Prevent airlock from getting stuck/breaking in the rubber stopper?

[Tobor_8thMan]

Just broke another airlock. Got stuck in the rubber stopper. Pulled. Snap. Broke.

Same has happened in the past when the airlock was stuck in the rubber stopper. I've turned, in an attempt to loosen, and snap, broke.

Any recommendations on preventing?

Perhaps, the airlock are very, very cheap plastic and this is causing the breaking problems?

 

[day_trippr]

I imagine all plastic airlocks are made as cheaply as possible. I've fractured a few and snapped off one.
Started using a film of keg lube on the stem, still stays put in my universal stoppers but easier to remove...

Cheers!

 

[RPh_Guy]

Brewhardware sells s-shaped airlocks for $1 each. Similar on Amazon. They're basically disposable.

Applying some silicone lubricant definitely does help with insertion and removal.

 

[McKnuckle]

I can't imagine how many times I've shoved airlocks in stoppers (or pulled them out), and I've never broken one. For one, you don't have to bury them. Just enough to cover the air hole. And twist it - don't just jam it in or out. Dip it in Star-San, so it doesn't get hung up on the rubber.

 

[RPh_Guy]

I definitely get deep penetration into the bunghole.

 

[Loud Brewing]

This happens to the best of us. Be sure to thoroughly lube the shaft before ramming it into the bung hole

 

[day_trippr]

jeeze....

 

[SEndorf]

Hold it in a bucket of PBW or StarSan and gently pry between the bung and the airlock stem with anything thin. (I used an eyeglasses screwdriver.)
You don't need much force. Just a bit of moisture between the two is all you need.

 

[SEndorf]

In keeping with this sordid theme.....
NEVER lube the shaft before inserting into the bunghole.
You will have an incredibly messy blowoff......

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

What hath I wrought?

 

[cubalz]

After reading this thread I now feel incredibly uncomfortable and dirty.

 

[FloppyKnockers]

Spit on it then shove it in. Before you pull it out, shove it in deeper. That should break any grasp it has. Then spray any remaining sanitizer in the airlock all over the lid. Don't worry... The lid likes this.