Price Considerations
Prices vary widely based on rarity, condition, and demand. I found that:
- Common lids can be very affordable.
- Rare or branded lids can fetch higher prices.
- Factor in shipping costs if buying online.
Set a budget but be willing to invest a bit more for high-quality or authentic pieces if that’s important to you.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Keep a collection of spare seals or rubber rings handy.
- Handle old lids gently to avoid bending or damaging them.
- If using lids for canning, always test the seal before long-term storage.
- Enjoy the charm and history each lid brings—sometimes the imperfections add to the story!
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect old mason jar lids for your needs!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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