Will the Carboy Break ??

EROK · Jul 7, 2011

I recently purchased two carboys one 6 gal and one 6.5 gal. BOTH have what looks like scratches made with a sharp knife across about half of the bottom of the carboys. You can actually feel the scratch with your fingernail on each one.

Scratches are about 5 inches long on the bottom (outside) of the carboy. Depth of the scratch appears about 1/32 in to 1/16 in deep (approximately)

1) Is this just a handling scratch on each carboy OR

2) Is this something that I should take back to my LHBS and exchange them for another carboy ?

My other 4 carboys do not have ANY scratches and appear to be from a different manufacturer.

I just can't see 6 gallons of wort flooding my keezer OR risk it breaking and myself or someone else getting hurt.

Am I overreacting ? Your advice please !

david_42 · Jul 7, 2011

Scratches are bad news on glass, as the ends of a scratch are weak points. You might use them for decades without a problem or they might break while sitting quietly fermenting your first batch. I'd take them back.

osagedr · Jul 7, 2011

If you are sure the scratches aren't just joints or something in the glass, then take them back.

bluemoose · Jul 7, 2011

Glass or plastic? I would suspect someone got a bit overzelous when opening a box with a knife. If it is on the outside you should be OK. I would suggest using a milk crate to carry it around (good practice). It will also keep the weight from being centered in any one spot on the bottom.
Have you ever seen how beat up some of those 5 gal water bottles are? They don't seem to burst open too often, assuming this is plastic, I think it'll be fine.

BrewForMe · Jul 8, 2011

If they are indeed scratches, take them back, you paid good money for them and why would you want something you have to worry about. Scratches that deep will cause future problems no matter what, why should you have to baby them?