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?
     
    #1 makisupapolice14, Jan 12, 2014
  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.
     
    #2 skivtjerry, Jan 12, 2014
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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'
     
    #3 bigk84, Jan 12, 2014
  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.
     
    #4 MarriedAtGI, Jan 12, 2014
  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.
     
    #5 ssam, Jan 12, 2014
  6. ssam

    ssam Pundit (997) Dec 2, 2008 California

    No pun intended
     
    #6 ssam, Jan 13, 2014
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