FermZilla - How to Open a Stuck Lid or Collar

Ever had issues getting the lid or collar off your FermZilla? It's a common problem that we've had first hand experience with ourselves. Read on for some useful tips on how to get the lid or collar off your FermZilla if it becomes stuck.

Introduction

The FermZilla is a pressure-capable fermentation vessel and one of the common problems users seem to face is not being able to get the round lid off. There is a small rubber ring seal around the lid, and when combined with some lubricant it creates an air tight seal which is required for pressure fermenting, but means there's often a reasonable amount of force required to remove it. 

Be careful not to overtighten the lid collar on the FermZilla

The other part of the problem is the lid only has a pressure release valve (PRV) and carbonation caps on it, so nowhere to really get a good firm grip in order to exert the force required to remove the lid.

Methods to Remove a Stuck FermZilla Lid

1. Use Gas Pressure

• Loosen the collar above the lid 

• Connect a CO2 line to the gas post of the FermZilla

• Turn on the CO2 gas in order to pressurise the vessel and pop the lid off. 

Using CO2 gas pressure is a good, but slightly dangerous method to remove a stuck FermZilla lid

Warning: This works, but can be a bit dangerous - if the collar isn't fully secured, the lid and collar could fly upwards and potentially cause injury. There also a small amount of CO2 gas wasted.

2. Pry Open with Tap Spanner

This is our go to method that we've used more times than we could count.

• Loosen the collar above the lid, then 

• Insert a tap spanner underneath one of the carbonation caps

• Press down on the end of the tap spanner to lift the carbonation cap (and lid assembly) in an upwards direction (refer to arrows in the diagram below)

Use a tap spanner to 'pry' a stuck lid off the Fermzilla

Warning: One thing we've noticed over a period of time is that prying the lid off using this method can cause the underside of the carbonation cap to not seal correctly and leak pressure. The solution to this is simple though - exert some force directly back down on the carbonation cap (this is easier to do with a quick disconnect attached to it), or turn the post clockwise to retighten it.

FermZilla Collar Stuck

Another common issue FermZilla users encounter is not being able to unscrew the lid collar - which is required before being able to remove the lid itself. Here's a couple of things you can try if the FermZilla collar becomes stuck.

Depressurise

If there's any pressure inside, it will push the lid upwards and make it virtually impossible to unscrew the collar. Bleed all pressure within the FermZilla by pulling the pressure relief valve (PRV).

Oil Filter Removal Tool

A tool like this can help you remove a stuck lid collar

KegLand sells a rubber ratchet strap style tool that can be secured around the collar to help you exert the required force to unscrew it. The non-stick rubber makes sure it doesn't slip.

Conclusion

There's no underestimating the frustration level of not being able to open the lid of your FermZilla. Both methods outlined above have worked well for us when we've encountered this problem, so we hope you will find it beneficial as well.

With regards to the collar becoming stuck - prevention is definitely better than cure in this case, so it's best to be careful not to overtighten the collar when securing it in place to make sure it isn't impossible to get undone.

Related Articles