Seriously can not get the lid off the bucket-please help

[BobbiLynn]

I seriously can not get the lid off my new fermenter bucket. I have always used glass carboys so this was my first experience with plastic.

Seriously, without heavy tools, and I'm causing damage to the lid trying, I can't get the lid off the bucket and I want to transfer it today!!! WTH? Why won't the lid come off?!? Is there a trick to it?

 

[iversenbeer]

Idk if we have the same kind of buckets, but mine have a little notch on the top of the bucket above the handles that allows you to get your fingers under there to pop it open. I had the same problem as you when I first used them until I accidentally found them. Hope that helps!

 

[progmac]

one of my lids is nearly impossible. nearly. you can do it!

 

[hotspurdotus]

Put the bucket on the ground, and drive your knee into the middle of the lid while tugging on the lip of the lid. It makes it a LOT easier to open.

 

[the_trout]

I know it doesnt help you now but they make a tool.

http://www.wheatgrasskits.com/bucke...7cP_d_BO_d_Y&gclid=CNu4h6T4kLUCFVCd4AodSF8A9g

 

[Sheldon]

Go to a paint store, HD or Lowes and get a $2 5 gal paint bucket opener. It works wonders, really.

Sheldon

 

[HawksBrewer]

I hurt my fingers every single time I open a bucket. True story.

 

[BrewerE]

• Take the airlock out
• Put one knee on the middle of the lid (there is usually a circle there)
• Pry up on the lip of the lid in one spot and work your way around (you may have to go around more than once, just pry up part way all the way, and go back over)

If THAT fails, there should be 'stripes' around the side of the lid - those stripes are spots where there is less plastic so it's easier to cut (yes cut)

IF YOU DO THIS, only cut one or two a few notches apart and only do it about half way up. See if that helps, if not, try a few more.
**do this knowing your lid MAY not seal as well as it is now**

 

[Revvy]

Go to any hardware store and for about 2 bucks you can pick up a tool specially made to open 5 gallon plastic buckets.

I have a couple of them, so I don't misplace them.

 

[BobbiLynn]

Put the bucket on the ground, and drive your knee into the middle of the lid while tugging on the lip of the lid. It makes it a LOT easier to open.

GOT IT!!!! This is what I just did, thanks. Out of breath, had to not just pry one spot, but go all the way around and pry with all my might.

 

[BassBeer]

My TrueBrew bucket lid is a b***h to get off but it can be done. Instead of trying to pull up on the lid, try prying the rim out as hard as you can. Go around the entire lid doing this. Hope this helps!~

 

[hotspurdotus]

Go to any hardware store and for about 2 bucks you can pick up a tool specially made to open 5 gallon plastic buckets.

I have a couple of them, so I don't misplace them.

That tool works fine on standard 5 gallons, but it's worthless on the Austin Homebrew 7.9 gallon buckets. It just breaks the lid.

My knee, OTOH, is a universal tool.

 

[AgentHubcap]

I had the LHBS drill extra large holes in the top of the fermenter lids. That way I can take samples and siphon to secondary/keg/bottling bucket without removing the lid.

 

[NivekD]

Holy chit, this is hilarious...not to the OP but for me...I can remember the first time I tried to get the GD lid off...I was so pissed...finally got it, then went right out and picked up the lid tool.

 

[Tupperwolf]

This thread is making me reconsider ever using buckets

 

[homebrewdad]

This thread is making me reconsider ever using buckets

I think I'll quote this thread the next time people start bashing glass.

.

.

.

I kid! Mostly.

 

[Tinhorn]

indeed its not that funny when it happening to you and the lid wrench will change your life

 

[Yooper]

Put the bucket on the ground, and drive your knee into the middle of the lid while tugging on the lip of the lid. It makes it a LOT easier to open.

Yep! I put my knee firmly into it, and then "peel" the lid up on the side away from me. It really isn't that hard when you know that trick!

 

[BBL_Brewer]

If the bucket is elevated, which is usually the case, I use both hands, rest my fingers on the lip below the lid and use my thumbs to pop the lid up. You have to work your way around the lid sometimes, but next to the lid tool I find this to be the easiest, least painful method. All you have to do is get it started and then you can pry it right off with ease. YRMV.

 

[BobbiLynn]

As a token of my appreciation for the help, I will show you what was under the lid. It's beer!! Wee bit of krausen on the top. And that's the offensive lid and also the towel that came to my aid. The knee trick worked.

 

[edb]

Go to a paint store, HD or Lowes and get a $2 5 gal paint bucket opener. It works wonders, really.

Sheldon

+1 there is tool just for that.

 

[danielbt]

As a token of my appreciation for the help, I will show you what was under the lid. It's beer!! Wee bit of krausen on the top. And that's the offensive lid and also the towel that came to my aid. The knee trick worked.

You should make short clips in that lid where the "thin" spots are around the edges. There may even be markings on the outside showing where to cut.

 

[BobbiLynn]

You should make short clips in that lid where the "thin" spots are around the edges. There may even be markings on the outside showing where to cut.

Sorry, I don't understand what you mean. My first experience with plastic, know nothing about it.

Added: Okay, just read previous post about it. No thanks, not gonna cut the lid, damaged it enough trying tools on it. The knee, that's the trick. And I needed the exercise.

 

[zmanzorro]

My first couple brews, I used a screwdriver to pry off the lid.








Then I bought glass.

 

[Frankiesurf]

This just proves one thing. You need to make more beer.

The lid will loosen up after a few batches.

I remember my first few. Fingertips screaming in pain while the wife learned some new curses.

 

[Brewtah]

I feel your pain, my fingers feel your pain. What a PITA. I soaked a paper towell in san star and used it to cushion my fingers and pryed the f&@$er off.

 

[Shooter]

One word:

Dynamite!

 

[BBL_Brewer]

This just proves one thing. You need to make more beer.

The lid will loosen up after a few batches.

I remember my first few. Fingertips screaming in pain while the wife learned some new curses.

Agreed. Beer boot camp can be less than pleasant. But's it's just the equipment molding you into a hardened brew machine until you can crush grain with your bare hands and spit fire to light the burner.

 

[MyNameIsPaul]

Your beer was too young and the lid was trying to tell you that you don't need a stinkin' secondary!

 

[BobbiLynn]

Your beer was too young and the lid was trying to tell you that you don't need a stinkin' secondary!

The plan was to split it up into 2 secondaries, a flavor experiment. But, after getting a good look, I just put the lid back on. Which in itself required the use of the pestle from my mortar and pestle set. While kneeing it.