rubber rings for canning?

[old fashioned]

DH brought me home a surprise he found at a garage sale. A big bag of canning rings, metal flat lids (both wide & reg) and a small 4pk of rubber rings.

Only one problem....I've never used the rubber rings before, don't have the first clue how and didn't even know they still made them.

Does anyone use them for canning or know how? If so, please share the process.

Also, they seem so thick....is it possible to reuse them again, if still in good shape?

Thanks for any info

 

[Wifezilla]

They have a high potential failure rate. I would use them for storing dry goods. That is what I use those old bale jars for.

 

[keljonma]

Here is a link that shows how the rubber rings are used. Like WZ, I only use them for dry storage, not canning.

http://www.foodinjars.com/2009/06/canning-in-vintage-jars/

 

[~gd]

DH brought me home a surprise he found at a garage sale. A big bag of canning rings, metal flat lids (both wide & reg) and a small 4pk of rubber rings.

Only one problem....I've never used the rubber rings before, don't have the first clue how and didn't even know they still made them.

Does anyone use them for canning or know how? If so, please share the process.

Also, they seem so thick....is it possible to reuse them again, if still in good shape?

Thanks for any info

First check the rings by flexing them, any cracks means they will not seal and the material used did not usually age well. I assume you know that you can only use them with the wired jars and the special glass lids so it is hard to tell if they sealed properly as there is no pop like the flat lids used with canning rings. If you move the jar wire to check the glass lids tend to shift Frankly I would NOT use them for preserving with 4 it isn't worth the risk. If you have the jars they will produce a airtight resealable container for storage of dry goods or for liquids that you are in or out of often. our pints and quarts all bit the dust as pickle jars. We still have 3 2 quart size that we use for dry pasta. beans, and homemade crackers, but I haven't seen a new rubber in years. ~gd

 

[old fashioned]

Wz, thanks for letting me know about the failure rates. I'll just keep using the flat metal lids & rings and maybe I'll just sell them at a garage sale whenever DH decides to set one up.

 

[old fashioned]

gd...I don't have those bale jars & don't plan on getting any anyway. The package of seals haven't been opened and the price is $3.99 for 4.....it sounds expensive even in todays market.

 

[freemotion]

It sounds like those rings might be for specialty jars, ones with bigger mouths....I can't imagine any other reason for that crazy price. I can get a dozen for that price at my local garden supply store or the Ace hardware store. I put up all my herbs and such in the old jars and they look wonderful in my cupboards. I also do some fermenting in them, or transfer fermented stuff into them from bigger containers. I love those old bale top jars...but not for canning.

 

[hoosier]

I haven't canned in the old glass lid/bale jars for years since the rings are so expensive. I never had trouble with failure to seal, though. I loved them as I like the way they look. I guess that is just one more way I am odd - or is it more pc to say 'unique'?

 

[Neko-chan]

Here, we have fowlers-vacola, that uses rubber seals. I bottled some spaghetti sauce in them, and they appear to have sealed quite well, but it's a long process and a pricey start up. I'm looking for cheaper methods now.

 

[Wifezilla]

I love the way those old bale jars look. buy them at thrift stores and garage sales when I find them. I use them to store spices.