Petrol Caps

rachelj · 7. Sep 2010, 05:06

Now feel free to laugh at this, as it was pretty much all I could do and oh boy did I get some funny looks. Last night I went to put some petrol in my car, and for the life of me could not get my fingers to grip and twist my petrol cap.

I had to go in to the garage and ask if there was anyone who could assist me. Fortunetly I had tubigrip on my wrists so at least I looked like I had issues with my hands.

Anyone seen any devices out there that would grip on to the cap and give me a bit more leverage. I managed to get the flap open, put the key in to unlock it but then was foiled. Its not like a bottle top, it has a ridge down the center which creates a sort of knob/handle thing. Looks a bit like this: http://dataton.net/vw/exterior/side/fuel_filler_neck-cap-outer_cover-US_GTI.jpg

I know you can replace the whole assembly to one where you just push the hose in, however prior to having a car with a locking cap I have had my petrol pinched on more than one occasion. I was also thinking of those bands you can use to put round jam jars etc but because its in a recess/hole that won't work either.

Rach

frogmorton · 7. Sep 2010, 05:47

Oh Rach

this one iS a bit of a tricky one

I dont know of anything to help - except taking someone with you and filling right up less often??

They dont mind helping at garages though - you do feel a bit silly :oops: They almost create a vacuum don't they when the close and open

You need your fuel.

Love

Toni xx

janie68 · 7. Sep 2010, 05:58

Rach

there are petrol stations that have the disability sign and they will help you fill up your car. I know how hard it can be asking for help but you're gonna have to, so that you can drive. I always get hubby to do mine, do you have a OH that can help or a relative?

Janie

wibberley · 7. Sep 2010, 06:20

Can't help either, but know exactly what you mean. I can, and do, leave mine slightly loose, but if OH was the last one filling the car up, I'm snookered as he replaces it so tightly....same with the handbrake!

Gripping the petrol pump whilst filling up isn't easy either. Not an experience I ever look forward to!

Lois x

livinglegend · 7. Sep 2010, 06:55

What makes it worse is that as soon as it moves, it is then loose and easy to unscrew the rest.

Try spreading a light smear of Vaseline on the rubber seal inside the cap to stop it sticking, as this will lessen the initial force needed. If this doesn't help too much, then put another light smear on the thread. That should do it.

Joseph 8)

dreamdaisy · 7. Sep 2010, 07:26

What a good idea - thanks Joseph. DD

rachelj · 7. Sep 2010, 10:57

It was bad planning on my part, OH is away with work and was due to be home to run me to the hospital but has been delayed, so off I went on my todd to put some petrol in my car.

While say waiting for my scan I found the solution: http://www.arthritissupplies.com/site/371928/product/ARP320 I now just need to find someone who will sell them in the UK.

I will add it to my list of justification/considerations for a different car and raise it with my GP as yet another thing I can't do myself in the hope it expedites my case.

Rach

frogmorton · 7. Sep 2010, 11:10

Well done Rach

Problem solved

Good idea o keep alist for the GP anyway.

Love

Toni xx

Rainbow77 · 7. Sep 2010, 12:23

Hi Rach

I would email the company and see if they would be able to post it to you. I am should they could, not sure how much the postage would be but not that much.

Just a thought

Fayann xxx

livinglegend · 7. Sep 2010, 19:24

Rainbow77 wrote:

Hi Rach I would email the company and see if they would be able to post it to you. I am should they could, not sure how much the postage would be but not that much. Fayann xxx

I had a look at the website link. They only post to the USA + Canada.

Try http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GASCAPOFF-Auto-Gas-cap-wrench-opener-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem4a869ae174QQitemZ320085877108QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools who post worldwide. email them for a postage quote to the UK.

Joseph 8)

skezier · 7. Sep 2010, 19:40

Hi Rach,

hanks for bringing this one up! I have one that is opened from inside and its easier than he old one but the hands cramp on the fuel pump sometimes and that one I don't think I can cure..... They should make them easier and sorry I am no use butt he links here are... so Thank You! Cris x

rachelj · 10. Sep 2010, 07:25

Hi Skiezer,

I struggle with the squeeze trigger thingy on the pump, some I am fine with some are incredibly stiff. I now loop a scarf through the gap, so the trigger is resting on it, tie a knot in the other end to create a loop and put my arm through it up on to my shoulder, put the nozzle in the car, then use my other hand to push down on the nozzle. So the weight is on my shoulder and I can use the palm of my hand to push rather than the strength of my hands.

Its a bit of a faff, and no doubt there are better ways to do it, but so far its worked for me.

Rach

frogmorton · 10. Sep 2010, 07:43

Rach

that is well-inventive!!

If I am in deap-doo-doo I get my husband to do it.

Very good plan - might be a faff but if it works.

Love

Toni xx

oneday · 10. Sep 2010, 07:43

how abut one of those things from the betterware catalogue, they look like a plastic fairy cake case in plastic and are for unscrewing tops of jars etc?
i have trouble holding pump part that presses that you have to hold until you have had what you want!

rachelj · 10. Sep 2010, 08:09

frogmorton wrote:

Rach

that is well-inventive!!

If I am in deap-doo-doo I get my husband to do it.

Very good plan - might be a faff but if it works.

Love

Toni xx

Cheers Toni, it's amazing what your brain can do late at night on the M40 services, you need petrol and just want to get home!

Petrol Caps

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