I usually can 400 - 500 jars of food a year. I always use new flats. I used to can pickles in pickle jars that had the rubber in the top, but I don't do that any more. However, if a flat will fit the jar, I use the lid as a ring and can pickles, relishes, etc. in them if I knowI'm not getting the jar back. I would never use this method when I can green beans, peaches, vegetables or fruits. I prefer Ball and Kerr lids, but I do use the generic ones from Dollar General or Family Dollar as they are a lot cheaper. They work just as well. My husband bought a big stack of Bernardin wide mouth lids at a flea market last week, and so far, so good, they are working well.