I haven't posted for a little while but was wondering if anyone else has a problem with these 'new' bottle tops that remain attached to the bottle? I enjoy a particular brand of sparkling water and they now have these tops. My arthritic hands at the best of times would struggle to open a screw top bottle, so I have an array of gadgets and gizmos which up until now have done the job, but it seems these new tops are in another league and are so tight they just don't budge and this makes my hands so sore, even operating the gadgets and sometimes I give up. I do tend to try and buy bottles that have a flip lid which can easily be pulled up but why should we be limited in our choice just because it has been made difficult and we can't open something. I have had problems with a certain stores smoothie drinks too, as their 'bottle tops are no just any old bottle tops...they're Make &'s Sore bottle tops' and have recently ended up spilling the smoothie on me or the top retains some of the smoothie in the lid, splattering onto my clothes. Does anyone else with RA, OA or any other conditions that affect their hands struggle with these bottle tops and how do you manage? Warm Wishes.
Bottle Tops: I haven't posted for a little while but... - NRAS
Bottle Tops
I know exactly what you mean. Normally I fill a filter jug with tap water, keep it in the fridge and use that in the house or to fill a reusable bottle when I want to go out but I also have some small bottles of water that I use.
The ones I use have what is called a ‘click clack’ top in that you flip if open then click it back and it goes right out of the way. Other bottles are strange and the tops don’t flip out of the way which makes it difficult to drink from. My husband absolutely hates those bottles, even the ones I like.
Could you maybe unscrew the whole top and remove it from the bottle altogether? That might let you pour the contents into something you could manage better. That might be tricky though with arthritic hands.
I can’t understand why these new style tops have suddenly come appeared on the market. I find so many products nowadays are very difficult to get into.
I'd heard that it's to ensure the tops are recycled along with the bottle. Apparently people tend to recycle the bottle but throw the top away.
That's interesting to know.
The really stupid thing about this is that the tops and bottles are made of different plastics and the tops are not recyclable. Which means they have to be separated anyway or the whole caboosh is dumped.
I can't see them lasting.
I get a scissors to snip them apart.
Can't help with the tightness.
Thanks Madlegs, I've heard so much about recycling of late that has not been positive it does make you wonder. Scissors is a good thing once you've got the lid off. Best Wishes.
Gosh, I didn't know that. I thought it was because it could all be recycled. I get that it affects wildlife so it's a good thing to make sure it all stays together, but to make it with materials that aren't all recyclable is absolutely mindboggling!
I totally get the frustration with opening them. My sJIA doesn't affect my hands but it does affect my dexterity and strength, due to my dodgy elbows and shoulders, and so opening cans and bottles can be problematic.
Given there is so much being done with global warming why aren't things being done about plastics and such? It's a crazy world.
Thanks for you the information Madlegs1 xx
I am sure you’ve wrong here. They’re attached precisely because they are recyclable and, also, are recyclable together.
But that is no excuse though for a whole industry to regard their entire user base as being morons who need to be protected from themselves, while myopically ignoring the many users, such as @Pippy25 who physically struggle with the perishing little things.
A cheaper solution for the industry would have been to print “recycle this screw cap along with the carton when you’re finished “.
But aren't alot of bottle tops made of a plastic that can't be recycled. Coca-Cola is aprently one of the worst for plastic pollution. Certainly how easy a bottle is to open should be considered . Though with the added chemicals in most of the drinks people buy, it's probably best if they can't be opened by anyone lol
I don't know about recycling tops, tbh. Just saying what I'd heard. Thankfully I only drink bottled still water, no other bottled drinks😊And even then I only buy it if I get thirsty while I'm out.
We used to buy bottled "spring water", I was never happy about the plastic bottles. Nothing to do with what we are told about the environment more that the plastic effects the water. Looking into the quality of what they called spring water was enough for us to stop buying it.What we've used for a over a year now is Shanghai stones that naturally filter water in glass jars . Just boil it for 10 minutes every 6 weeks ( ish) it takes all the muck out of tap water. Far more effective and hygienic than the filter jugs, and cheaper as well.
Thanks Fruitandnutcasse I normally refill or have a special container for non sparkling water which I fill from the tap also, but enjoy the odd bottle of sparkling water as yet haven't found a problem till these lids came along. It's more the unscrewing bit as they are so tight to release and may be I need to look around for another gadget that can cope with tackling grip of the lid. I agree there are so many things out there that can be a challenge to open or get into. Best Wishes.
Yes they're a pain and I haven't found a way to deal with it yet. It's also annoying trying to drink from one as the top keeps catching on my face .
