Okay to use Scratched PET Carboy?

[jhay77]

While rinsing out my plastic better bottle (PET carboy) the other night using my bottle washer, I accidentally scratched the inside of the neck area. Somehow the piece of metal that you push down on with the bottle wound up inside the neck and made about a 1" scratch. Is it still safe to use because that area will probably never touch the beer? Or should I just scrap my $26 investment and go all glass from now on?

[danno]

it's up to you, really. since it's in the neck, you're probably better off, but we warn against scratches for a very good reason, they hold bacteria very well.

don't toss it out, you can always use it for something, maybe you'll buy a mill, you could cut off the bottom, invert it, and use it for a hopper...

[generalzonzo]

I have a few scratches in my 6.5 gallon plastic primaries. I still use them. I clean them with some PBW and then sanitize with some no-rinse onestep. I haven't had any issues and they have been scratched for over a year. It is pretty tough not to get a ding or two in the plastic gear anyway. If you feel like it may ruin your next batch, turn it into a change jar. When it is full, go buy yourself a SS Conical!!!

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by jhay77
Or should I just scrap my $26 investment and go all glass from now on?

I question the initial purchase as I get 6.5 gal glass carboys for $18!!

I'd go with glass just for the assurance - how much does one batch cost you if you have to pour it out (not even counting the time, trouble and heartbreak of pouring out homebrew)?

[jhay77]

Unfortunately, the LHBS seems to have quite the markup on a lot of items and kind of persuaded me to buy to buy the PET on account of if the kids ever knocked it over, etc. I still buy quite a few smaller items from them, but I did manage to locate a local natural food store that carries a lot of home brewing items for much less $. I will definately only buy glass from now on as the nat. food store has them for $18.99 (they are $25 at the LHBS). Oh well, lesson learned, I'll keep it for spare change or something.
By the way, should I feel guilty for buying all of my ingredients with the exception of yeast, from online sources? The capitalist in me says no, it's my wallet I need to watch out for. Part of me though says I should support the LBHS as much as possible. I realize this is a personal decision, but what is the general consensus on this site?

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by jhay77
I realize this is a personal decision, but what is the general consensus on this site?

I let my LHBS know what I buy online - they understand when something is cheaper. fresher or just available when they can't get it. Be honest with them - maybe they will drop the price or offer you a deal.

[dparsons]

The LBHS in Albuquerque doesn't carry the freshest ingredients, doesn't have some of the equipment I've needed, etc. I buy what is reasonably priced and available from them. The rest I get online. I consider it worth a little extra on the price to buy locally and have a person to talk to if there is a problem, but not an extra 50%.

Hogie: Gotta hassle you about your glass recommendation when you own a plastic conical. ;)

I have both glass and PET carboys and haven't had problems with either. The glass is certainly better for cleanliness, but I hope I never have it hit the floor too hard.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by dparsons

Hogie: Gotta hassle you about your glass recommendation when you own a plastic conical. ;)

until they make a glass conical . . .

[Mad Scientist]

At least you guys have a LHBS.....

But for the record, I'm with dparsons..it is worth a little extra, but not a huge amount extra.

OTOH, when I did have the opprotunity for a neaby LHBS, it was 30 miles one way, and I could not stand the guy, so I made it a point to buy form him ONLY if I just had to have it.

[Mill Rat]

If I could patch together what I would see a consensus from this site: Support your LHBS, if you are fortunate to have one you can call local, as long as the LHBS isn't too greedy or grumpy (i.e., has some decent business sense).

Even if the LHBS is not worthy of your regular commerce for the reasons described above, it may be worth going to them for liquid yeast in the summertime, having observed several seasonal peaks in the "the dang delivery guy left my EHBS yeast shipment out on my driveway for hours in the 100-degree heat" posts.

[dparsons]

Originally posted by HogieWan
until they make a glass conical . . .

No stainless? It doesn't break.

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by dparsons
No stainless? It doesn't break.

just kidding - I do like being able to see the slurry level in the cone of my plastic conical, which is not possible with stainless.