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Those ubiquitous boston round bottles . . .
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Jun 6, 2008 at 1:12 pm #1229398
I'm talking about those bottles like this one: http://www.rei.com/product/605499
. . . and other sizes that have the same flip-top closure system.I've seen these all over various gear shops, even cottage manufacturers that sell them with alky-stoves, etc. They're everywhere.
Now, maybe I've missed something, but these don't seem to be waterproof or leak-resistant by any stretch. I have several sizes and I've been disappointed by their leakiness every time I've tried to use them for anything at all.
Are they not supposed to be leak-proof or something? Is there an easy way for me to make them that way? Maybe glue a rubber o-ring above the threads or something? I just don't know. Someone help me out, thanks.
Jun 6, 2008 at 1:29 pm #1436919I use the 1 oz version from REI for my alcohol hand sanitizer and Dr. Bronners soap. They've worked fine for several years, no leaks.
Jun 6, 2008 at 2:10 pm #1436926I agree w/u Ian. Over the years i've had more of those kind of bottles leak than anything else i've tried. Methinks horrible QA!
IMO, they're not worth the trouble it takes to seal them.
LMK what it is exactly that you need. I am quite sure that I can come up with a worthwhile suggestion.
Peace,
Richard.
Jun 6, 2008 at 2:52 pm #1436930I have sold many of these bottles, and have discovered that to seal properly the lid has to be screwed on tight (TIGHT). The fist time I used one I was also disappointed, but found that after making the closure good and snug I no longer had a leaking problem. I much prefer a PET bottle, even though the other is easier to squeeze. If you look on the site for Sunburst Bottle you find PET bottles with the flip top cap.
Jun 6, 2008 at 3:17 pm #1436938I add generic o-rings, found at most hardware stores.
It provides a water/alcohol/oil tight seal without effort.
It is held in place by the threads. No glue needed.Jun 6, 2008 at 3:43 pm #1436951I usually put the cap on tight and squeeze to see if air leaks out, only about 1 in ten pass this test. If it's fairly slow then it will probably be fine with anything thicker than water. For alcohol, it may leak a bit still, i try to carry it upright. The O-ring trick i will have to try.
Jun 6, 2008 at 3:51 pm #1436956My husband posted this project:
http://www.traildivas.com/diy/make-your-bottles-leak-resistant.htmlWorks like a charm.
Jun 6, 2008 at 3:59 pm #1436959Hi George.
Unfortunately i've also found that when these bottles are tightened the lids crack in due time. Sometimes at once.
I hope i'm not stepping on any toes. I know that folks trying to make a living need to sell these bottles (at least what they have inventoried) but I have to call them as I see them.
Peace,
Richard.
Jun 6, 2008 at 4:02 pm #1436961Yes, good ole Teflon tape. I'd forgotten your post in that re.
Still not worth it IMHO.
Peace,
Richard.
Jun 6, 2008 at 4:40 pm #1436972I buy these locally at a TAP plastics store here in Portland (Cheaper than REI). They come with a standard black cap without the flip up spout and they sell the flip up spout cap seperate. When hiking/traveling I put the black cap on and carry the spout cap in my diddy bag and swap them out when I get to camp. No problems with leaking with the black caps. TAP has a web site if you google it.
Jun 6, 2008 at 6:13 pm #1436989Good info speyguy, thx.
I do have a black capped bottle lying around somewhere. IIRC, the blk cap has a pliable translucent insert which effects a nice airtight seal.
Peace,
Richard.
Jun 6, 2008 at 7:01 pm #1436994No problems with mine at all. I've used these bottles for alcohol fuel. When traveling, I've also filled them with toothpaste, hair gel, etc. and again without any problems — even when flying.
Jun 6, 2008 at 10:31 pm #1437026Tohru reminded me that I did do the squeeze test before I bought mine.
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