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Re:Ask HN: Separating Two Glass Containers by r2_pilot on Thursday November 07, 2024 @03:01PM (#42080324)
I didn't view the picture but I did run your prompt against Claude : Let me help think through some physics-based approaches to separate these stuck glass containers safely.

First, it's important to understand why glasses get stuck: typically it's due to: 1. Vacuum seal formation 2. Microscopic surface adhesion 3. Slight temperature/pressure differences when they were nested

Here are some additional methods to try, in order of increasing complexity/risk:

1. Dish soap and hot water method: - Fill sink with very hot (not boiling) water - Add lots of dish soap - Submerge both containers - Gently twist while pulling apart - The soap can break surface tension and act as lubricant

2. Vibration method: - Tap gently around the rim with a wooden spoon - The vibrations can break microscopic bonds - Combine with dish soap method above

3. Compressed air method: - If there's any gap, try forcing compressed air between them - Can use canned air duster or bike pump with narrow nozzle - Air pressure might help break the seal

4. Expansion/contraction method (more controlled than previous attempts): - Put ice water in inner container - Run hot water ONLY on outer container - Wait 1-2 minutes - Try gentle twisting motion - The differential thermal expansion might help

Important safety notes: - Avoid extreme temperature differences that could crack the glass - Don't use metal tools that could chip the glass - If trying percussion method, be very gentle - Wear gloves in case of breakage

Has she tried any of these specific variations? The key is often in the details of how methods are combined and applied.

Re:Ask HN: Separating Two Glass Containers by armcat on Thursday November 07, 2024 @04:40PM (#42081381)
Nice! That was the first thing I did as well, ask ChatGPT. The only one not attempted from the list above is the compressed air method. Thanks!