Author Topic: Getting Lid Off Of Feeder Buckets (Read 7295 times)

Jen · « **on:** September 30, 2015, 06:14:21 pm »

I bought 3 of these feeder buckets from B&B Honey Farms. I really like them! But does anyone know of another way of getting the lids off without so much wear and tear on my fingers? Don't want to use screw driver type tools which will ruin the seal on the lid.

Riverrat · « **Reply #1 on:** September 30, 2015, 06:17:47 pm »

I hold my feeder jars under the faucet with the hottest water I can get for about a minute. It will loosen the sugar and soften the propolis where lid should come right off

Jen · « **Reply #2 on:** September 30, 2015, 06:44:29 pm »

Oh wait! I forgot the pics. That might help tho Rrat, it would warm up the plastic rim... Thanks!

apisbees · « **Reply #3 on:** September 30, 2015, 07:36:32 pm »

a pail opener you can find them at industreal suppy or fresarent supply stores.
http://www.webstaurantstore.com/8-1-2-pail-opener-aluminum/922POA8.html

Jen · « **Reply #4 on:** September 30, 2015, 11:16:51 pm »

I knew there was a tool. I worked in an assisted living facility for a couple of years and the people who worked in the kitchen had a tool to open those huge tubs. Thanks Apis.

I'll also wait for Riverbee's answer cause she uses these same buckets

apisbees · « **Reply #5 on:** October 01, 2015, 01:04:18 am »

And a rubber mallet for putting the lids on feeder or honey pails.

Jen · « **Reply #6 on:** October 01, 2015, 01:16:49 am »

Now see I was putting the bucket of syrup on the garage floor, and pushing the lid on until it snapped securely all the way around. I like the rubber mallet better

Retroguy · « **Reply #7 on:** October 01, 2015, 02:39:23 am »

If you put a 2 x 4 across the lid you can hit it in the middle with the rubber mallet and close the lid up in half the time. For a "cheap" bucket opener I got by for years just using a pair of channel-lock pliers. You have to figure out which "channel" works the best though.

lazy shooter · « **Reply #8 on:** October 01, 2015, 08:34:47 am »

I keep a rubber mallet at all of my locations, because when you are a bit mad, you can grab the rubber mallet and whip the hades out of something without breaking it.

rober · « **Reply #9 on:** October 01, 2015, 09:27:08 am »

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/bucket-opener

riverbee · « **Reply #10 on:** October 01, 2015, 10:45:22 am »

"I'll also wait for Riverbee's answer cause she uses these same buckets "

jen, bucket openers will not work on these. i use my hive tool to pry them open, just stick the wide end under the lip and push up, or pry with the other end, they usually pop right off. also, you don't need a mallet to put the lid on. when i fill these pails, i pop the lid on in the kitchen sink, and just push down on them, they snap on real easy, (and you can hear the lid being seated). i also double check that they are sealed by lifting the pail by the lid.

efmesch · « **Reply #11 on:** October 01, 2015, 11:16:55 am »

If you make a few vertical cuts in the outer rim of the lids, about 5 cm (2 ") apart, you'll find that they give the lid a flexibility that gives you a convenient starting point for prying it open. Only cut on the outside, otherwise you'll ruin the sealing ability of the lid.

riverbee · « **Reply #12 on:** October 01, 2015, 11:37:39 am »

ef, there is not much of an outer rim on these lids. i think jen will find she can pop them off quite easily with her hive tool, pops the whole lid off, and you don't have to pry all the way around.

iddee · « **Reply #13 on:** October 01, 2015, 11:56:37 am »

The feeder lids are different than the normal 5 gallon bucket lid. I think they are getting mixed in the above posts and need to be separated.

efmesch · « **Reply #14 on:** October 01, 2015, 12:13:10 pm »

Quote from: iddee on October 01, 2015, 11:56:37 am

The feeder lids are different than the normal 5 gallon bucket lid. I think they are getting mixed in the above posts and need to be separated.

You're right , Iddee--my error. Sorry.

iddee · « **Reply #15 on:** October 01, 2015, 12:23:08 pm »

No problem, Ef. You weren't the only one. A perfectly understandable mistake. I just thought we should get it on the right track.

Jen · « **Reply #16 on:** October 01, 2015, 01:34:43 pm »

Yes, that's the thing with these lids is that they are shallow with very little gripping room to pop them off. I'll use my hive tool as Riverbee suggested.

Thanks everyone

rober · « **Reply #17 on:** October 01, 2015, 02:21:40 pm »

doh! I did not take a good look at the photos. this one might work. you'd get a scraper too.
http://www.amazon.com/Hyde-Tools-3-Inch-Popper-Opener/dp/B000KKPFYG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1443723506&sr=8-5&keywords=bucket+opener+tool

riverbee · « **Reply #18 on:** October 02, 2015, 09:30:23 am »

lol, these are 1 gallon pails, and as jen said the lids have very shallow rims. rober that bucket opener won't work on these pails

Jen · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2015, 11:41:12 am »

Thanks everyone

I think the idea I like best is to put the bucket into the sink and let some hot water roll over the top and warm up the plastic rim. Then open it with my tool hive. I'll try that first. I think it will work easier on my fingers.

Good information here as well