Introduction: Up & Zu Bottle Opener Modification
Recently I lost my treasured Mono Design UP & ZU bottle opener
(photo with the black background). I have found this opener to be fantastic at
opening crown caps in a way which does not damage the cap.
No bending of the cap, dimpling, or damage.
The Mono design group also points to an advantage of being able to
re-cap the bottle (pushing it back on with the heel of your palm).
This is a wonderful crown cap opener design which I am surprised
is not found copied everywhere. For the Breweriana collector (there
are such people) it is of value. Also if you are looking at making projects
using undamaged bottle caps for other projects this is a good way to
get them.
Step 1: First You Take a Bottle Opener
Using a flat bottle opener obtained a part of some brewery swag
or purchased. Mark out the modified opening with a quarter (Canadian
or American or even an overturned crown cap as long as the opening
is tight to the point just below the sealed crown cap around 25 to 27 mm).
I have been looking for years for a 27mm bicycle cone wrench which could
also work.
You want a keyhole shape once you mark it off you using files, drill bits,
or a Dremel. Remove the metal until you have something which look
like the pictures in the following step
Step 2: Determining When to Stop
This is about the point you want to start thinking about
calling it a day and trying it on a bottle.
It will at this point work as an opener, unfortunately
it tends to pop off but the top of the crown cap is not
marred.
Step 3: Using on a Bottle
The sides of the opening push down on the flange on the
bottle and pushed up on the bottom of the cap.
WARNING do not use on a twist off cap especially a
long neck bottle as sometimes they will pop the bottle
not the cap. Using the other end - the pry works well
The flat opener ends up being a little thinner than
the Mono UP & ZU opener, but it works well.
If I have a chance for an original UP & ZU opener
from Mono Design I will buy it. But this will do until
then.
