The Auswine Forum

The ol' Leverpull seems to have met its match. Stuck corks (a 99 Petaluma Coonawarra), and the pressure on the black plastic cog wheel eventually causes the teeth to snap. Pretty shoddy for a corkscrew that cost so much money when new (and still under patent). I like the design, I just wish it was made of tempered steel or something properly durable instead of plastic. We live in such a throw-away world.

Anyway, I seem to recall that Screwpull offered a lifetime guarantee. Is my memory right? Or am I kidding myself? Experiences, anyone?
cheers,
Graeme

The literature in my screwpull/foilcutter combo pack does not note any lifetime guarantee, but it is about 15 years old and still does the job. I used to think there was not a cork it could not handle, but in the last few years there have been a couple that it would not bugde, and corks in Penfolds wines can crumble with an scew-type cork puller. The Ah-So prong corkpuller has worked better with these problem corks, but it does require a little more patience to use.

Mike

No idea on the guarantee but I do know they are prone to break.

Back in the early 90s I was using one to open wine at functions, we broke three in about three years. The first model had a washer which came loose meaning the mechanism wouldn't click in so you could get the corks off. The next two chewed the teeth out on a tough cork. Went back to waiter's friends after that - I have a screwpull copy somewhere but they take up too much room - the waiter's friend sits in the cup of pens on the bench. AH SO comes out occasionally for annoying corks.

I'm not big on cheap copies but a family member gave me a screwpull copy, which probably cost $30, for the christmas before last. We use it almost every night and it's been working a treat.

I bought a proper screwpull for a friend's 50th about 4 years ago so I know how much the original costs and while it comes in a much nicer box, the copy seems to work just as well. The original I bought is still going strong but it probably gets used more like once a fortnight.

I think I would be inclined to try to take it back for a replacement if you know where it was bought. You're completely right, at that price they should be built to last forever. The design is good so they should have the materials to justify the cost and the design.

I have a collection of corkscrews including lazy fish, ah so's, the standards with the cogs and the big commercial types but I sometimes find a tupperware one more persuasive and gentle on tricky corks than any of them. It kinda holds the cork as it gently pulls it up - wouldn't have believed it till I tried it...

I just use Corkpops. Great for crumbly corks that you get on the odd occasion.

My lever screwpull has been replaced twice and repaired once. I dont use it as much now as the manual version.
The lever model is almost useless on diam corks. It just gets the cork out, but then its almost impossible to get the cork off the screw.
It does have a good warranty, but I cant actually remember if its a lifetime. Generally mine just needed a new screw part, when it starts acting up.
I would not buy another one.

dave vino wrote:I just use Corkpops. Great for crumbly corks that you get on the odd occasion.

Lol !
Dude, that thing rocks ! I reckon I'd be scared to use it on anything really old, though. It seems so explosive !!

lol, when is the next Offline?

The thought just occurred to me that we should probably define what we mean by "screwpull".

My post above was in relation to the Table Model. The Screwpull USA site gives this a 5 year guarantee.

I was given the Lever Model (in its fancy wood box) as a present, and I think I have used it once! This has a 10 year guarantee in the USA.

Mike

EDIT: The Australian Screwpull site makes this statement about warranty -

All Screwpull products are covered by a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects and faults in workmanship. If experiencing difficulties please contact our Customer Care Center on Freecall 1800 099 012 and one of our friendly consumer care associates will be happy to assist you.

Consumer Helpline - Freecall Number 1800 099 012

One of these days it will be an outdated piece of technology.

Like all mechanical things they occasionally need maintenance/replacement of parts.

This is an extract from their Australian website:
1) How do I know when to replace the screw on a Screwpull Lever model?

After opening approximately 2000 bottles, the Lever Model may show signs of wear, making the Lever Model a little less easy to use. It is then necessary to replace the screw. Signs to look for:

* When the Teflon coating on the bottom spiral begins to wear
* If the screw is not extracting the cork every time

2) How do I replace a screw on the Lever model?

* Simply unscrew the protective head and remove screw
* Insert the new screw and replace the protective head

3) Where can I purchase a replacement screw from:

Any David Jones, selected Myers stores and selected specialty stores throughout Australia . The item code is 8845.

Yes, it was the Leverpull model I was discussing. It never occurred to me that there was an Australian website! I shall call the helpline and explain the problem. Thanks for the pointer, Mike!
cheers,
Graeme

I've been through some Screwpulls, and Rabbit Ears contraptions. While they seem to work well initially, once the Teflon coating wears out, it's time to replace the thread. And I've had a couple snap viciously on me without warning (I'm not a violent man!).

I also have a Lazy Fish, but have found it to be a bit of a finger-trap.

I've gone back to the Waiters Freind - but with a difference. I have a couple of the double-jointed versions (one of them a freebie from Winepros) which are much more gentle on the older or more fragile corks. I use a standard Argyle waiter's friend with inbuilt capsule cutter some younger bottles. Between the two, I've had few problems, and the only additional corkscrew I might invest in now is an Ah-So, for really old corks.