Why Aren't My Flip-tops Working?

Kungpaodog · 10-08-2008, 02:50 AM

I bought a dozen flip top pints from the LHBS, and when I opened the first few, they were flat. I went back to the LHBS to ask them if they had any ideas, and since the other bottles I used (re-used Grolsch flip tops) for the same batch were good, they gave me some carb tabs and some new gaskets. I put in the new gaskets and added 2 carb tabs per bottle, and I just opened two of these and they are still flat!

There is sediment on the bottom, so I think the gaskets are still leaking. The last thing I think I'm gonna try is to make my own gaskets from some silicone gasket material from work.

Any other ideas or things that I missed? Why are these bottles still leaking?

Ecnerwal · 10-08-2008, 02:52 AM

Made in China, badly, I'd guess. The wire has to be formed correctly to work correctly.

I gave away nearly all of my flip-tops - crown caps are much easier and more reliable, given a good bench capper.

Kungpaodog · 10-08-2008, 03:03 AM

D'oh! That's the last thing I wanted to hear.

I don't really want to spend the money on replacing these bottles if there's anything I can do to fix them...do you think I could re-form the wires to seal more tightly?

**mysteryberto** · 10-08-2008, 03:06 AM

Maybe to test their seal add more sugar and then place them in a plastic ziplock bag with almost no air in it. If the bag inflates you know the seal is bad.

Ecnerwal · 10-08-2008, 03:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kungpaodog

do you think I could re-form the wires to seal more tightly?

To quote Henry Ford - "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you are usually right." That's a bit deeper than it might seem at first. In any case, it's not what I think that matters...

Grab a pair (or two) of pliers and have at it.

**BigKahuna** · 10-08-2008, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ecnerwal

given a good bench capper.

Dude...You said a mouthful there!

I would bet that a wing style capper has sold more kegs than any salesman out there.

thatleetboy · 10-08-2008, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kungpaodog

Any other ideas or things that I missed? Why are these bottles still leaking?

The quick fix.... pour a small quantity of vegetable oil in a dish, and dip your finger in the oil, rub your finger tip around the lip of the bottletop, then seal the lid down. If you are putting the beers down for aging, it keeps the gaskets from drying out, but it sounds like your new ones need the lube now. It's such a miniscule amount of oil, it won't affect the beer when it is poured.

I learned this from an old timer, I guess the gaskets weren't so good back in the day. I keg now, but when I started all I used were Grolsch bottles, and this always worked for me!

nealf · 10-08-2008, 12:33 PM

On one of my bottles I think I had to double up on gaskets to get a tight enough seal... It might work if they're really loose.

**Yooper** · 10-08-2008, 12:46 PM

You could add priming sugar (and maybe a pinch of yeast) to one bottle that seems to be a problem. Stick a balloon over the neck, and keep in a warm place. If the ballon inflates a little, you know you're leaking. Of course, we assume you are. I use Grolsch bottles, and have never had a problem. Those wires hold the cap on TIGHT though. Maybe see if your caps are a little loose.

**Sherpa FE** · 10-08-2008, 12:54 PM

My Dad and my FIL, both use flip top's with no problems, however they do need some maintenance. Try replacing the gasket, and also take the lever assembly of and bend it so that it takes more force to close the bottle, giving you a better seal.

***EDIT*** I re-read the post and saw that you replaced the gaskets already.