Can't get the lid off the fermenter

Pants · Post by **Pants** » Monday Mar 14, 2005 10:52 am

Just bottled a batch and cannot get the lid off the fermenter. I have a Coopers plastic tub thingy...

It's like it's stuck..when I try to unscrew the lid, I can feel it move a tiny bit, but that's all.

I had a bit of trouble getting it off when I started but I used a knife and that loosened it a bit. That won't work this time.

I've tried hammering it off, pouring boiling water over the lid to hopefully loosen it, but to no avail.

Anyone got any ideas about getting the lid off and ways to prevent it happening again?

Post by **Oliver** » Monday Mar 14, 2005 11:24 am

Sounds like you might have crossed the thread.

You'll just have to unscrew really hard.

If you need to you could always put a piece of wood across the lid (between two of the lugs that stick up) and use that for a bit of leverage.

Failing that, call the Cooper's helpline on 1300 654 455.

Cheers,

Oliver

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Monday Mar 14, 2005 4:24 pm

One thing to say, stay away from Carboy Style fermenters (Coopers or anyone else's) they are no end of trouble get a pail style fermenter.

Pants · Post by **Pants** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 9:22 am

I got it off eventually.

I rummaged around the shed and found a small garden implement with 3 prongs (like a pitchfork) and just shoved one of them under the lid and lifted ever 2 cms or so.

Came off no problems after that.

I am looking at upgrading in the near future. Cheers.

Beer Krout · Post by **Beer Krout** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 4:59 pm

I've have the same trouble as you pants.
Everytime I open up the fermenter.

I've tried that leverage idea of Olivers before and I broke the wooden spatular

used a ruler and then broke one of the plastic fin grips on the fermenter. I gave up after that

To get it open i have to lie it down and sit on it to get the leverage to turn the bastard

Shaun · Post by **Shaun** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 5:24 pm

I have to ask after reading about all the KNOWN AND REOCCURRING problems with carboy style fermenters why do the majority of people still use them.

Jasn · Post by **Jasn** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 6:14 pm

Ever thought of just using some plastic wrap as a fermenting lid? Heaps easy and you can see whats happening! Also, no gardening tools required?

Beer Krout · Post by **Beer Krout** » Tuesday Mar 15, 2005 7:50 pm

When I purchased my fermenters. I never knew any other better styles existed!
Now I'm stuck with them. So will use till they need replacing and then go with your bucket and lid style.
May try the plastic wrap method soon.

Post by **Oliver** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2005 9:59 am

Guys,

If you're having trouble with your fermenters, I'd suggest taking them back. It shouldn't be that hard to get the lid off!

Cheers,

Oliver

r.magnay · Post by **r.magnay** » Wednesday Mar 16, 2005 5:48 pm

G'Day you blokes,
I had trouble with my Coopers Carboy and I put a smear of vegetable oil around the thread and seal, then rinsed with hot water, I find that I don't have to tighten it up anywhere near as tight and can get it undone quite easily. It may just be that you are overtightening the lid!