Capper... not so easy!

[tucker1]

I have just bottled with a capper for the first time. My other two brews I used PET bottles and flip ones.

Is it me or is bottling with a capper a 2 person job?

I needed my son to hold the bottle steady otherwise it was likely to flip sidewise and result in the worst disaster I know of.... spilt beer!

Any tips?

 

[HarrowBrewer]

What type of capper is it? I use a fairly standard two handed one and don't have problems, bottles can slip away from you if they are on a wet surface, some bottle types (especially old hobgoblin bottles) are a bit more unwieldy.

 

[DanST]

I'm assuming it's a twin leaver capper? 2 handed job?

There's a bit of a knack to it but it's perfectly possible to do on your own. Put the bottle on something no slip. Get the capper in position and lower the handles until it starts to bite. Then hold the handles in an overhand grip close to the mechanism and slowly bring them down at the same time keeping the whole thing level. Make sure you push them right down. I tend to give it a bit of a push down once the handles are back up just to make sure it's on properly but that's probably not necessary.

Other than that just practice.

 

[tucker1]

It's a Ferrari Emily one - two handed.

I was doing on a dry worktop. Probably a bit too slippy surface even when dry I guess.

I wonder if anyone on here has developed or made any kind of holder to keep the bottled steady?

 

[Wardy]

It's a Ferrari Emily one - two handed.

I was doing on a dry worktop. Probably a bit too slippy surface even when dry I guess.

I wonder if anyone on here has developed or made any kind of holder to keep the bottled steady?

Yep, a carpet tile. It has foam on the bottom and thin carpet on the top. If you get the same or similar I guarantee no slips if you put even vertical pressure on the handles of the capper.

 

[DanST]

Yeah that's the type I was on about. I put the bottle on an old towel but a non-slip rubber mat would be ideal, or if you're doing it sat down hold it between your legs.

Have another go but if you're really struggling have a look at a bench top capper. They'll cope with anything and are meant to be a lot easier.

 

[BreadMurderer]

I used a two handed one before, wasn't really a problem at all. In Oz I got myself a bench top one and it is MUCH better, you won't regret investing in one of those (not like they are expensive anyway).

 

[ncmcdonald]

When I bottle I sit at the worktop with the bottling bucket on. Once you fill the bottle hold it between your legs and cap it. This is my method.

If not the bench top capper is a lot easier. We rattle through hundreds of bottles an hour at work with just one bench top capper.

 

[Wardy]

I have to add that I'm going to get a rubber mat. I sit on the tiled floor to bottle and cap but the carpet tile I use gets some drips from the bottling stick and now needs throwing away.

 

[fourbob]

Get hold of a bar towel or one of the rubberised mats you get on bars these days - should stop things slipping around. I use an Emily - my 'capsulatrice' as it says on the box, and don't have any problems, but maybe i've just got the knack after much practice....

The other thing to consider is what bottles are you using? Some (whychwood, I'm looking at you) have a slightly diffferent profile at the neck and are a bit of a nightmare. I believe a bench capper can handle them though.

I've been bottling beers for a couple of years, so I have built up a fair stock of bottles and now only keep ones that meet my bottling criteria!

 

[tucker1]

Thanks all.

I am bottling with erdinger bottles.

Some of the caps don't look to be on perfectly but there are no leaks. Practice required I think!

 

[Covrich]

I bottle on the floor, clamp the bottle between my legs and cap.. easy peasy

 

[TartanSpecial]

I also kneel on the floor , clamp the bottle between my knees and cap...no problems.