Why use different corks with different corkers?

[Charlietuna]

I've read multiple posts now about only using #9 corks with a floor corker & use #8 with a double lever hand corker.

I've just bottled 2 batches ~ 50 bottles with 9 X 1 3/4 corks with my new double levered hand corker with absolutely no issues. Mostly because that's the corks that the both wines shops I went to had.

My process was: a container with sulfite & water, threw the corks I needed in there, grabed one & shook the water off, then placed it in the corker & pressed it in. Left the bottles upright for 1-2 days & then placed them on their side. No issues so far. It counter sinks all corks evenly at about 1/8 inch.


Why are there concerns?

Thanks,

Brian

 

[ibglowin]

Some people have reported that they just could not get the #9's inserted fully with a hand corker.

 

[cpfan]

Some people have reported that they just could not get the #8's inserted fully with a hand corker.

I suspect that Mike meant #9s not fully inserted with a hand corker.

I used to run a store in BC Canada. According to the suppliers that I dealt with, some #9s are 23mm across, others are 24mm across. Yes, ONE silly mm difference. However, customers with hand corkers reported a lot of problems with the 24mm corks, not so much with the 23mm corks. Many hand corker customers would only buy #8 corks (22mm, I believe). None of these corks were a problem with a floor corker.

The store had a compressed air driven corker that used a sleeve similar to the channel in many hand corkers. It struggled with the 24mm corks as well.

Steve

 

[Tom]

Yep, Steve is right.

 

[ibglowin]

Yep, my bad. Now correct!

 

[Charlietuna]

Thanks for clearing that up. I'll make sure I check the mm on the corks now.

Brian

 

[cpfan]

Thanks for clearing that up. I'll make sure I check the mm on the corks now.

Sorry Charlie, but very few packages of corks that I have seen list the size in mm. Usually #9 x 1.75". A good retailer may know the difference. When I ran the store, not all suppliers listed the mm either.

Steve

 

[Charlietuna]

Just received my order from midwest & I had purchased #9's. And, your right, no mm indication on the bag. They are LD Carlson's & this is what I've used before with no issues. I'll just continue buying them.

Thanks,

Brian