Canning question

[mom-from-missouri]

I have canned for 30 years. All my family cans. I was taught, that you never ever reuse the canning seals-or-flats, as they are often called, because the won't reseal properly the 2nd time. (I have reused them though for freezing an item).
A coworker tells me she reuses her flats, just like she does her rings and jars. Is she nuts? Or am I and all my family wasting money every canning season?
How do you all do it?

[zakity]

I was told to never reuse them, that when you open them it makes the seal not seal up a second time. I know people that reuse the flats that aren't too bent up for storing things (like from the bulk bins, spices and such). They aren't recanning with them though, just using them with a ring to store stuff.

[happi_spirit]

My dad use to seal his own cans and was told the same thing.

[flash]

Originally Posted by mom-from-missouri

I have canned for 30 years. All my family cans. I was taught, that you never ever reuse the canning seals-or-flats, as they are often called, because the won't reseal properly the 2nd time. (I have reused them though for freezing an item).
A coworker tells me she reuses her flats, just like she does her rings and jars. Is she nuts? Or am I and all my family wasting money every canning season?
How do you all do it?

Also grew up canning, my uncles grew fruit for Del Monte, and you should NOT reuse the lids. The lids might seal again, but the rubbery ring might not have a proper seal. If you do reuse them, always check that they haven't bowed up (air came in) before you eat them.