using old (but never used) bottle caps?

Discussion in 'Homebrewing' started by makisupapolice14, Jan 12, 2014.

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  1. makisupapolice14

    makisupapolice14 Pundit (799) Jun 5, 2005 New York

    I will bottling my first batch in over 7 years next weekend and I have a bunch of unused bottle caps in my homebrew supply box. They have been stored in a cool dry environment but I am nervous that the seal on them may have degraded over time and am therefore considering spending the few bucks on new ones.

    Anyone have experience using old bottle caps? Should I just ditch the old ones and buy new?
     
  2. skivtjerry

    skivtjerry Pooh-Bah (1,865) Mar 10, 2006 Vermont
    Pooh-Bah

    The oldest I've used were about 3 yo, but if yours look okay and are not rusty they're probably fine.
     
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  3. bigk84

    bigk84 Initiate (0) Jun 2, 2011 Michigan

    If you're that worried about it, caps are cheap, get some new ones. I think you'
     
  4. MarriedAtGI

    MarriedAtGI Zealot (569) Feb 26, 2013 Illinois

    I have used 20 year old caps, and they were fine. No problems at all. I did inspect them before use and rejected a few.
     
  5. ssam

    ssam Pundit (997) Dec 2, 2008 California

    Should be okay. Just inspect and discard any rusted ones. The linings on caps are designed to withstand the harsh environment inside a bottle, it's pretty acidic in there. Compared to that, normal air should be a breeze.
     
  6. ssam

    ssam Pundit (997) Dec 2, 2008 California

    No pun intended
     
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