Bottled first batch, afraid I screwed up...

[stuknkrvl]

Just bottled my first batch today. Thing is, I cheaped out and started stashing 12 ounce bottles from six packs I bought at the store. The caps on the bottles I got at my LHBS have a picture perfect divot in the center and look uniform around the lip of the bottle, but the caps on the scavenged bottles don't have the divot and don't look to have a nice seal. They don't leak when I turn them over, but I'm worried about oxygen seeping in.

How badly did I screw up here?

 

[stuknkrvl]

Here's pics...

View attachment 1431895477147.jpg

View attachment 1431895488339.jpg

 

[b-boy]

As long as your bottles weren't screw-offs you should be fine. Even if they were, you'll probably be fine.

 

[stuknkrvl]

All pry-off, no screw tops

 

[b-boy]

you're fine.

 

[C-Rider]

I've bottled 100's of homebrews all on Sierra Nevada bottles. Never had a divot w/caps bought at the LHBS. Never had a problem so relax and have a home brew. LOL

 

[fuelish]

What kind of capper do you use??? I've never gotten divots like that, but at the same time, have never had any issues related to capping any non-screw-off bottle, other than once in a great while the neck breaking when crimping - seems to always have been green long necks, am thinking they've been Stella Artois bottles, generally....dunno

 

[madscientist451]

Nothing wrong with reusing bottles from commercial beer. Your capper is just different, I have several cappers and none of them makes a dent in the cap like that.

 

[CUrchin]

If you are using a wing capper, there is no reason to push the handles down really hard- just push them down hard enough to get the cap to set. If you push them down hard you are driving the magnet into the top of the cap which is not necessary, and there is a chance you are going to break something (either the top of the bottle or the capper). Cheers.

 

[hottpeper13]

I've noticed that bottles with a short lip like Harp will look like your picture and the ones that are longer will have the dent. None have leaked. I worry more about how the caps are prepped, some just put them in sanitizer, I put them in boiled water rite out of the microwave,I feel the softer seal will hold better,but that's just me.

 

[stuknkrvl]

I've noticed that bottles with a short lip like Harp will look like your picture and the ones that are longer will have the dent. None have leaked. I worry more about how the caps are prepped, some just put them in sanitizer, I put them in boiled water rite out of the microwave,I feel the softer seal will hold better,but that's just me.

I boiled them for about ten minutes and soaked them in vodka till they were ready to go on.

Thanks for all the reassurance, everybody!

 

[andy6026]

I've gotten that divot before - they're fine. If you're unsure submerge a bottle under water and see if you get any bubbles.

 

[Takuie]

You can always store the bottles upside down, I do that on a few when I feel like the cap didnt make a good seal or something. Just be sure to give them a lil shake after they carbonate so your sediment will go to the bottom.

 

[kh54s10]

Everything is probably OK but the capper should not make that indent. I would try to see why it is doing that and if you can adjust or fix it.

 

[OUSooner]

I find that if I get a little carried away and push harder I get the divot. Usually happens after I have been bottling wine it takes more pressure. Doesn’t really take a ton to cap beer ...

 

[Sailingeric]

Just to make sure they are safe, better send me a couple capped bottles for testing. Don't want you drinking bad beer.

 

[BigFloyd]

I boiled them for about ten minutes and soaked them in vodka till they were ready to go on.

Thanks for all the reassurance, everybody!

Do you have starsan? It's a much easier sanitizer to use than vodka.

Wing cappers can sometimes have issues (like breakage) with bottles that have the thinner collars, but it looks like yours sealed just fine.

 

[stuknkrvl]

Yeah, I have starsan. Just used the vodka because it was convenient. Didn't even think about using the starsan.

 

[slym2none]

I read it at first that the OP was re-using old bottlecaps...

 

[BigFloyd]

Yeah, I have starsan. Just used the vodka because it was convenient. Didn't even think about using the starsan.

Starsan plus a vinator device makes bottling day a whole lot easier.

http://www.homebrewing.org/Vinator-Bottle-Washer_p_2472.html

A spray bottle full of Starsan is also a very handy brew tool to have around.:rockin:

 

[joshesmusica]

I read it at first that the OP was re-using old bottlecaps...

i did too...

i find with my wing capper and the bottles with a smaller collar that i have to crimp and then easily move the capper forward and backward, then side to side. i say easily because i broke my first bottle during the last session.

 

[stuknkrvl]

I read it at first that the OP was re-using old bottlecaps...

No no no! Reused bottles, not caps.

 

[slym2none]

Yeah, I got it after looking at the OP a couple of times.

 

[andy6026]

Somebody suggested storing bottles upside down and shaking them. I wouldn't do either of those.