Quick answer
To use a screw pull corkscrew with an endless screw system, center the screw on the cork, turn the handle clockwise to drive it in, then continue turning to lift the cork out without any lever action.
Why the endless screw system is different
Unlike lever or wing corkscrews, an endless screw corkscrew uses a continuous thread that passes through the handle. Turning the handle moves the screw in or out, so you never need to reposition your grip or use a separate lever. This makes it especially good for soft or fragile corks that might crumble under jerky motion.
The trade-off is that you need to keep turning steadily. If you stop halfway, the cork stays partly in the bottle. The technique is simple once you get the rhythm, but it does require a few full rotations.
What to look for in a quality screw pull corkscrew
A well-made endless screw corkscrew should have a smooth, self-centering screw and a comfortable handle that lets you apply even pressure. The Chic Monsieur from L'Atelier du Vin combines a stainless steel screw with a sculptural handle, making it both functional and easy to grip.
Because the screw is the only moving part, durability matters. Look for hardened steel that won't bend or dull over time. A self-pulling system (where the screw itself lifts the cork) is standard in this design, so you don't need extra gears or levers.
How to use a screw pull corkscrew: step by step
- Center the screw on the cork: Hold the bottle steady on a flat surface. Place the tip of the screw exactly in the center of the cork. Keep the corkscrew perpendicular to the bottle top. A centered start prevents the screw from drifting sideways and tearing the cork.
- Turn the handle clockwise to drive the screw in: Apply gentle downward pressure as you rotate the handle. The endless screw will pull itself into the cork. Stop when the entire screw is buried — you should see only the handle above the cork. Common mistake: stopping too early. The screw must be fully inserted so the self-pulling mechanism can work.
- Continue turning clockwise to lift the cork: Once the screw is fully in, keep turning the handle in the same direction. The cork will begin to rise out of the bottle as the screw passes through the handle. Turn until the cork is completely free. If the cork feels stuck, do not pull or twist the handle sideways. Just keep turning steadily — the mechanical advantage will do the work.
- Remove the cork from the screw: Hold the cork firmly and turn the handle counterclockwise to reverse the screw out. The cork will slide off cleanly. Empty
Product used in this guide
-
Screw Pull Corkscrew Chic Monsieur | L’Atelier du Vin: Stainless steel screw pull corkscrew with self-pulling system. Chic Monsieur combines sculptural simplicity and smooth extraction. The self-pulling system means you only need to turn the handle — no lever or secondary mechanism — which makes the steps below apply directly to this model.
Screw Pull Corkscrew Chic Monsieur | L’Atelier du Vin
