"How can I locate a friend's wedding registry from 1999?" The source
of the problem is a stuck martini shaker which was lent to me from
their wedding collection. It worked great at my party for Apple
Martinis, but will not budge after the sugar sealed it shut. Since I
have tried for over a month to unstuck the shaker, I've resolved to
simply replacing the sterling silver item, though I would LOVE to
UNSTICK the shaker. The problem with replacing it is I have no idea
where it is
from. The bride "Terri" is from Michigan and I don't know her maiden
name. The husband is "Derek Tubbs." They were married in August 1999
before we became friends. I am looking for either a solid lead on
their registry or a fixable solution to unsticking the martini shaker.

From my experience, department and other major stores generally only
make a registry available for up to 1 year after the wedding. I do not
think you will be able to locate this item from a registry.  Why don't
you just ask your friends where you can replace it? Or take the item
to a store that carries that brand and try to find a replacement... Or
look for an online store that carries the brand...

Thank you for the reply. I'm not familiar with the brand. This week, I
have taken it into William Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Marshall Fields and
Crate & Barrel. None of these stores carry this item. *Could we
refocus the question to getting the martini shaker unstuck? I've tried
combinations of hot & cold water and all the strong guys I know. I'm
really "stuck" on this one, which is why I turned to Google. Please
let me know if you can help.

Hi there,

My hunch is that it will take more than "hot" water. The melting point
of sugar is between 146 and 186 degress. I would put the shaker in a
low rolling boiling water for 10-15 minutes , remove with oven mitts
and twist off.

I'm not 100% convinced this will do it, but it would be what I would try.

Good luck and if you try this, let us know if worked for you.

-=clouseau=-

I actually tried that exact formula on Tuesday night. I let a large
pot of water reach boiling then added the shaker which for the most
part just floated at the top. I left it in for 15+ minutes - but no
dice. I think it is the liquified sugar from the Apple Pucker that is
rock-solid along the rim. Is there a formula or solution for getting
threw that?

Hi again chicagokelly,

There isn't much out there I can find. You should definitely read this thread:

http://www.knowyourcocktails.com/cgi-bin/cutecast/cutecast.pl?forum=8&thread=162

Read the entire thread, but in particluar:

"...Poisedon19 

I own a metal cocktail shaker also, whenever u shake ice in it, it
will get stuck together. what u do is give it a sharp bash on the edge
of the bench top, just below where the top secion joins onto the
botton cup piece. Then u just pull the lid off.

If it is really seriously stuck, leave the bottom part in hot water
for a while then run cold water over the top section. hope this helps
..."


And see this post of a review on a shaker:

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-3768477-7488157?asin=B00004RC5K&alt%5Fview=custReviews&coliid=

"...This shaker looks very attractive and works well, EXCEPT that the
removable top invariably fails to be removable. Once the shaker gets
cold, the metal contracts and the pieces stick together, making it a
real pain to get the two pieces back apart for washing or for
"martinis, round 2"...and the problem doesn't abate once the shaker
warms up---once it's stuck, it's stuck. It's true that if you take it
apart IMMEDIATELY it doesn't stick, but I forget to do so at least 50%
of the time (usually when there are guests present and I have other
things to think about). I have had this shaker for about 3 months and
make martinis pretty regularly, but I'm tired of messing with it: I've
decided to buy another shaker and give this one to GoodWill!..."

Perhaps some of this will help.

Regards,

-=clouseau=-

Thank you Clouseau. I think this is the closest I've come to reaching
a solution. I was also thinking of bringing the shaker into Home Depot
tonight. Kind of outlandish, but I want to exhaust all of my
resources, because I know wedding gifts are very special. With your
last comment, does this close the solution-finding service of google?
I'd like to keep the conversation open - if possible. Please advise.

Again, thank you SO much for working through this debacle with me.

Oh no, does not close it at all.

If you note, neither I nor any other researcher have posted an answer
nor asked for more information. Perhaps another researcher will find
another solution. But if the suggestions I have posted prove fruitful
for you, I would be happy to post as an official answer and claim the
fee.

Do let me know if the hot and cold does work for you. If I find
anything more, I will be happy to keep posting my findings.

Best,

-=clouseau=-

Absolutely Clouseau! You bet I'll let you know if your suggestions
prove successful. This is obviously a question that many have found
themselves pondering. If you or a colleague copyright the solution,
I'm sure there is more than my $20 at steak.

Best,
Kelly

Ok, I have an idea. What if you use a tool called a strap wrench? It
is a wrench that holds the item with a rubber strap and the two peices
can be twisted apart. I have used this on stuck oil filters many
times. Here is a link to the Craftsman tool page with a photo of the
tool
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=00945560000&bidsite=CRAFT

You may have to cut and paste the link to get it to work.

I found this tool by searching for "strap wrench" on the Sears Craftsman tool site.

If you have to, you could always take the shaker to a local auto shop
and they could give it a try. Mechanics love this type of challenge.

I bet it would work. This tool also shouldn't mar the finish on the shaker.

Good luck, Tim

The strap wrench worked! The martini shaker is unstuck and untethered!
Operation was a success. Thank you kb5zcr and clouseau for sticking
with me on this yesterday (no pun intended). It was kb5zcr's suggesion
of going to a hardware store for help that did the trick. In my case,
I went to Home Depot and purchased a strap wrench for $10. Alas, I can
rest peacefully.

You guys are the best! I would recommend this service to any person,
especially my female friends.

Best, Kelly