How Long do the Tattler Re-Usable Canning Lids Last

JLMissouri · #1 10/31/14, 10:27 AM

I am slowly switching over to Tattler re-usable canning lids. While expensive they will be worth it if the rubber seal seal bands last long enough. Since I have only used them for this year I have no idea on longevity. I know the lids themselves will last for a very long time, the wear point is the rubber seal. Since they have been around since the 70's somebody might have a lot of experience with them. I searched the internet to no avail, and my curiosity is getting to me.

fffarmergirl · #2 10/31/14, 11:24 AM

The rubber seals do wear out over time - I think someone said 20 uses but if you don't handle them right they'll wear out faster. Ours got stretched very easily when we tried to hand wash them. Now we put them in one of those little plastic net things in the dishwasher and we haven't had any wear out in over a year.

Ohio dreamer · #3 10/31/14, 07:40 PM

My rubber rings are lasting well, now. I did have problems with them stretching out at first.....but then I realized my then 9 yr old (she's 12 now) was stretching them like a rubber band when doing dishes

. I do have some of the ones from the 70's, I got them "new" but 30 yrs old, lol. I have had to replace one of those rings, after about 7 uses.....BUT....all my others from the 70's are still going. Every time I order lids, I order extra rings too....so I have them when I need them.

JLMissouri · #4 11/03/14, 08:18 AM

That sounds pretty good, I would like to get them to last long enough to be cheaper than the metal lids. Sounds like it is possible.

Post Carbon · #5 11/04/14, 01:04 AM

I have Tattler and figured if I use the lid 3 times, I've paid for the lid, and any more uses is gravy. This year, I've used up almost every Tattler I own.

I also judiciously use regular lids depending on the food inside. I've found that canning chicken soup or stock with Tattlers is often a fail--I think some of the fat gets under the ring and it just won't seal. I might also use a regular lid on something that I can't re-process without significant loss of texture. It depends on how long I have to let it sit in the canner. So like canned spiced halved pears--I don't want to re-process those or I'll get mush. I had several Tattler fail on that batch, and so now have about 4 quarts in my frig taking up space.

PCP

MullersLaneFarm · #6 11/04/14, 08:55 AM

I've used & reused Tattler lids for 4 (maybe 5) years. I bought extra lids when I first purchased them and they haven't been used.

I bought 200 of the new Tattlers this year. They are suppose to be used like metal lids (no tightening when removed from canner)

I still use metal flats (buy them in bulk) because a good amount of my canned goods goes to my grown children & I have a hard enough time getting the jars back from them!!!

suitcase_sally · #7 11/05/14, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MullersLaneFarm

I bought 200 of the new Tattlers this year. They are suppose to be used like metal lids (no tightening when removed from canner)

How are the new lids different? I stopped using my Tattlers because of failures. Also, the rubbers got stretched on about 20% of them and the replacements are just as expensive as Ball lids.

Wendy · #8 11/05/14, 08:04 AM

The new Tattlers are self venting. You can tighten them down like throw away lids when you put them in the canner. No leaving the ring loose & tightening when you take them out. I don't have any of the new ones yet.

MullersLaneFarm · #9 11/05/14, 08:25 PM

Sally, I just got them in late last week & haven't tried them yet.

I'm surprised you had such problems with the old ones.
To clean my rubbers, I soak them over night (fully immersed, no air) then rinse them.

I don't heat the rubbers (or metal flats), haven't for a few years) but they have been rinsed & are wet when I use them.

I'll report back when I use the new lids

suitcase_sally · #10 11/06/14, 01:58 PM

I'm thinking of getting some of the 4ever caps, as they use silicone instead of rubber seals. I can't stand the smell of rubbers.

JLMissouri · #11 11/09/14, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by suitcase_sally

I'm thinking of getting some of the 4ever caps, as they use silicone instead of rubber seals. I can't stand the smell of rubbers.

I wasn't aware of these, but after you mentioned them I looked up the company. I will buy some of these as well and give them a try. They are cheaper than Tattlers as well.

Too bad neither company makes a glass lid instead of plastic. It would be one more step up.

Wendy · #12 11/09/14, 10:33 PM

If you buy the 4ever recap lids, DO NOT get the silicone rings for canning. They had major problems with them coming unsealed. Every one that I used came unsealed with the silicone ring. They now offer nitrile rings for canning instead of silicone.

MullersLaneFarm · #13 11/10/14, 07:15 PM

What Wendy mentioned. 4ever recap had major problems with the silicone rings.

Wendy, have you tried the nitrile rings?

Wendy · #14 11/10/14, 10:00 PM

I am a little scared to use them after the seal failures with the silicone gaskets. I am going to try them this spring when I can milk. That way it won't be much of a loss if they do come unsealed. I have been using my Tattler lids & have had good luck with them.

DW · #15 11/10/14, 10:16 PM

I haven't used these but I noticed ACE Hardware carries them. Ace will have 50% coupons soon if you want to get some cheaper.