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Camelbak Reservoir Lid Hard to Open After a Few Years

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geogecko

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
I've had a MULE for around 4 years now, and the last year or so, the lid on the reservoir has been almost impossible to remove when I need to fill it. I have been wondering if it is the o-ring around the lid that is maybe dried out, and needs to be lubed or something.

Anyone else had a similar issue, and what did you use to solve it, besides buying a new reservoir? Is there something specific that should be used for lube that is around a food grade container? I tried using some Crisco one time, but that didn't seem to help...
 
#2 ·
Contact Camelbak they have a new lid and sent me one no charge. I also figured out a little vegetable oil keeps it slick. I will never buy anything but Camelbak their customer service has been great. I have contacted them twice and they took care of me and followed up to make sure I was happy.
 
#3 ·
I just bought a new one and it's hard to open upon purchase. Just like the last one I owned which was hard to open as well. On my new one, I have even made efforts to not overtighten, but it's still difficult.

Personally, I think Camelbak has a small problem on this front. Great bladder otherwise.
 
#4 ·
Every once in awhile put a little mineral oil on the lid threads and the lid o-ring...baby mineral oil at any drug store. Vegetable oil probably works in similar fashion, but I think the mineral oil has a little more staying power...plus if you use enough mineral oil, it keeps you regular...LOL!
 
#9 ·
geogecko said:
Awesome tips guys, thanks. Will try some Royal Blood on it, LOL!

Now, where would one get food grade silicone lube?
Click to expand...
Keg Lube - available at brewer's supply houses all over. But I find it too thick, and use olive oil - lasts for a few months, then reapply. Longest part is getting out the bottle. Oh, and put the bite valve on before you lube the ring - your fingers will be too slippy to push the valve on, unless you wash them very well.
 
#10 ·
I've posted pics of this before, but I made a palm-sized board w/ two fairly large dowels coming out of one side. It's perfect for opening & closing the C-baks. I keep it near the water dispenser in my house.

I can close 'em as tight as I want & no leakage.

fp
 
#13 ·
I had the same problem, and it seemed to keep getting worse over time. One day I was cranking on the lid, trying to get it open, and all of the sudden it broke free. Actually... what had broken was the small black piece of plastic that attaches the lid to the dangly plastic thing. Not a very good description but... if you open the lid, it hangs by that black plastic ring. The ring goes over the bladder opening. The small hinge broke free. So..... what was actually turning hard wasn't the cover but that black retainer ring. Once that was out of the picture, the cover would turn on/off much easier. Yeah you loose the convenience of having the lid hanging there while you fill it, but for me the trade off was worth it.

:thumbsup:
 
#14 ·
Hahaha :D As has been said I found it difficult from the get go and when I hurt my thumbs it's even worse, thanks for the veg oil tip :thumbsup: I just injured my thumb again, so any help would be nice.
 
#15 ·
if you have mineral oil i would use that over vegetable oil since vegetable oil can get rancid- i'm thinking if you just use a little you should be good though.
 
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Discussion starter · #16 ·
I think I will try some baby mineral oil, got some of that around.

I removed the black retainer ring like the 3rd time I used the thing. It just made it too hard to open and close. I have a spare bladder coming in a few days, so I'll see how the new one behaves.

Seems like a good thread. I wasn't sure I'd get this many responses. Hopefully others will benefit.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
Okay, so I put quite a bit of baby oil on the o-ring, and put the lid back on yesterday. Today, I go to fill it up, and the freaking thing is just as hard to get off as it was before.

Do the threads of the lid and bag need to be coated too? Or just the o-ring?
 
#20 ·
I thought I was the only one that had this problem!
I must be nucking futs!
now that we are on the subject.....How do you clean your bladder line?
I took a wire coat hanger and bent the end over about a 1/2 " and clamped a piece of cloth in there and use that for a reamer! That seems to work.
I disconnect the line and pull the bite valve off and ream away! :eekster:
Quite a difference in water taste after that exercise.
How bout the bladder itself?
any suggested treatment for the 100ml bladder for cleansing?
damn....it's raining! :skep:
 
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geogecko
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