Rubber v.s Silicone Washers v.s. Bottle Caps

[PackerfaninSanDiego]

Seems like the rubber washers used on the flip top Grolsch style bottles, are good for 2 times before they start to crack. All that work on brewing and bottling, when I go to open a homebrew, sometimes I barely here that "pop" when I open one, which means low carbonation. But that has yet to happen with the original silicone washers. Not sure if I will switch over to silicone washers(which are not cheap) v.s. changing out the cheap ass rubber washers more often. Today I'm bottling and it's all going into capped 22oz bombers. Have to find out if it's me or the washers or something else.

 

[Calder]

I have 5 flip cap bombers. They don't have the original rubber seals on them, but I haven't changed them for over 13 years (I quit brewing for several years). Since starting brewing again, I would estimate the bottles/seals have been reused at least 50 times, probably more.

 

[MrNic]

I have 4 grolsch bottles that I've used probably 10 times and they still work just fine.

 

[brewbush]

My Grolsh washers have been going strong for 10+ years.
Perhaps you are exposing them to a bad concentration of a chemical that is causing a rapid deterioration.

I would assume they are pretty much indestructible however.

 

[fearwig]

Are you heat sanitizing? Acid? Consider removing the swing tops and sanitizing them separately (less).

 

[fuelish]

I used 'em a lot when I used to brew a lot of beer up in MI, they last a long time, imo....used to just boil 'em for a few minutes with the bottle caps. On a side note, they make an excellent "poor man's strap lock" for those who play guitar!!!