My black plastic twin lever capper died a few weeks ago. It lasted 39 brews, but eventually the plastic tore and broke. May it rest in peace.
So I bought one of these (http://www.homebrewwest.ie/brewsmarter-quality-steel-twin-lever-capper-boxed-26-mm-caps-3124-p.asp) Brewsmarter Quality Steel Twin Lever Capper for €13.95.
(http://www.homebrewwest.ie/ekmps/shops/homebrewwest/images/brewsmarter-quality-steel-twin-lever-capper-boxed-26-mm-caps--3124-p.jpg)
There's also one by Better Brew. It's a euro dearer and seems to be the same capper in a different box.
My first impression was that it looked a bit 'agricultural', but today when I went to use it I was very impressed.
It's solid as a rock (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wN_Wbnqthg) and has a nice mechanical feel to it, pushing the caps on with ease.
The plastic one used to feel the strain when capping and catch a little on releasing the cap, but this one works smooth as butter.
All the bits are open and nice to watch as you're capping away.
For the same price as the black plastic cappers, in my opinion this one wins hands down (so far, I'll report back in another 39 brews...)
I must have the most solid plastic crown capper in existence....had it over 6 years now! The plastic on mine is fine...my problem is that the metal is a bit rusted
A rub of 3in1 or WD40
The joints work fine. In fact the whole thing works fine, it's just a bit rusty
mine worked fine too until it betrayed me :'(