FAQ
Q: What jars do the caps fit?
A: Regular mouth mason jars (70mm continuous thread) and wide-mouth (86mm continuous thread).

Q: What material is used to make the caps?
A: FDA approved BPA-free number “5" Polypropylene plastic. It is not organically derived (ie plant/bio-based) plastic typically used in disposable products. Many organizations, including HealthyLegacy.org, recommend #5 PP as the safer choice for food and beverages. Also see http://www.livestrong.com/article/158674-which-plastic-containers-can-i-safely-use/

Q: If this is plastic why is it good for the environment?
A: The caps allow you to reuse glass mason jars in new and exciting ways that eliminate the need for plastic containers (the part that the food/beverage contact most).
“By choosing safer plastics and limiting plastic waste, you can support a healthier, cleaner environment and protect yourself and your family from unnecessary chemical exposures.” Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Smart Plastics Guide.

Q: Are the caps dishwasher safe?
A: If using a dishwasher put them on the top rack. healthychild.org does not recommend heating plastic. You can extend the life of your plastics by washing them by hand with a mild soap.

Q: Can I microwave the cap or use them for canning?
A: No.

Q: My spout lid is tight, what can I do?
A: Dab a small amount of cooking oil on the outside of the spout cap, it will speed up the break-in period.

Q: How can I get my local store to carry the caps?
A: Please have them email sales@recapmasonjars.com. We would be happy to help.

Q: How can I recycle the cap?
A: If your local recycle center does not recycle #5 PP, you can contact capscando.org for information on recycling.

Q: Where are the caps made?
A: USA.

Q: Can I remove the gasket for cleaning?
A: Yes. We also sell replacement gaskets if it needs replaced.

Q: Does the cap have a patent?
A: Patent filed and pending.

Mason Jar Facts
The Mason jar was invented and patented in 1858 by tinsmith John L. Mason. Raised in Philadelphia, he moved to New York and filed his jar patent at the young age of 26! As a tinsmith, Mason first created the standard thread cap then the jar to go with it. See…it’s all about the cap !

The jars were an immediate success! They offered a more reliable method of preserving foods and were widely used across the country allowing homesteaders and urban populations to flourish. Like today, the jars were affordable and re-useable. For the next 100 years, with only some minor tweaks, mason jars were an integral part of food preservation. Although “canning” (the American term for home preserving) decreased in popularity in the mid-1900’s, we are seeing a 21st century resurgence due to economics and desire for better food choices.

You will often find old jars famously embossed with “Mason's Patent Nov 30th 1858" even after the expiration of his patent. Because competitors produced most mason jars after his patent expired in 1879, Mason did not become wealthy and he died broke in New York City in 1902.

“Mason” is still the common term for the jar but they are also referred to as Ball jars, fruit jars or canning jars. In the UK, "Kilner Jars" and Norway "Norgesglass". Today’s common brand names are Ball, Kerr and Bernardin (Canada), all now made by Jarden.

The jars have a standard continuous thread in two sizes: regular mouth (70mm) and wide-mouth (86mm). This is the common definition of mason jars, however, any screw-neck jar can be considered a “mason jar”. In fact, you can find jars that have “Mason” embossed on them that are neither the standard sizes nor have a screw thread. So when reCAP states that the caps fit most mason jars, it’s with these variations in mind.

Jars come in a variety of volumes for both mouth sizes. You can have a jar as small as 4 ounces or as large as a gallon.

Mason jars are primarily used for home canning but there are endless other uses for them. Some of the links below are good resources:
http://www.nwedible.com/
http://www.reusablecanninglids.com/
http://www.freshpreserving.com/home.aspx
http://www.canningjarstore.com/
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/33496511/Jars-From-a-Century-of-Progress
See the actual Mason patent documents: http://www.google.com/patents/US22186 & http://www.google.com/patents/US102913
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/magazine/who-made-that-mason-jar.html?_r=0
http://www.canningpantry.com/