Recommended bottle cap opener that doesn't damage the cap?

[Tobor_8thMan]

Well, today the bottle cap opener I really like broke. I liked it because it would open the bottle cap without damaging the cap. Was a combo wine cork extractor/bottle cap opener. I realize the weak point is the thin stem between the cork extractor and the bottle opener and that's where it broke.

Please post photos of recommendations of bottle cap opener(s) that doesn't damage the cap.

Thanks.

 

[MMP126]

I think any "flat"opener would work...like the below. But, I think the real key to it is to open it slowly. Crack the cap a bit, rotate the bottle, open a bit more, continue until the cap come off easily.

I was collecting caps for a bit, and this is what I used, and how I opened the bottle. There was minimal damage to the cap, of which, I was able to remove with a little work to move the cap back to its original shape.

 

[MMP126]

Or maybe this...

https://www.amazon.com/Zaptop-Bottle-Opener-Magnetic-Catcher/dp/B00N177OSU

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

I have one of those "push on" cap removers. Received as a Christmas gift. Initially worked fine, but then it began damaging the caps.

 

[Spartan1979]

This type works well and easy to make. A machine screw in a scrap of hardwood is all you need.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

This type works well and easy to make. A machine screw in a scrap of hardwood is all you need.

View attachment 741235

Most interesting... Pries from the side thereby preserving the cap.

 

[Falstaff]

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

Bic lighter? How does this remove a bottle cap from a beer bottle?

 

[Falstaff]

 

[Falstaff]

Are you reusing caps? My post was only half a joke. Nothing removes a cap cleaner. Nothing pushing from the top to dent it. Pops right off. Spoons work better/great too.

Cool/easy parlor trick, too.

 

[Tobor_8thMan]

No, not reusing caps, but I'd like to save unique ones undamaged.

 

[Falstaff]

It takes a bit more effort but I swear it works. Hardly even uncrimps them.

 

[DBhomebrew]

Cool/easy parlor trick, too.

All you need is sharp edge on a lever!

 

[Falstaff]

All you need is sharp edge on a lever!

That too. My dinner table in college looked like somebody in the house was teething by the end, though

 

[bwible]

They used a lighter to pop off a twist off cap.

 

[bwible]

No, not reusing caps, but I'd like to save unique ones undamaged.

I’ve seen some people do projects with them. Epoxy/Acrylic coffee tables, etc.

 

[bobtheUKbrewer2]

The cap HAS to be slightly distorted to pop off. A good lever capper would POSSIBLY be able to use the cap again. If the level of distortion is in the elastic range of the metal, it will spring back as new. I have never seen this happen however careful I was.

 

[FromZwolle]

I've found that this style seems to be pretty gentle on the cap.

You can find the same shape on the cheapo paint can openers for about a buck at the hardware shops. Works just as good.

 

[acrowe]

anything plastic or wood or aluminum or... (seat belt tab for example) in your hand works just like the lighter, and once you are used to doing it, its just as easy as anything. I think its a skill that to a certain extent is a product of playing a lot of rugby before the days of screw off caps

 

[acrowe]

and it normally doesnt bend the top of the cap much (although I am not sure reusing them would be a great plan)

 

[Smudgey]

Yep, pry them up with something flat and wide. I've been using the blunt side of a wide kitchen knife (laid flat) for years, levering gently off the index finger as you grip the bottle. No scars Probably not the best if you're in the habit of having more than a couple though.
It leaves no visible sign on most of the caps that they've been pried off or used. I've also reused a lot of them at times. I worked on an island that had 1 food & staff re-supply each year. Home-brewing was a past-time handed down year-on-year to new staff; reusing caps was standard towards the end of a stint. They often take a bit of a push to get them back on the bottle but re-crimp perfectly well and I'd bet some of those had been used numerous times.

 

[jrgtr42]

This type works well and easy to make. A machine screw in a scrap of hardwood is all you need.

View attachment 741235

I was going to suggest this style. On the "show your bottle opener" thread I attached a pic of my homemade version - a 6" chunk of 1x2 maple, and a screw.
I made up a bunch of them a ways back, gave some away, and kept a few - couple in the kitchen, one in the dining room sideboard, and one in my basement shop.

 

[Andres Falconer]

In my experience, ANY conventional bottle opener will do the job, without visible damage to a cap you’d want to collect, if done carefully. I pry gently on one side, rotate the opener, repeat, until the top pops off.

 

[Alan Reginato]

Yep, pry them up with something flat and wide. I've been using the blunt side of a wide kitchen knife (laid flat) for years, levering gently off the index finger as you grip the bottle. No scars Probably not the best if you're in the habit of having more than a couple though.
It leaves no visible sign on most of the caps that they've been pried off or used. I've also reused a lot of them at times. I worked on an island that had 1 food & staff re-supply each year. Home-brewing was a past-time handed down year-on-year to new staff; reusing caps was standard towards the end of a stint. They often take a bit of a push to get them back on the bottle but re-crimp perfectly well and I'd bet some of those had been used numerous times.

I'm so sorry about it, but just need to reply.



View attachment 738534View attachment 738535

No damage to the cap, so is just put it back and drink later.

No other opener does it, as far I know.

Cheers!

You aren't the only one...

 

[BrewDrinkRepeat]

The "ratchet wrench" opener Sears used to sell (and may still) would open the bottles without bending the cap.

Many judges I know bought them specifically for this reason, so we can re-cap the bottle after pouring a sample.

 

[camonick]

My brother turns the handles, but I don’t know where he sources the actual opener portion. These work like a champ on pry-off caps with no damage or distortion. I take 2 or 3 small “bites” on the cap, turning the bottle a little each time. If you can find something similar, I think you’d like it.

I save each unique cap and stick it to my kegerator with button magnets.

 

[DuncB]

If you're desperate to preserve the cap undamaged smash the bottle and pick the glass out of the cap.
Foolproof I'm sure.

 

[pocketmon]

NO one mention something like this yet. Really?

https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Bottle-Opener-HQY-Version/dp/B013P9WN6G

 

[Miraculix]

Bic lighter? How does this remove a bottle cap from a beer bottle?

You learn this in Germany from your father, even before attending your first day in school. Not kidding

 

[DuncB]

Bic lighter? How does this remove a bottle cap from a beer bottle?

You heat the bottle of beer to boiling point with the lighter and the cap gets blown off. Simples and only minor scalds this way rather than nasty bloody cuts.

 

[cactusgarrett]

I save certain caps for one of those map/cap wall decorations. This method has served me well, but I use a quarter instead of a key.