My double basket portafilter that came standard with my Vibiemme (only been used for about 4 days) has done something interesting. For some reason, the spouts have loosened and are now off center....I of course tightened them again, but when tightened (hand-tightened) they are off center to the right.....this seems strange to me....has anyone else had this problem? Will it change the quality of my extractions? Now, when it is centered it is pretty loose and will slip when tamping. But there is no way to tighten it all the way around to center again (not enough thread). Anyway, strange......any thoughts.....ideas?

Relax: shot quality will not be affected. It is just an inconvenience. Perhaps you could try to "glue" the spouts with something like Loctite.

that is a good idea.....I will pick some glue up today....of course I do have a bottomless porta coming soon and then it will be a non-issue

But you will still need the double spout when you want to make two single espressos (or cappucinos) in one pull. I thought it could also have something to do with your O-rings. They are still new, so after some time, when they ware in (is this English?) you will be able to turn the portafilter some more when you insert it, and by that, your spouts will become symmetrical.

it can be handy to have the spouts aligned when you are "splitting" a double by pulling it into two cups. Go to the hardware store or auto parts store with the PF body and get a couple of thin copper washers. They can be honed or sanded down to get the correct thickness to enable the spouts to be aligned when tightened.

Better than glue- you might take your PF and spout to a good hardware store and ask if they have FIBER WASHERS. These little, thin, non metallic washers act like spacers and will allow your spout to have something to snug down against. They also will not react with the metal, nor melt or squish out of place like an o-ring...

They come in a variety of diameters and might just do the trick without messy glue or teflon tape...

Good luck

Awesome.....thanks, that solves it! I thought I was bangin' the heck out of the thing (on the knock-box) and causing some strange ailment to my poor portafilter, but it sounds somewhat common.....whew....no worries....thanks for the help.....off to the hardware store

"Can I see something in green, please?" See Locking down the portafilter spouts for other suggestions.

Thanks Dan. I check out the link and have some great ideas......green sounds good

duodelaney wrote:green sounds good

Also purple, which is a low-strength Loctite designed for adjustment screws, i.e. to be moved after it hardens. Might be easier to find than green.

Best,
David