10-04-2015, 11:33 AM | #1 |
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Separation issues... can you help me?
The attached image shows two hard plastic drinking cups. Each is about eight inches tall, and the two cups are nested. They were washed, then dried, and placed in to the cup cabinet.
However, NOW they refuse to separate. I have tugged and pulled and cursed. I have tried squeezing the inside cup's mouth into one "oval," while squeezing the other in a perpendicular oval. I tried filling the inner one with ice water, while simultaneously resting the outer one in hot water. I introduced oil in between their surfaces. I tried introducing water. Now, there only seems to be a vacuum seal that has been produced by the introduction of liquids. I have used sharp metal tools to attempt prying and lifting, "walking" the inner cup out of its prison. None of these have worked. Of course, I could crush/ destroy one cup in order to free the other... that's no fun. Any ideas on how to separate these two, and finish with two still- usable cups? |
10-04-2015, 11:52 AM | #2 |
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Sounds like suction is the problem. They were maybe fresh out of the dishwasher (hot) when they were put together and now they are stuck? Try sticking them in the freezer for a few hours and see if that works. If not, stick em back in the dishwasher then try to take them apart when they are hot.
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10-04-2015, 04:42 PM | #3 |
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A shotgun would separate them, that would be fun!
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10-04-2015, 05:10 PM | #4 |
Moderator.ca
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When warm, moist air cools it exerts less pressure (ie, causes a partial vacuum). Dunk them in some hot water for a while and the trapped air should get back to normal pressure.
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10-04-2015, 05:19 PM | #5 |
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Drill a hole in the bottom one that will break the vacuum and when you want to use just place it inside the cup without the hole drilled in the bottom
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10-04-2015, 10:09 PM | #6 |
Jumanji
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Hold the outer one while tapping the inner one one the edge of your counter.
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10-04-2015, 10:59 PM | #7 |
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This one is easy. Run the bottom of the cup under hot running water. Just the bottom, not the whole thing. This will cause the air in the gap to expand will almost push the cups apart. It may take about a full minute or so once the water is hot.
I work in a restaurant and this happens all the time. |
10-05-2015, 03:28 AM | #8 | |
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Quote:
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10-05-2015, 06:48 AM | #9 |
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My guess is that your sister-in-law, stilled pissed over the beer tasting contest, has super-glued them together.
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10-05-2015, 10:17 AM | #10 | |
Drives: 2011 1LT Join Date: Mar 2012
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Quote:
Okay, I have them separated, but I had to go to extremes. I tried most of your suggestions here, but even hot and cold water tricks just weren't cutting it. What DID finally work was REALLY hot and REALLY cold: I filled the inner cup with ice water, and placed the pair into a pot of boiling water. After a few minutes--- with the ice still intact--- I was able to "walk" the inner cup out by prying with a sharp knife tip. Thanks for the help, my friends! |
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10-05-2015, 10:57 AM | #11 |
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Are these really old expensive cups or a family heirloom or were you just trying a non-dangerous Mythbusters experiment?
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10-05-2015, 11:05 AM | #12 |
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10-05-2015, 12:00 PM | #13 |
SHKE BKE
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Surprised nobody mentioned WD40
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10-05-2015, 12:07 PM | #14 | |
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Quote:
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