Michigan State University Extension
Preserving Food Safely - 01600735
10/13/97

### CANNING EQUIPMENT-PROBLEMS

        Sometimes,  a  lid on the pressure canner  will  become

    "stuck"
     if  the  lid is not removed when the  pressure  has

    reached
    zero.   NEVER try to hurry the cooling of any canner

    or
    force it open by pouring cold water over it.   This shock

    treatment
     could cause the seals to loosen,  the  liquid  to

    siphon
    off,  or the jars to break.  Reheating the canner and

    letting
    it return once again to zero pressure should release

    the
    vacuum.

        Other methods that are recommended:

         Using  a  rubber mallet,   gently tap around the  rim.

    Then,
     exert equal downward pressure when turning the cover.

    Never
    use a regular hammer.   If the canner lid is  stubborn

    due
    to a sticky   sealing  ring,  it's time to  replace  the

    gasket.
     Rings are prelubricated  before packaging  and only

    need
     oiling occasionally.  Oiling the gasket too frequently

    can
     cause  swelling,  rapid  deterioration,  and  even more

    problems.

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