Less time at the gym, more time at the pub!

[Hecticart]

How common is it to break bottles while capping?

I dedicated myself to spending less time at the gym and more at the pub. I knew it was the only way to maintain my finely chiseled physique.

Even with more time logged on the bar stool than the Solo-Flex, I still break 2 or three bottles when I brew.

I’m using an all metal twin lever capper that seems pretty well built. It makes me want to cry to see a couple bottles go before their time.

How common is it for them to break?

Could it be from using used bottles? The capper? A fact of life?

Curious how the rest of you have been getting by.

Thanks,
HecticArt

[fretlessman71]

It does happen, but it also seems like you're getting more than your fair share of breaks. Maybe you're just squeezing too hard (as a result of all that time on the soloflex, no doubt), and backing off a little might help. The only bottle I ever broke just sort of seperated at the body/neck joint; it just came off with the cap and neck still in the jaws of the capper. Is this what's happening to you?

[Payson]

I dont recall ever breaking one while capping. I'm wondering if your capper is flawed, maybe slightly out of alignment? I can really lean into mine and it doesn't break.

[HogieWan]

never had a broken bottle. I use a red plastic "emily" capper. I let mine gode on kind of slow until there's a good bit of resistance, then I slam it home.

What kind of techinique are you using?

[Hecticart]

I’ve been going pretty gently with the pressure. Once it seems to have taken it seat, I’ll give it a tap or two for good luck. I try to stay pretty well vertical over the bottle while applying the pressure, but when it’s at the point of most resistance (just about the point where the cap seems to fold over) is when I’ve gotten my breaks. They tend to take the neck off at just about the fill line.

It already sounds like I’m having more trouble than should be expected.

I was wondering if there was a preference to bench type of cappers vs. hand cappers.

[HogieWan]

bench capper are nice if you have bottles that are all the SAME height. Otherwise, you have to adjust the capper to different sized bottles. I've have great results with my cheapo.

[Sven6]

You should switch to kegs or swing-tops, :p , Ive never had one break...

[BrewDog]

I've heard that sanitizing in the oven weakens the glass. I never do this so I can't really comment other than to repeat what I've heard. It may be something if that's how you have been sani'ing your bottles.

BTW, What kind of bottles are you using? I've never had a problem with either Sam Adams or Deschutes bottles.

Also, I have a bench capper that doesn't take an overwhelming amount of force to cap. Here is the link to it on my LHBS web site:
bench capper (http://secure.awserver11.net/mountainhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=73_1_6&products_id=154&osCsid=645505c88681d37d4dbb0db446dc576b)

[Hecticart]

My bottles are coming from about everywhere & mostly the same size. My first batch I cleaned & sanitized by hand, second batch I tried the dishwasher trick with some Easy Clean. Had the same number of breaks from each batch.

Payson may be on to something with a flawed capper.

I was lucky enough to get my equipment for free from a co-worker who found he would rather drink it than fuss with work. (I think it was the waiting that he had the problem with.) I've been adding gear as I go along. A wort chiller was next on my list, but may add a new capper to my list.

Since most of it was free I don't mind trading up.

Anybody have any strong loyalties to a particular brand?

Thanks,
HecticArt

[HogieWan]

Mine looks lilke this one (http://www.austinhomebrew.com/product_info.php?cPath=178_356_61&products_id=987&osCsid=247c76e3e4dffbf54fa4d8f8f2713440) but mine's red.

You should be able to find these at any homebrew supply store.

[toneyc]

When I bottled my first batch, I was using borrowed equipment, including one of those winged cappers. I hated that. I would bounce the bottle off the counter top every time. I bought a bench capper when I bought my kit for my second batch. I am much much happier with it. In my mind, it was well worth the extra few bucks!

:)
Toney.

[chapesh]

i have an old bench style capper, never broken a bottle yet, well while capping anyway. and my capper adjust naturally to most bottle sizes, the lever arm just slides out and fits in a different hole.all of 2 seconds, bottles are a pain in the butt for bottle time. however they are very nice for traveling,kegs get real heavy, after a while.

[golden boy]

i bottle some beers 2 weeks ago and i had some bottles just break how come.:mad:

[fretlessman71]

Bottle bombs! Uh-oh... hope they didn't make too much of a mess. Tell us, in detail, how you went about mixing the sugar before you did your bottling, please.... ;)

[Otis_The_Drunk]

Originally posted by chapesh
i have an old bench style capper, never broken a bottle yet, well while capping anyway. and my capper adjust naturally to most bottle sizes, the lever arm just slides out and fits in a different hole.all of 2 seconds, bottles are a pain in the butt for bottle time. however they are very nice for traveling,kegs get real heavy, after a while.

I also use an old Bench style capper.... I bought it at a yard sale about 15 years ago... Never broke a bottle yet.

[hops99]

I dedicated myself to spending less time at the gym and more at the pub.

Why not do both? A few years ago, I visited a small brewpub up in Rhinelander, Wisconsin called Bugsy's. The beer was average at best, but they actually had a basketball court INSIDE the pub. It was surrounded by plexiglass so you could look into the court, and there was a table next to the court entrance where you could put your pints. I played 4 or 5 games of b-ball that day, all the while stopping every few minutes to gulp down some pale, wheat and brown ales - it was a GREAT way to spend a rainy summer afternoon in the Northwoods. Definitely one of the cooler and more unusual brewpub/bar experiences I've ever had.

[fretlessman71]

If they ever add a racquetball court, I'm there. :)

Did you have to drink a bunch of water at the same time? I'd get pretty dry, I'd think, but that's just me...

[Hecticart]

You actually have to put down your brew?????
I'm not too sure about that place. . . .