If you can get it so it's hanging by one thread, twist it around so it's facing down against the side of the bottle - hope that makes sense. The slight spring in the plastic should force it to stay against the bottle and away from your face. But I do hate them.
I can’t say that I have found them any tighter than the old lids and my gadgets can open them the same.
May I ask what gadget you have? As I can look into one that may be more effective for me. Thanks
Hi yes they are everywhere now a nuisance,
I also struggle once I have got into them to put the lid back on properly, which is frustrating. The top ends up perched at a strange angle on top. 😀
Me too
Yeh me too and brings on the pain
It certainly does. Best Wishes
No they’re not for ease to put on, it’s for recycling so the lid stays with the bottle
yes, very annoying. I either can’t get the top back on properly or I spill it everywhere!
Yes I have got to the stage where I am becoming an expert in stain removal on clothing these days and not just with bottle tops. All the best.
it is part of a new European law that came into force in July this year. Although Britain is not part of Europe anymore, it would be difficult for these international companies, to make removable lids, even though it’s perfectly legal in the U.K. Heres an article in the independent that explains it.
independent.co.uk/life-styl...
Thanks for this interesting article. I don't have an issue about them if they are claiming they are better for the environment, that the old tops were potentially entering the food chain or harming wildlife. If they could just sort out the level of tightness so that ok they don't drop off but are not so difficult for people to open and replace the lid once open. Best wishes.
I put a couple of pieces of kitchen roll over them to open them or a tea towel.
Thanks NK, it's quite a challenge these days with tops and lids and despite having things to help some including these bottle tops can be stubborn. Take care x
Agree. 😑 It makes your skin sore between thumb and finger twisting them if they’re stubborn. I’ve noticed too, that plastic tops of juice and milk cartons have less to get hold of. Not as much depth in the plastic top. Cutting back on materials I think! Hope you’re keeping well and steady. 🩷x
I always ask someone to crack it open for me. Even in a petrol station or corner shop! Easier to manage if screw it off completely but by and large I take my own water in a small glass bottle with standard metal screw top whenever I can. I keep water in glass bottle in fridge for home.
Thanks Madmusiclover, lots of good ideas there. As this was sparkling (carbonated) water I had bought 8 bottles in my online shop and I live on my own it wasn't possible to ask anyone to open it for me. Up until now the lids haven't been a problem and my gadgets have managed to unscrew them, but these lids are so tight they wont budge and when they do I get splattered. Best Wishes.
Me too, I’ll ask anyone 😂
I started to attempt to open those bottles with a serrated bread knife sawing through the top. My poor hubby now has the challenge as he freaked out seeing me. I find most packaging challenging now.
I do but my hubby loosens them for me. I don’t find any gadgets help as you still have to grip them. If I can stab lids with a knife I do .
luckily for me, Pepsi haven’t started using them yet. My hand really struggle and I hurt myself trying to rip them off
I use this plus a grip sheet to hold the bottle, I used to open any bottles including bleach bottles with my teeth because I physically couldn't open them, I know it's shocking so I don't need to be told, this plus the grip sheet has helped me a lot so no more needing to use my teeth for anything. You can get these from your OT, pretty sure it Dycem that do thr grip sheets but I got both from my OT.
Thanks for the picture, I will look into this. I've got the grip sheets and put it around the bottom of the bottle but the gadgets I already have plus my grip isn't good. Take care x
Oh yes!!! I’m finding them awful to open and like you, my spring water bottles leave my hands so sore! I sometimes cut them off in retaliation!!! 😱😱😱
While it's no consolation to know you too suffer it makes me feel like I'm not the only one who literally finds them a pain. All the best x
I’ve done this too, sticking the scissors into the bottle .. not sensible, but when you’re thirsty and frusyrated!! 🤪😝
Metal straw with a point with a try
I’ve got some very sharp printmaking and art implements that I possibly shouldn’t admit fo owning that might do a similar job!!
I keep a clean pair of slip joint pliers in my kitchen and car. They work great for opening stubborn bottles
I have various sizes of pliers too - mini ones for eye drop minims most used.
And I was contemplating attacking a bleach bottle with a cordless drill till I got a neighbour to help!
😝
Yes bottle tops bane of my life I put boiling water in a cup & hold the top part of the bottle in the water, it helps to expand and soften it. With smoothies I use a sharp knife to cut the plastic bits holding the tops together.
Otherwise I have to ask OH, carer whomever is around to open them. All part of life's rich (annoying) tapestry.
Can t open any bottle at all ,it's very frustrating as my hands are twisted with this horrible Arthritis ,I have to rely on my hubby but if there is a gadget to do this please let me know ,Thanks 😏
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