Have I damaged my Kool Tie?

August 25, 2013 5:34 PM

I recently purchased a Kool Tie from REI. Before reading the instructions, I dunked the Kool Tie in water and froze it. Unfortunately, I assumed it was meant to be frozen before use. Have I permanently ruined the crystals in my Kool Tie? Or can I just thaw it and continue on with regular use?
posted by horizonseeker to Shopping (4 answers total)

As long as it doesn't leak, what is there to worry about?
posted by oceanjesse at 5:39 PM on August 25, 2013

Why not try thawing it and see if it works?
posted by ActingTheGoat at 5:55 PM on August 25, 2013

Best answer: I believe the crystals used in these devices is a polyacrylamide. I have found a couple of papers where a polyacrylamide gel is used to observe the freezing cycle of water for various purposes, so I can't imagine that the freezing would damage the gel, otherwise it would affect the data they are trying to observe.

In short, it should be ok, but you'll see once it thaws. :)
posted by blurker at 6:36 PM on August 25, 2013

I've had one. I don't know if I've frozen it (it does well when kept in the refrigerator). I can recommend not soaking it in bleach and then letting it dry out, although you may want to after a while.
posted by amtho at 6:42 PM on August 25, 2013