Winged corkscrew

Description

Screw the worm down into the cork, and the two side wings rise up as you go. Push the wings back down and the mechanism lifts the cork straight out — no twisting, no leverage technique to learn, which is why this is often the corkscrew people default to at home. It's genuinely easier to use for anyone who finds a waiter's friend fiddly or awkward in the hand.

The trade-off is size: it doesn't fold flat, doesn't fit in a pocket, and takes up more drawer space than a waiter's friend. It's also a little less forgiving with crumbly or very dry natural corks — if the worm isn't centred well before you start winding, you can end up dragging bits of cork out with it rather than the whole cork in one piece. This is a kitchen-drawer tool for home use rather than something bar or restaurant staff carry, since a waiter's friend is faster and more compact for repeated use. Check the worm centres itself over the cork before winding, and it'll pull cleanly almost every time.

Specification