1. The simplest corkscrews are "t" shaped, just a screwed metal "worm" with a handle on top. However, travel corkscrews have two parts: a worm with a plastic handle that has a sheath over it that will be pulled or loosened to reveal the worm.

The handles of some simple corkscrews will fold down against the metal helix, if that's yours, just lift them up until the tool resembles a "t" shape.

2. If you use a travel corkscrew, slide the sheath into the handle. The plastic handle at the top of the worm should have a hole about the diameter of the handle. Slide the narrow end of the sheath into this hole, stopping when it no longer slides easily. The corkscrew should now be in a "t" shape.