How many have broken carboys....

[drummer3]

I just got back from my LHS and picked up anouther 6.5 gal. glass carboy. When I also grabed a carboy handle ( the one that goes around the neck) The guy said that he didn't recommend those because they will break the carboy. I told him that I have'nt broke one yet , he said I was very lucky!
So, how many of you have broken a carboy this way?

 

[dibby33]

I have been brewing beer on and off for 15 years. I have never ever broken a carboy. Must be done to luck or something. Maybe more due to the fact that I have never had one. Not sure. Too early in the morning here to be thinking.


P.S. Going to the local HBS next week to get one though!

 

[Ninkasi]

I have also not broken a carboy but was warned by my new LHBS that it is dangerous since it puts a great deal of stress on the neck. The carriers were not made to handle full carboys. That being said, they obviously CAN be used for carrying purposes...I do it as well. I might get one of these brew haulers. They are only about ~$12, they will be better on your back and will eliminate the dangers of carrying full carboys. Did you see this at your store?:

 

[the_bird]

Old metal milk crate, with a towel on the bottom to absorb bumps. Thanks to HB_Bill for the idea.

 

[Evets]

I havn't broken one yet (knocking on wood) I, also, sometimes use a milk crate. I have a couple of plastic ones. I also just recently got one of those "Brew Hauler" straps. Works great, I'll probably get a couple more. I never use the neck handles.

 

[david_42]

Busted a full water bottle once loading the cooler. I don't use carboys.

 

[casebrew]

My guess would be that temperature changes make more stress than lifting, so leave some room for expansion. Leave those clamps loose enough to allow some play. I've put mine on below the double ribs, not between them. I think that allows more freedom of motion. Has anybody read any installation instructions?

 

[Dude]

I haven't broken one yet, and I'm mighty surprised. I started my better bottle collection though. Asked SWMBO for one for x-mas and got it. Haven't used it yet, but it looks like a nice alternative.

 

[the_bird]

I haven't broken one yet, and I'm mighty surprised. I started my better bottle collection though. Asked SWMBO for one for x-mas and got it. Haven't used it yet, but it looks like a nice alternative.

I haven't bought one yet, but when I lifted Chillhayze's Bettle-Bottled-brew into my car after out get-together, I was shocked at how light it was. I still like using buckets for primary, and meads and real long-term things will be in glass - but Better Bottles are definately on the "buy" list this year.

 

[Yuri_Rage]

I don't have any glass carboys - never have, never will. I use a Better Bottle for small batches (lately, Ed's Apfelwein), and I cobbled a stainless conical together for everything else. I move entirely too often to risk having that much glass!

 

[homebrewer_99]

Old metal milk crate, with a towel on the bottom to absorb bumps. Thanks to HB_Bill for the idea.

Hmmm, I use plastic milk crates and cardboard...both work I guess... (You're welcome...how's that working for you?). When I have full carboys in the crates I NEVER carry them using the handles. I use the inner webbing. I had a handle break once while carrying it downstairs and said I'd never repeat that scare again.

Two of my four glass carboys are about 13-14 years old. One has a handle on it, but I never lift it by the handle when it has liquid in it...only when empty.

 

[brewman !]

I took a 5 year hiatus from brewing. I had 2 glass carboys. I gave them away when I had quit.

This fall I started again. I bought 4 Better Bottles right off. What a difference. First of all, you never have to worry about breaking them, as in "Is this water too hot ?" or clinking them together or setting them down too hard.

I'm a strong guy, so the weight of a glass carboy isn't an issue, but I love how you can throw around a BB, especially when washing it. I throw some HOT water into mine and swish it around like there is no tomorrow.

My process works like this. Brew, ferment 6.5-7 gallons of wort in plastic pails, secondary and age in BBs and then store in kegs with a bit in bottles, for parties and give aways.

I am going to try carbonation in BBs. They are rated for 15 PSI. That will allow me to bottle straight from a BB and keg the remainder.

I love my Better Bottles. I know that wasn't the question, but I thought it was worth mentioning.