alecj Posted April 18, 2010 Share Posted April 18, 2010 Hi Everyone I have just bottled my first brew using a coopers kit. The lid to the fermenter is now stuck on and I can not get it off. It is on very tight, I have tried hot water but with no luck. Any suggestions to get it off? Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PB2 Posted April 18, 2010 Share Posted April 18, 2010 Well done Alec! You have just found out first hand why the instructions on page 7 of the booklet say "do not over tighten"... In nearly 8 years working with Coopers, I'm yet to see a lid that can't be removed. Even had a fermenting tub with a stuck lid returned by a brewer - he claimed to be over 6 ft tall and about 110kgs - we had it off within 5 mins... The technique I use - Boil a kettle and run this very hot water into the threads. Do this with the fermenting tub suspended over the laundry tub or outside and make sure to give the threads a good long soaking with the full kettle of water. Using riggers gloves or similar, grip the lid firmly with two hands then have somebody, of similar strength to yourself, turn the fermenting tub. Just like opening a jar - grip the lid firmly and turn the jar. VOILA!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobK Posted April 18, 2010 Share Posted April 18, 2010 Alec - I've had my share of tight lids and for the last 40 odd brews, I have been placing a light smear of vaseline on the flat sealing face of the fermenter and screwing down the lid till it touches. Squeeze in the sides and gradually tighten the lid till the water seal holds a negative level. Don't be too concerned with an absolute seal. Once the yeast gets going, it fills with CO2 gas and holds a positive pressure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hey RobK, That is a good idea to use a bit of lube on the top of the tub, but I would rather not use petroleum-based products on food safe equipment. Personally, I tend to use coconut oil to seal my airlock and would use it for the lid as well. It is edible, easy to apply (liquifies to the touch) and solidifies at room temp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rossm Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 ...I find that cling wrap is just so easy to remove it is not funny! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Hey Ross, I would imagine a pinhole is necessary to keep the wrap from bursting, right? It seems like most of the seasoned brewers in here pitch the lid all together and I would like to jump on board the easy train as well. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muddy Waters Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 I tend to put a pinhole in mine Bud but some people don't - apparently the air finds it's way out regardless. I think the pinhole method is safer as I don't want to come home to find the cling wrap has popper off. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AussieJosh Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 Some times when my lid is on tight, Ill sit down on a chair and place the fermenter between my legs (calfs) holding on tight with my legs so the fermenter can not move then i just twist the lid of with my hands! NO Problem! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PB2 Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 We do not recommend vaseline, being petroleum based, it's more likely to perish the rubber o ring. If you must use a lubricant on the o-ring, water based is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 19, 2010 Share Posted April 19, 2010 How to lose a hobby as well as "special cuddles" for a long LONG time - get caught by your missus rubbing KY on your fermenter's rim... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Posted April 20, 2010 Share Posted April 20, 2010 Do a Google search for Lubrifilm. John, does your fermenter like standard or flavoured? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted April 21, 2010 Share Posted April 21, 2010 Ha ha - I thought somebody was going to bite. I 'm not into fruit beers (i.e. Big banana, Passionate Cherry etc) Still referring to my fermenter of course - I always get a good seal from the o-ring without requiring any extra "help". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luke Posted April 21, 2010 Share Posted April 21, 2010 You just caught a trout!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.