boiling caps vs sanitizing

[emenzer]

was curious what everyone does with there caps. I tried boiling them the first time and some of the seals detached from the caps. Yesterday i bottled my second batch and soaked the caps in an iodophor solution along with everything else. What is truly the best way to handle this??

[chris1kanobi]

Sanitizer is the preferred method, because heat can damage or weaken the rubber like seal on the cap. Watch for rust on soaked and unused caps as well.

[Asahikun]

On bottling day there is so much to be sanitised that I'm grateful that there is something that can just be boiled. Pop in a pan of water, bring to the boil, simmer for 5 minutes and you're good to go.
I've never had a problem with boiling the caps. Even when I used to save and reuse my caps. Although now I've had the bottle spinning through the air experience, I don't recommend that.

[bierboy]

I always boil and never have had a problem. Bear in mind that boiling or sanitizing caps is not necessay is most cases and can ruin caps in the case of o2 absorbing caps. I just do it out of habit and to be safe.

[hopheaddude]

I boil my caps everytime also but I have read in a number of places that if you are using oxygen barrier caps (that prevent oxidation for long cellaring times), that boiling them will destroy the crown and the cap won't work like it was intended.. I'm assuming that sanitation would be the only other option

[bierboy]

Originally posted by hopheaddude
I boil my caps everytime also but I have read in a number of places that if you are using oxygen barrier caps (that prevent oxidation for long cellaring times), that boiling them will destroy the crown and the cap won't work like it was intended.. I'm assuming that sanitation would be the only other option

It is the liquid that destroys the O2 barrier. One does not sanitize these caps for that reason.

[toneyc]

Originally posted by Asahikun Although now I've had the bottle spinning through the air experience, I don't recommend that.

Um.... What's the bottle spinning through the air experience?

Or should I ask?

:D
Toney.

[Asahikun]

Um.... What's the bottle spinning through the air experience?

Toney,

I used to reuse my caps. I never had any problems except that I noticed that occasionally the caps didn't go on as properly as they should. One time I was on my way out to eat and grabbed a bottle to give to a friend. The slight pressure I put on the cap pulled it off and the sudden release of pressure sent the bottle spinning through the air.
It was only a 330ml bottle but I was covered, the floor was covered, my beer brewing cupboard was covered. Everything was covered. I don't reuse my caps anymore :)

[badogg]

Originally posted by Asahikun
Toney,

I used to reuse my caps.

Dude, they are not that expensive!!! LOL

I would think that it would be too much of a hassle to try and re-use them...

PS. I am just giving you a bad time about the not being expensive part. I wasn't trying to call you a cheapie or anything.. :cool:

[paul84043]

I somehow manage to end up with way more caps than I need, probably because I use flip top bottles as well as standard.
I just decide how many I'll need, plus a few, plop them into a small dish of Star San, wait a minute, then pull them out and let them dry on a paper towel. I just leave them covered in the towel until I am ready to use them. What I don't use just goes back into the box-o-caps....