Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I call for technical support?
Call during normal hours. 814-474-5561. Monday thru Friday 8am to 4pm.
Where can I get my benchtop capper rebuilt?
Make sure the oil is drained from the capper. Capper must be shipped upright on a skid by Freight only. Include contact information and return shipping address.
Send capper to:
Where can I get my handheld capper rebuilt?
Pack capper in a box and ship to below address. Include contact information and return shipping address label. Allow 2-3 weeks for repair.
Send capper to:
How fast can a handheld capper cap?
A handheld capper can do 1 bottle a second. The actual rate is determined by the operator.
How fast can a benchtop capper cap?
A benchtop capper can do 55 bottles a minute. The actual rate is determined by the operator.
What is the life expectancy of an insert?
The life of an insert is determined by several factors. Torque specs, work conditions, cap texture, insert material and clutch settings. The number one killer of inserts is improper clutch settings. The general rules are the insert should never slip on the cap. The clutch should disengage before the insert slips on the cap. To help get the maximum life out of your inserts, send 12 caps and 2 containers to Swan-Matic testing labs for a free evaluation of your application.
Send caps to:
How do I measure cap torque?
Swan-Matic offers a variety of torque testers. Contact Swan-Matic to find the one best for you.
Does Swan-Matic have cappers that remove caps?
Yes. Several cappers in the Swan-Matic line up have a reversing (de-capping) feature.
Does Swan-Matic have corrosion resistant cappers?
Yes. Any Swan-Matic benchtop capper can be Nickel Coated to make it resistant to chemical washdowns.
Does Swan-Matic have explosion proof cappers?
Yes. The C500 and C400 series capper have multiple hazardous ratings.
How do I set the height of my capper correctly to the bottle?
With the spindle in the lowest position, lower the head of the capper until the insert touches the closure lid. Then lower the head 1/8 of an inch more. Tighten locking handle on the column.
How can I pay for my capper?
Swan-Matic accepts All major credit cards.
What can I do if my capper is leaking oil?
You can send you capper into Swan-Matic for repair or follow the seal replacement instructions in this manual.
What is your warranty on cappers?
Please refer to the Warranty link in the footer of the website.
How do I check the oil level in my capper?
All benchtop Swan-Matic Cappers hold 2 quarts of 80W-90 gear oil. The oil level should never change as long as the capper is not leaking. Oil should be changed once year or every 1 million cycles. The full level is 2.375” from the top of the fill hole.
Why won’t my caps tighten anymore?
A broken main spring (C011) in the capper head. This spring breaks when the capper head is set to low. That can be tested without taking the machine apart. Set the spindle shaft in the lowest position. Place your hands under the clutch housing and lift up. If it moves up and down easily (about 1 inch), then the C011 spring is most likely broken. Other broken components in the head assembly can give the same test results.
The clutch cone itself has gotten too much oil or grease on it. Wipe off the clutch cone (C016) and the interior of the clutch cup (C017) and reassemble. There should be grease on the Spring (C018), the pins (C082) and the bearing (C065).
The insert material is not matched to the cap. Swan-Matic offers 5 different types of material that inserts are made from. Refer to the Inserts and Driver Shells page for an explanation of each type if insert. To get the best match, send in 12 caps, 2 containers, and your contact information to:
The insert has worn down. As the insert wears, the pressure on the cap is reduced because the distance from the insert to the cap increases. To correct it, just move the head of the capper down slightly or install a new insert.
Capper head is set to low. If the capper is pressing too hard on the container being capped, it can cause the threads of the container to bind with the cap threads.
The insert is slipping inside the driver shell. Clean the driver shell out and replace the insert.