How Do I Remove a Glass Stopper From a Bottle?
Often, the bottom of a glass stopper and the opening of the bottle are tapered to allow the stopper to fit securely in the opening. Yet, in certain instances, the stopper can become stuck and seem impossible to remove without breaking the stopper off inside the neck of the bottle. Fortunately, with the right tools and a bit of perseverance, you can successfully remove the glass stopper from the bottle without mishap. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 1/8-inch diamond drill bit
- Drill press
- Modeling clay
- Water
- Epoxy glue
- Small nail with head
- Pliers
- Small hammer
- Safety glasses
Instructions
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Insert a 1/8-inch diamond drill bit into a drill press. Place a bit of modeling clay on the platform of the drill press to hold the bottle in place. Form a layer of clay around the inside of the bottle neck, leaving a hole in the middle for the broken stopper. Press the bottom of the bottle into the clay.
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Pour enough water into the top of the bottle to keep the glass stopper underwater while you drill. This will help keep the drill from overheating as it burrows through the glass and creates friction.
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Put on safety glasses or other eye protection. Drill down into the glass stopper approximately 3/16 of an inch. Empty the water from the top of the bottle and dry the area. Apply a small amount of epoxy glue into the drilled hole, and stick the pointed end of a small nail, with a head, into the hole. Allow to cure overnight.
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Grip the area directly under the nail head with a pair of pliers. Tap upward lightly on the nail head with a small hammer, while holding the nail with the pliers. After several gentle taps, the stopper should come loose from the bottle opening.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't pour any more water in the top of the bottle opening than is necessary to cover the part of the drill bit that will come into contact with the glass. Never let any other part of the drill come into contact with the water.
