MACCorkScrew Frequently Asked Questions

Surely, there are enough uncorking machines on the market! - Why develop another one?

Many factors influenced our decision to build a new corkscrew. However, like many ideas the driving force behind this idea was my wife. Questioning why I was called on to open a bottle of wine I was told in no uncertain terms that if there was a corkscrew available that was easy to use, she would use it - and that rather than question her I should make a corkscrew that she could use. This led to our initial examination of the market, development of the design brief, and eventually to MACCorkScrew.

What were your objectives when designing MACCorkScrew?

As stated above - ease of use was the prime objective. However, we also believed that the product we developed should reflect contemporary design, have its own distinctive character, be at home in any location, and be something that people would be proud to give it as a gift or receive as a gift.

Why a mounted corkscrew?

Our first criteria was that the unit would be easy to use, after that we wanted one that would be easy to find - so this led us to our examination of the mounted corkscrew market.
As we investigated this market we discovered that most if not all of the uncorking machines on the market were initially designed over seventy years ago. We also identified a number of areas of their design that we could improve on and in fact patent. Specifically the requirements to push the bottle against the worm, eliminating the finger trapping hazard on many models and to change the appearance of the product to reflect contemporary design characteristics. As we developed the design brief other criteria were identified such as the need to accommodate larger neck diameters, ability to handle multiple types of synthetic closures and to also fold neatly away when not in use. This market feedback we obtained from wine drinkers, wine distributors and companies selling corkscrews.

Is this product aimed at the home market or the commercial market?

Both. The initial plan was to develop a unit for the home market that would combine functionality with style and provide a unique conversation piece. However, we quickly realised that its speed of operation and functionality together with its safety features, and stainless steel finish make it ideal for the commercial market.

Why Stainless Steel?

When we designed it initially we considered other materials but finally chose stainless steel. While this material is expensive and polishing adds further cost, it came out tops in our surveys as a preferred material. Similarly, we chose machined buttons rather than black plastic ones. Again, this adds to the cost of the product but we believe adds more to its value. In the home we are certain that MACCorkScrew will become a family heirloom that will be passed from generation to generation. Commercially MACCorkScrew can be easily justified on time savings, and the safety advantages it has over other corkscrews.

Where did the name MACCorkScrew originate?

We decided that the product should have a TLA (Three Letter Acronym). The Acronym MAC was chosen to reflect the fact that the unit is wall Mounted, Adjustable and Contemporary. The MAC also reflects the Celtic origins of the product. Of course it also is the abbreviation for Mother of All Corkscrews.

How does it work?

MACCorkScrew uses a patented dynamic braking system that is controlled by the lever. Simply - when the lever is in the upright position the brake is in the released position and the unit can slide up and down the shaft. When the handle is lowered the brake clamps the head to the shaft and further lowering turns the screw into the cork. Raising the lever first removes the cork from the bottle, then the cork from the screw. Continue lifting the handle to raise the head from the bottle.

MACCorkScrew looks really nice now, but will it retain that appearance?

MACCorkScrew is made from solid stainless steel. Occasional polishing with stainless cleaner or baby oil will maintain the finish.

Is MACCorkScrew difficult to use?

No. MACCorkScrew has been designed primarily to reduce the effort required to safely uncork wine.

I understand how MACCorkScrew extracts the cork from the bottle, but what makes the cork fall so easily from the corkscrew?

The upward stroke of the handle has two functions, i.e. remove cork from bottle and remove cork from screw.

When mounting MACCorkScrew, how will I know how much space to leave between the corkscrew and the stand?

We recommend that the stand is mounted 30-36 inches (750 - 900mm) from the floor and that the MACCorkScrew is mounted a further 14 inches (360 mm) above it. A sheet indicating fixing dimensions ships with unit and is available by request.