I was trying to open a new bottle of champagne this evening, and during the process, the cork broke off, leaving a piece lodged in the neck of the bottle. Given the huge pressure, I have placed it outside for the time being but was hoping to get some advice on how to rectify the situation.
I don’t have a Sabre or any sabering experience, and I don’t have a friend who I can ask to open it with a corkscrew…
You could probably push it down a fraction. That might loosen it enough to overcome the static friction and let it blow out. Just use a towel to cover it while you do it.
This reminds me of a youtube video I watched on replacing the steering column in my Ford: “Have your Brother in Law disengage the airbag before proceeding”.
Why no corkscrew? Seems The most obvious thing to try, just keep your face away, maybe cover your hand with a towel. It’s not like this is an M-80, it isn’t going to blow your hand off, so what am I missing?
I have done it with a corkscrew a few times and it was pretty easy. I have fairly big strong hands but I think anyone could do it.
If you are nervous drape a towel over the inserted cork screw, then grip the towel near the neck leaving some slack. Grab the towel and the screw and rock or twist it out using the towel as a safety harness. You could also use another towel to grip the fat part of the bottle.
Another vote for a corkscrew. I’ve found it beneficial to go with a rabbit/lever style opener if you can (allows you to keep your face as far away from the bottle as possible while opening)