Old Canning Lids?

[jomoncon]

Recently, someone gave me a several boxes of old canning jars that she had for years and no longer used. Along with the jars, were about 4 boxes of old Ball canning lids. These are so old that the price sticker said 59 cents!! I was wondering if you think these are still good. I'd hate to use them & ruin a batch of whatever I'm canning - mostly jams.

What do you all think?

 

[CuteTxChicks]

Try a couple and check the seals... Unless the rubber has deteriorated, you should be ok.

 

[mickey328]

As long as they haven't been used, they "should" be okay. I'd try one first...put it in hot water, then throw something in a jar and process it. You can test the seal when it's done...if it works, great! If not, you can always eat the stuff right away. I have a bunch that I got years ago and have been dragging around with me. They've been stored in storage, the garage, the cupboard, you name it. They worked just fine!

 

[Bogtown Chick]

I must admit I reuse gently used lids. And knock on wood, I am successful with almost all my canning projects. If there is even a waiver in the seal or a slight warp or bend forget it, obviously. I would also check the integrity of the rubbery part of the lid. Does it look like it's so old its getting dry rotted look? Or does it look like they are still pliable enough to seal. I guess that's what I would look for.

My mother-in-law would be mortified I'm giving you this advice.

She says get new lids everytime. I'm just cheap sometimes and a risk taker. Ha!

 

[mickey328]

I might do that with high acid foods, but I'm too askeered to try it in the pressure canner, LOL Lids are always an issue for me...seems I always run out about the same time the stores do. Lehman's sells them in bulk for what would work out for me (at the local prices) to about 50% off and I've been considering ordering a sleeve of each size. I've also been mulling over the idea of investing in the reusable lids. The issue there would be that I end up giving a lot of my canned goods away, and the jars/lids don't always come back to me. If that's the case, I'd prefer a 25 cent lid be lost than a 50 or 75 cent lid.

 

[Happy Chooks]

I always use new lids on my canning - but I do keep the old ones for a few reasons:

1. If something happens and I have no way to get new lids, I'd reuse them if I had to. (for high acid stuff only)
2. For leftovers from jams that aren't enough to fill a jar - put an old lid on and stick it in the fridge for immediate use.
3. For other things I want to make - like vanilla extract. I'm not sealing it, so no harm using an old lid.
4. I have bees - Honey doesn't need to be sealed as it never spoils, just closed to help prevent it from crystallizing.

 

[just me]

I would just put one on a jar of hot water to check it out. That way, if it's no good, you've only lost some water!!

 

[wyoDreamer]

I like to put the used lid and ring back on the jar when I put it empty on the shelf. That way I don't have spiders, moths and such in my canning jars wehn I go to can the next year. Also, I know I have the rings handy next time I can.

Funny: My neighbor postponed her canning for a day so she could go to town and buy two boxes of rings because she had jars and lids but no rings. I asked her why she didn't just take the rings off the jars that were already sealed and use those? She looked at me like I sprouted a second head. I'm not sure if she was astounded by my brilliance, or taken aback that I would actually put something on the shelf without the ring on to hold the lid in place?

I use new lids whenever I can, but used lids are great for craft projects for kids to keep them busy while you are canning. At least it worked that way for my mom when I was a kid!

 

[clucksbc]

finding older canning lids is a real bonus...
i have found...the rubber is way better and can be used..several times...
the only problem may be if they are so old..and have permenantly stucked together...
good score