Some questions about my equipment.

[mtj]

I have some questions about my equipment for making of the hot sauce.
 
1. Last year when cooking hot sauce I simply used litmus papers for measurment of pH. I simply dipped them into the sauce, and rubbed the hot sauce gently off with paper towel. Now, unless hot sauce tainted them to the point that they showed skewed values, the papers' color always indicated 3-4 pH. This year I want to avoid using litmus paper and I would invest in a pH meter, but I dont want to spend a fortune. Would this work?
 
2. I use hotfill method. Put the bottles in the oven and hotfill them, turning full bottles around and let it cool. I usually buy bottles in a local store specialised in glass and packaging, but they usually sell bottles with aluminum caps. Here is a picture of my hot sauce from last year:

 
Where do you get the tool to seal the aluminum ring? Also, where do you buy the bottles for your hot sauce (question for europeans only)? Are there any pros/cons using aluminum caps vs. plastic caps?
 
 

 

[The_NorthEast_ChileMan]

I usually buy bottles in a local store specialised in glass and packaging, but they usually sell bottles with aluminum caps. Here is a picture of my hot sauce from last year:
 
Where do you get the tool to seal the aluminum ring? Also, where do you buy the bottles for your hot sauce (question for europeans only)? Are there any pros/cons using aluminum caps vs. plastic caps?

 
Sorry, no help with a tool but this thread has a workaround that might work for you.>Saucy

 

[mtj]

 
Sorry, no help with a tool but this thread has a workaround that might work for you.>Saucy

 
Actually what I just bought for this year's batch are plastic caps! Pic HERE. No tool needed. I just need to figure out the most effective way to disinfect these caps (including the white plastic thingy that goes in the bottle) prior to hot filling them.

 

[Bou]

For sanitation I'd suggest you try Star San or other similar no-rinse sanitiser sold for home brewing purposes. Really efficient and easy to use, plus it doesn't impart any aftertaste. Don't fear the foam!!