How tightly should the bands be applied?
Using just your fingers, screw bands down evenly and firmly just until a point of resistance is met fingertip tight. Do not over tighten bands by using the full strength of your hand or a utensil to screw the band down. Over tightening bands can prevent air from venting out of the jars, resulting in buckled lids or seal failure. After processing, bands may appear to have loosened. This is normal. Do not retighten bands after processing since this may break the seal that is forming.
Using just your fingers, screw bands down evenly and firmly just until a point of resistance is met – fingertip tight. Do not over tighten bands by using the full strength of your hand or a utensil to screw the band down. Over tightening bands can prevent air from venting out of the jars, resulting in buckled lids or seal failure. After processing, bands may appear to have loosened. This is normal. Do not retighten bands after processing since this may break the seal that is forming.
