Yes, this is an ongoing source of annoyance to a lot of us. But the packaging method is cheaper. They say they are reducing packaging by 45%, but I've always saved the boxes anyway. Now I have to throw away the plastic shrink wrap. I think I'm ADDING to the landfills!

I usually take the new lids off and heat them up a bit and then let them cool to use next time. That seems to help "fluff up" the sealing compound again. But I do get a few here and there that don't want to seal.

And I'm really annoyed at the cost increase of lids this year. I found a box of wide mouth lids I bought last year for $2.79 - this spring they were $3.29. Now they're $3.99!

All from the same store, but it's the only show in town for canning supplies. And they are selling a ton this year.

Yes, this is an ongoing problem. Some of us have emailed the company, but without resulting in any change.

I've even gone so far as to send every new lid that did not seal back to them. They send me coupons or apologies, but nothing changes...

Annie

I really don't think they care. So many have contacted them over it and they don't seem to do anything.
Wow ! That is expensive for lids. I pay $1.99 for wide mouth lids. Reg. mouth are $1.50 a dozen.

Thanks for the info. I "was" considering sending all mine back to them with a complaint. But it sounds as it that would be a waste of time.

This is what happens when one company has a monopoly on something!! GGgrrrr!!

I'm paying about $2.79 for the wide mouth lids (only) and about $1.99 for the regular size lids. Right now the local stores, including Wal Mart, are having sales. But the sale prices aren't all that much cheaper. If I happen to see a real "end of season" bargain, I'll grab up as many as I can to hedge my costs for next year!!

Gotta buy a freezer! I really feel that freezing would be quicker, easier and cheaper!! Of course we can't freeze everything.

Ms. Donnie

Ms. Donnie, yes the lid situation is a pain. I still use the ones that come on the jars. So far so good. At least there is only one dozen of them at a time, then have the boxed ones to use after that.

I had to buy a new freezer. Mine from 35 years ago finally died.
There are some things to consider when buying a freezer. I decided to still get a manual defrost since the self defrosting ones don't keep your food as long. When they self defrost, they also dry out your food since it slightly thaws and refreezes during each cycle. Sure would be nice to not have to defrost manually, but want the best food. Choices, choices. Always have to decide what to do.
At least I have a freezer back and only lost a few lb. of ground meat.

Linda, sorry to hear about that freezer, Amanda is still using one that I got as a wedding present the FIRST time I got married, in 1974. I know it won't last forever, and it's about the same year as yours.

Annie

Yeah I think Ball is going to get a note from me, just got another case of pints and the same thing, half stuck.
Years ago the Golden Harvest used to have the rings/lids in top of the jars in a thin cardboard box I had no problems with those.
That is pricy for lids Malna, I am sure I pay 1.50 for the regular lids, don't recall off hand how much for the wide mouth I found a boat load of them in the basement. I recall the local hardware store had $$$ for the lids, of course the boxes were full also.

I did get one brief email from them back a couple of years ago after filing a complaint online. They claimed the problem isn't the packaging but the way the cartons are stored by vendors - stacked on top of each other - and that it is the weight of the stacking that causes the lid problems. Unn huh. Right.

As to lids - I know this has been mentioned before but doesn't hurt to mention it again. You can get some great deals on bulk lids on eBay. We bought 200 regular lids plus bands (which we didn't need but will use) for $10.75 including shipping earlier this year. Last year we picked up 10 doz. wide mouth NIB for something around $12.

Dave

This issue has been disccsed very year since they have stared to pack lids and rings on the jaras and offer no support to prevent them from being mashed down. Usually they will soften up and go back to normal once in simmering water. My dad would crank down so hard, the rubber compound would be crushed right down to the bare metal. Write Ball a note and let them know about the issue like many others have already done. Sometimes, they may send you a coupon good for a box of lids. If you do buy off eBay, wait until winter and spring when people want to sell these as clearance items.