Don't think it was mentioned, but one of the most important things to do is to squeeze a little out before using anything as a cap. You want to make sure no air is left in the nozzle.
Retired now at 71 working in metal, glass,shower doors &windows. I've used all these techniques. They all work. My favorites are the red condom caps & tube renew ends. Excellent video. featuring the
I'm a homeowner and have little need for calk - so I usually buy the small tube that doesn't need a calk gun - I was always throwing away a lot of product when I'd buy a full tube for the calk gun - your video just changed my mind - I can now buy the full tube and save the excess for the next job - THANKS!
I have pulled out 4 year old tubes of used caulk with nails stuck thru the hole, pulled the nail out, rammed a #2 philips screwdriver as far as it would go down the nozzle and proceeded to caulk my bathtub with it. Great salesmanship brother.
Works on some caulk in some climates. Won't work right for Silicone or poly. Even though you stab through with a screwdriver, there is a plug you pushed into the tube. It will come back to stop up the flow repeatedly. Keep poking until you are finished or frustrated.
I've found that all putting something in the tip of the tube does is introduce air deeper into the tube. my go-to is to wrap the tip with electrical tape, extending it an inch or more past the tip, then squeeze a blob of caulk out into the tape wrap. when I need the caulk, days to months later, I can unwrap the tape, pull out the hardened bit of caulk I squeezed out, and apply good caulk. my carpenter friend does use the caulk condoms, and he does the same, squeeze a little bit of caulk after putting it on, and that part cures and protects the rest. also, pro tip - using a razor knife to cut the tip gives you a better tip to work with, and using a piece of wire instead of the built on probe on the gun to puncture the seal, keeps you from having a sticky probe on the barrel of the gun which will invariably smear caulk on your hand.
Actually, this topic has been on my mind for a long time but never bothered to look for solution and here we go, you answered my question without me asking. Thanks for your work and sharing your time with us. Awesome work 💯
Excellent! Really glad to hear you found the channel and are finding value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Randy and look forward to seeing you more around the channel!
When I was seven my father was working on something that required dozens of caulk tubes. I noticed that there was a significant amount of wasted caulk that the gun couldn't squeeze out. We were at the wood craft shop on the army base we lived on, so I found a scrap piece of dowel that was just a little bigger than the inside diameter of one of the empty tubes and used a lathe and sand paper to make it fit. Then I cut it to fit in the space that the gun couldn't resch, and put it into the back end of each tube and got two or three more trigger squeezes worth of caulk out of each one. The only caulk left after my improvement was in the tip. So really not possible to design away, so no big deal.
Another one of those common problems with a (relatively) easy fix that makes everyone think... "WHY didn't I ever think of that" ?!? Thanks for sharing!!
I split the nozzle vertically in half with a utility knife and dig out the cured caulk with a small screwdriver. I then wrap the nozzle with elec tape. Works great and is repeatable.
I have a monthly subscription for my caulk gun issues. Seriously, It's a very helpful video. Can't believe how many times Made the tip too big for my job that I was doing. Really glad I found your channel
I am just a retired home handyman and have tried many methods to keep caulk useful over time. Most have been unsuccessful. I have lately been using hot melt glue to make a seal which has worked well for me, just squeeze some around the tip and when it hardens it seals the caulk. I am retired as I said and time isn't money for me, not sure I would take the time if I were a contractor.
I wasn't aware of these products but will definitely get some of these to try. What I do for water-based tubes is screw in a stainless steel eye screw, far enough that it seals the hole. That only works if the hole is relatively small, and doesn't work for long. For opening tube when product has cured, I will drill it out. You can select a size that matches the opening. The drill bit gets in pretty far and it usually gets it flowing again. But I'm going to try these more effective products. Thanks for the video!
I picked up a trick that works really well... electrical cap. Screw it tight on the end and it seals up pretty well. I've gone back to tubes a year later and they were still alright. Handy trick using something you likely have on site or around the house.
A condom for a caulk tube. I have now seen it all. Seriously, this was an incredibly useful video. I don't know how may calk tubes I have tossed in the pass. Such a waste. This is a game changer. Thanks.
Seriously! Was about to throw several tubes of caulk away before seeing this video. So much really helpful information in concise presentation. Wow! Color me happy & subscribed.
I found a way of keeping sealant fresh but I've only used it on clear silicone types like Selleys all clear. I think the longest time between uses has been somewhere around a year and a half. I have kayaks for fishing and use it to do the various jobs I do. It's been really good as sometimes I might go 6 months without using and then it might be only for a few small screws at a time, Then later maybe some more I've been doing this for about 8 years now, and have never had to throw out a cartridge.
I have used the orange type of caulk keeper. It works okay, but could be better. Haven't seen the others at our store. Thanks for letting us know about the other options!
Seriously! Great information here. Also seriously… I listened to this video while going to sleep. Slept great, and then woke up 4 hours later. Watch again (because it showed up on my iPad when I turned it back on) and fell back to sleep immediately. Not trying to disparage you at all… I’m saying this is good information I’ll remember in the future. But for now, your unique voice and presentation is helping me sleep. Thank you!!, (seriously). See/hear you again tomorrow night! I wish I was a good writer to do a better job in complimenting you, and expressing my appreciation of really getting benefit from this.😅
Thnx so much for sharing! I'd hate to guess over the years how many tunes of silicone and caulk I've has to pitch because they hardened up. Seems every new project meant another expensive trip for new sealant. I think I like the red ones as well, so looks like another Amazon trip. Lol Thnx again. (I forwarded this to my son ... He'll LOVE this.)
