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Author Topic: Cork Problem  (Read 1489 times)

Offline Llcoole83

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Cork Problem
« on: April 02, 2014, 08:36:42 pm »
Okay so apparently I had the cork and airlock soaking in the sanitizer too long and it got a bit water logged.

When I pushed it into the top of my carboy to begin fermentation, the cork slid all the way in...past the neck. I was able to pull the airlock out but now the cork is floating in the beer.

I assume there is nothing to do now but 1. It should effect the beer right? And 2. Any ideas how to get it out?

Obviously I want to do it without breaking the glass. Any idea how to break the cork in the carboy or am I just screwed? And "ship in a bottle" builders out there?

Offline Stevie

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Cork Problem
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2014, 09:17:26 pm »
I've done this plenty of times. When done fermenting use the end of a dry cleaner hanger (under the cardboard tube) to get it out.

I switched to the universal stoppers for this reason. They are more rigid an have a lip that keeps them from going all the way in.

http://www.northernbrewer.com/shop/brewing/brewing-equipment/fermenting-equipment/stoppers-bungs/universal-carboy-bung-drilled.html
« Last Edit: April 02, 2014, 09:21:57 pm by Steve in TX »

Offline dkfick

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2014, 09:21:34 pm »
I find the easiest way to get them out is by putting some water in (after you rack out obviously) and throwing a rag or something like that... I use a shamwow lol.  Then if you flip it upside down the cork will get wrapped in the towel and you can pull it out with the towel.
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Offline klickitat jim

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2014, 10:07:48 pm »
Try calling Rick Moranis. Honey I shrunk the homebrewer. Bring a tiny chainsaw with you

Offline dkfick

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2014, 06:35:39 am »
Try calling Rick Moranis. Honey I shrunk the homebrewer. Bring a tiny chainsaw with you
If you're going that route I would suggest shrinking the cork.  Cutting up the cork all day with a mini chainsaw sure seems like a lot of wasted work ;-)
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Offline reverseapachemaster

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2014, 09:26:01 am »
Or increase the size of the carboy, stick your hand in to get the cork out and use the bigger carboy to make more beer in the future.
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Offline dkfick

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2014, 03:25:55 pm »
Or increase the size of the carboy, stick your hand in to get the cork out and use the bigger carboy to make more beer in the future.
Finally a way to get my girlfriend to stop complaining about the homebrew equipment taking up all the basement space!
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Offline speed

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Re: Cork Problem
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2014, 08:29:48 pm »
Then next time do like I do and just put tinfoil over the neck.i haven't used an airlock in years.