Trouble with new corks

[detlion1643]

For my first 4-5 batches of anything, I opted to go with used synthetic corks I got from a local wine store that does tastings. I assumed these were #8 as they always went easy by hand. I had a couple with designs on them that resemble the #9's I've seen and they were harder to get in the bottles.

However, for my latest batch tonight, I picked up a package of brand new #9 synthetics from the lhbs along with 2 brand new packages of clear unlabeled bottles. I bottled 23 bottles of an apple cinnamon tonight. 20 of them with the older #8 corks, easy as always...

The last 3 bottles, there was no way in hell I could get the corks in the bottles. My uncle gave me a device a long time go, where you "pound"/"push" the top, with the cork in the bottom. However, I imagine that you need the cork somewhat seated inside the neck first, which I couldn't even do.

My question is, would new #8 corks be as easy as the used ones I have? Considering I now have about 20 - 25 of the #9's that I can't use?

*Just holding the #9's on top of the bottle, they were wider than the bottle neck all the way around.

 

[WVMJ]

Easy fix, get a table top corker, they are like 50$, the one you are using most people use 1 time and throw away, they are very dangerous if you are trying to slam in a cork and your bottle breaks, for what you would pay for stictches instead get a tabletop, some also have a capper so you can also do beer bottles. WVMJ

 

[huesmann]

I'm surprised you didn't get leakage from the used corks you used.

 

[detlion1643]

I haven't made anything long enough to store longer than 3-6 months yet. At some point I'll invest in a floor corker, as it seems that would fix the problem. But for now, no leakage with the used corks.

 

[Honda88]

I did it the same way you did for about a year or so and then also realized that 50 bucks is a lot cheaper than pain and hospital bills. Also I am curious as to how you are utilizing "used" corks???? Typically when I cork is removed a hole is driven threw it and it is no longer useful.

 

[detlion1643]

No holes in them. Not sure what the store uses them for, if they are their real corks or tasting corks. They seem to always have a pile of them around in great condition though for me.