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Author Topic: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan  (Read 927 times)

Offline Drewch

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Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« on: March 03, 2021, 10:55:38 am »

What's the normal lifespan on the rubber washers on swing-top (e.g., EZ Cap) bottles?
The Other Drew

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Offline majorvices

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Re: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2021, 12:50:58 pm »
I imagine it just depends on how they are taken care of. I have some still good 10 years on. Some have been left outside or in coolers and not lasted as long

Offline Bob357

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Re: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2021, 02:46:59 pm »
How long is a string? Rubber comes in various grades and is affected by the elements. Inspecting rubber washers will reveal loss of resiliency, which means they're toast. Proper care will extend their life, but they will deteriorate over time.
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Offline Drewch

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Re: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2021, 09:47:03 pm »
Thanks.

Mine are quite young by comparison -- but they didn't come with any instructions. So I'll just check that they're still pliable and, well, rubbery before use.
The Other Drew

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Offline KellerBrauer

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Re: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« Reply #4 on: March 04, 2021, 05:37:41 am »
I have many bottles with the rubber washers that are several years old.  No problem.  But like the other brewers said, many factors are at play.  Before using bottles with this type cap, I suggest a careful examination of the rubber.  Look for potential problems.  Replacement washers are not very expensive.
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Offline ynotbrusum

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Re: Swing-top rubber washer lifespan
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2021, 07:40:57 am »
My bag of replacement rubber washers is probably only slightly newer than the bottles that have their original rubber washer on them.  They are in good shape and probably 5- 8 years old.  But I rarely bottle much anymore....
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