Carboy Rescue

[dropkickpat]

I have managed to get a 5 gallon glass carboy stuck in a 8 gallon plastic bucket. Any ideas on how to rescue one of the two items? I would prefer to save the carboy, but I am getting desperate for either. I have tried using soap to help the carboy slide out, but no luck. I even used a hammer on the bottom of the plastic bucket, but no luck. Any thoughts?
Thanks

[kace069]

Well I can't guarantee this is going to work but.

How about putting it outside for a while and let the whole thing heat up real good in the sun. Maybe the bucket will have a little more give to it.

Get a carboy handle for the carboy so you can get a better grip on it to pull it out?

Maybe some cooking spray?


I'm just shooting in the dark here. I'm guessing that you were storing the carboy in the bucket?

[seanhagerty]

Why can't you just ferment in the carboy like it is?? Seems the bucket would provide a great protector for the carboy.

If you have something long and thin, slide it down the side of the carboy, inside the bucket you may be able to break the suction.


This is an option of last resort.

If you drill a hole in the bottom of the bucket it should break the suction. Be VERY careful to not hit the bottom of the glass with the drill bit.

Sean

[dan.lamb]

KY?

[Biff]

Along the lines of kace069's idea.....

Put the combo out in the (very hot) sun for awhile (hours).

Then get some ice water (cold as you can get it) and pour it into the carboy. Glass actually contracts when cold. This may do it.

Then quickly after pouring the water in, get something thin and shove it between the carboy and bucket. This will allow a break in any vacuum that's formed. The best thing I can think of off the bat would be like a coat hanger (not good for the bucket), or mabye a hacksaw blade wrapped in a very thin towel.

Hope you get it...

[Mylo]

I would not try to force it out or try anything with thermal expansion or contraction. that's a good way to break that glass for good.

I would just leave it in the sun for a few months. The UV will eventually break down the plastic of thee bucket and the whole thing will crack away very easily. Good luck.


Mylo

[Dirk McLargeHuge]

I think I would sacrifice the bucket and slice it down the side. All the other solutions are going to scratch and ruin the bucket anyway. . .

[katzke]

I think I would sacrifice the bucket and slice it down the side. All the other solutions are going to scratch and ruin the bucket anyway. . .

You drill a hole and you can still put a spigot in it. Not ruined that way.