Squeezo Facts & Tips Here are some helpful hints on the use and care of your SQUEEZO® Strainer. As you unpack the Squeezo® Strainer, you will notice it seems oily. It has been dipped in vegetable oil to provide a coating until it reaches you. You may also notice some metal filings – they love to cling to the oily surface! This is normal too. Simply wash the unit well in warm soapy water. ASSEMBLY & ADJUSTMENTS To assemble your Squeezo® Strainer, follow the step-by-step diagram included. Occasionally, the position of the drain tray will make it difficult to tighten the wing nuts as illustrated in the next-to-last figure. Just push down gently on the tray until the slant allows you to attach the screen easily. Remember to tighten the wing nuts equally when you attach the screen to your Squeezo®. To verify that the nuts are tightened properly, turn the handle (clockwise ONLY). You should hear a whisper sound as the scroll turns in the screen. If you hear a raspy, rubbing noise, check to make sure the drain tray is not pressing up against the screen. If it is, press down gently on it so that they do not touch. Turn the handle again. If you still get a rubbing sound, loosen the wing nuts SLIGHTLY. Move the screen back or forward and try turning the handle again until you find the position where no rubbing occurs. This should be only a very slight correction. Now tighten the nuts to hold the screen in position. Remember to coat the drive shaft with a bit of vegetable oil before each use. USE For best results and to get the most pulp and juice from your fruits or vegetables, apply GENTLE pressure with the wooden plunger and DO NOT fill the hopper more than half full. If the seeds and skin do not seem as dry as they might be, you can run them through a second time, but this is not expected to be a standard procedure. It may be necessary to clean the screen periodically if you are using it for extended periods of time, such as when processing very large batches of produce. CLEANING & STORAGE Cleaning your Squeezo® PROPERLY is very important. Be sure to dry it THOROUGHLY before storing it in order to prevent rust. If you process apples, tomatoes and berries with your Squeezo®, any rust will react with their natural acidity and this can spoil your food, and is certainly not good to ingest! Take the time to meticulously clean the screens with a stiff brush that can fit into both ends, such as the one provided with your Squeezo®. Give extra attention to the end of the screen where the nylon bushing is located--seeds and skin may get lodged in it. REMOVE the rubber gasket to clean thoroughly. Leaving it in place will trap moisture. Be sure to dry your Squeezo® and all parts very thoroughly before putting them away. It is also highly recommended that you coat the Squeezo® lightly with some vegetable oil or product such PAM, especially the screens, before storing it in order to further prevent rust and help your Squeezo® keep running smoothly. Not recommended for the dishwasher. TROUBLESHOOTING If the seeds and skins are staying in the screen or it is not discharging smoothly from the screen, this is an indication that the nylon bushing at the end of the screen is getting worn. Happily, the bushing can be replaced easily. Given that the bushing is probably worn from continued use over the years, we recommend that you replace the gasket and snap ring at the same time so that you do not have any problems soon after because the gasket is getting worn. To order a screen repair kit as well as any other parts go here. If your Squeezo® is leaking out at the back, where the handle connects with the housing, this is an indication that the brass bushing inside the housing is getting worn. This generally happens when you have used it often and for several years, and is normal. Unfortunately, the bushing is permanently attached to the housing, and thus cannot be replaced individually. You must replace the housing in this case. To order a housing as well as any other parts go here. If you have any other problems with your Squeezo®, please feel free to contact us. 1-802-644-5028 or bestproducts2@verizon.net