Ok to use damaged bottle?
August 3, 2010 6:31 AM Subscribe
I am emotionally attached to an old Sigg aluminum drinking water bottle (ie, I've had it for many years). But now it's badly dented. Is it still safe to use? The metal is unbroken, but I'm concerned that any kind of coating on the inside may be cracked/compromised. Any advice please from water bottle gurus.
Best answer: Divorcing yourself from physical attachments can also be a rewarding emotional experience.
If that doesn't work, you can always distract yourself by denting up your new, BPA-free bottle (swapped with your old one for free, if you still want a Sigg), preferably in the midst of fun, memorable activities.
posted by thejoshu at 7:01 AM on August 3, 2010
If that doesn't work, you can always distract yourself by denting up your new, BPA-free bottle (swapped with your old one for free, if you still want a Sigg), preferably in the midst of fun, memorable activities.
posted by thejoshu at 7:01 AM on August 3, 2010
In my pathbuilding days, I worked with folks who took great pride in their dinged-up Siggs from rockfalls and Transit Van-related injuries. One chap had one that was basically banana-shaped. All these people are still alive.
posted by scruss at 7:10 AM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by scruss at 7:10 AM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
I got a new one at Christmas and I still have a stupid mental block using it because I don't want it to get dented like the old one, so I use the old one instead, more. I should probably stop that and just start using the new one. Every time it slams into the car frame or a counter or something I cringe though.
I can't think what I would possible repurpose the old Sigg for though.
posted by allkindsoftime at 7:34 AM on August 3, 2010
I can't think what I would possible repurpose the old Sigg for though.
posted by allkindsoftime at 7:34 AM on August 3, 2010
A friend of mine used to sell Siggs. He would give away the ones that were dented (really, just little dings) because he couldn't sell them that way, but they were perfectly safe. I'd be more worried about the BPA coating in the old bottles than the dents.
posted by pised at 7:45 AM on August 3, 2010
posted by pised at 7:45 AM on August 3, 2010
There are concerns that aluminum leaches into the water, so I would not say they are safe.
The BPA coating that is used, in the same way that BPA is used in aluminum cans for softdrinks (and I guess beer), serves the purpose of keeping the aluminum from contaminating the water.
So I'd suggest a stainless steel bottle (e.g. Klean Kanteen), those appears to be the safest.
posted by TheyCallItPeace at 8:15 AM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
The BPA coating that is used, in the same way that BPA is used in aluminum cans for softdrinks (and I guess beer), serves the purpose of keeping the aluminum from contaminating the water.
So I'd suggest a stainless steel bottle (e.g. Klean Kanteen), those appears to be the safest.
posted by TheyCallItPeace at 8:15 AM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
One chap had one that was basically banana-shaped. All these people are still alive.
Is he still a chap though?
BPA is an endocrine disruptor. It's not immediately toxic. It screws with hormone regulation, behaving like a shot of estrogen. Obesity, thyroid problems and certain cancers have been linked to BPA exposure. Problems might not turn up until later in life.
There are concerns that aluminum leaches into the water, so I would not say they are safe.
This is isn't something to worry about. Leachate from bare aluminum by normal water is essentially zero, and we get moderately high levels of dissolved aluminum from natural water sources anyway. Aluminum is the most common metal on the earth's crust. Our bodies are very capable of handling moderate amounts of aluminum salts in our water and food.
Personally, I use stainless bottles, like the Kleen Kanteen types.
posted by bonehead at 9:02 AM on August 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
Is he still a chap though?
BPA is an endocrine disruptor. It's not immediately toxic. It screws with hormone regulation, behaving like a shot of estrogen. Obesity, thyroid problems and certain cancers have been linked to BPA exposure. Problems might not turn up until later in life.
There are concerns that aluminum leaches into the water, so I would not say they are safe.
This is isn't something to worry about. Leachate from bare aluminum by normal water is essentially zero, and we get moderately high levels of dissolved aluminum from natural water sources anyway. Aluminum is the most common metal on the earth's crust. Our bodies are very capable of handling moderate amounts of aluminum salts in our water and food.
Personally, I use stainless bottles, like the Kleen Kanteen types.
posted by bonehead at 9:02 AM on August 3, 2010 [3 favorites]
The "swap out" was last year with Sigg, I don't believe they are still doing it. FWIW I have a 1L that is dented and I still use it. I have the newer liner. Sigg states your bottle is safe to use.
When in doubt, recycle it and get a new one. Sigg does have a sale.
posted by 6:1 at 9:23 AM on August 3, 2010
When in doubt, recycle it and get a new one. Sigg does have a sale.
posted by 6:1 at 9:23 AM on August 3, 2010
Fill it with water by submersion, then freezing, repeat until the dents are gone,
posted by hortense at 11:51 AM on August 3, 2010
posted by hortense at 11:51 AM on August 3, 2010
Use it as a vase for a single, long-stemmed flower.
In my experience, if a Sigg bottle even hears the word "dent," it will dent.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:20 PM on August 3, 2010
In my experience, if a Sigg bottle even hears the word "dent," it will dent.
posted by BostonTerrier at 12:20 PM on August 3, 2010
Best answer: From Sigg's official FAQ:
Can dents in the bottle damage the inner coating?
No, the inner coating is highly elastic. Dents cannot crack the coating and the SIGG bottle remains perfectly usable.
posted by lioness at 6:37 PM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
Can dents in the bottle damage the inner coating?
No, the inner coating is highly elastic. Dents cannot crack the coating and the SIGG bottle remains perfectly usable.
posted by lioness at 6:37 PM on August 3, 2010 [1 favorite]
This thread is closed to new comments.
Personally I'd ditch it. There are lots of pretty bottles out there that aren't coated with female hormones.
posted by alms at 6:38 AM on August 3, 2010