The BEST method I have discovered: 1. Squeeze out excess air 2. Unscrew nozzle (you can wash out if its water soluble sealant) 3. Use a disposable latex glove as a seal (tried plastic film but not as good) 4. Screw the nozzle back on (over a couple of films of latex) Gives a VERY good shelf life. If sealant has begun to harden drill in with a larger diameter drill bit until you reach the gooey stuff. This works and creates a channel for the good sealant.
Thank you for sharing these great ideas. I use Hot Glue to seal the end of my caulking tubes when I finish a job. It is not a fast process, especially when I can't find my hot glue gun or glue sticks, but it does provide a great airtight seal. I'm going to try your suggestions next.
We have over a dozen partially used tubes with screws or nails in them. Had no idea there are so many products out there. Like the yellow one but the Tupperware is pretty cool. Caulk condom is hard to beat the cost
I got a caulk saver kit with the red caulk condoms and they work well for handheld squeeze tubes. The kit I got came with things to poke in to break up old caulk, but I like to use a nail. Btw, before watching this video the first time I saw them, I called them caulk condoms. So, pretty much universal. LOL. I've used them on silicone, construction adhesive, etc.
My suggestion to hopefully last even longer is to use a vacuum seal bag such that is used for sealing food. That seals not only the top but the bottom as well. That does a similar thing as the much more expensive airtite, but even better. Just make sure to put it into some container, cardboard box, whatever, because the bottom of the vacuum seal bag will be very tight and easy to puncture. I also use the caulk condoms on top of that because why not...and i guess it would help to avoid vacuuming caulk out the end.
Great fun. Sometimes I shove a little stick in the hole. Other times I wrap it with a piece of paper. They actually sell little rubber cabs. And you can't find a better place to keep your Philip screwdriver
These are all fixed tips, here in the UK we mainly use detachable tips (probably to make them easier to package). Just thought though, maybe you could melt the end and seal it by twisting or folding over?
I use a 1 5/8” end cap for a “cyclone” type of fence fencepost. I insert it at the end of tube, with a generous wrap of black tape. In addition, I use a Sharpie black pen to make angle lines from where the residual IS to the base, so, in an instant, I know how much caulk I have
been using the red condoms and they work well. I find using a 3 inch screw worked well too with saran wrap and when i need to use it again just unscrew with a drill
I've cleaned out caulk tubes and filled with drywall mud. You may have to thin mud slightly to make it flow. Work good on corners? Fills in straight cracks.
I have never seen most of these, I usually tape my end and sqeeze some caulk till there's no air left... The dripless gun is great, when I lay it down it doesn't leak.
I use the condom type sealers and find they do really well and so cheap too! But I shall check out the other types because there is nothing more annoying than losing the caulk by oxidation especially the tubeanew fix I do like that one a lot as I have some caulk tubes that have got to that state and I usually throw them away.
if you have a garage refrigerator, store open caulk in the fridge. most won't cure below 50 degrees and a fridge should be at 45 degrees. I use electrical tape to seal the tip. been doing this for years and can use caulk for years.
i actually got sick of wasting tubes and have the airtite, works amazing . one tube was in there for 6 months with no issues. wish i knew about the rubbers
Do what I do. Use 2 teaspoon of caulking and then stick the tube in your truck. This next part is key, forget that you have it, then next time you need some caulking buy another tube and do the cycle over again. This works everytime.
When caulk is dried down far into the nozzle, just use a long small-diameter drill bit and drill it out. Works well even if you spin the bit with your fingers when you're too lazy to get the drill out.
I use a screw and electric tape as it does not let air though the tape. Keeps most types of caulking good for over 1 year so long as the electric tape was applied to have no openings to the air . Painters tape for example breathes so air passes through it and causes the caulk to harden.
Because you can use the rest of the material in the tube instead of throwing it out and then clean the tube a new and use it again when you need it. Makes a lot of sense actually.
I have a huge problem with my caulk tubes drying up. I use tube that are cardboard in the sides, with metal tops, then plastic nipples. They dry up. I use the caulk, and then they sit for about 4 to 6 months. Used in campers. I've used caulk condoms, I've used nails, screws. I've used wire nuts with electrical tape making a tight seal. I've used just electrical tape, a strip over the top and down the sides, then wrap tape all the way down to base. What's the longest lasting sealing method you have used? Maybe I should use multiple methods to seal these??? I am thinking air gets in from the metal to cardboard mating surface or the plastic to metal mating surface???
Thanks, I've always had issues with my used caulk getting too hard. I like to keep my caulk moist so air getting into my caulk tube and drying out my caulk is very problematic.
Take packing tape, lightly make a hoop over the tip leaving a gap over the tip. seal the hoop by pinching the tape together up the shaft and again, leaving a reservoir of open "balloon" off the tip, now airtight. Squeeze caulk to fill the "balloon" of tape and you can get virtually similar storage times vs. brand new tube.
The shelf life of even unopened tubes of alkoxy cured silicone caulking is a problem. The AirTite looks like it might be a winner for this particular product.
Great info. Thanks for taking the time and spending the money to buy the different types. I tried using the gun type you were using but it really wore out my hand. I then discovered a relatively cheap battery powered one made by Black & Decker. It only lasted one season. The only one I could find to replace it was over $100.00. Do you have any thoughts, suggestions?
A roll of cling wrap is the cheapest. If you are going to only keep them for a few days to a week. If you want to keep it longer remove the nozzle, clean it out of calk put the bit of wrap over the tube opening the carefully screw the nozzle back on the wrap the nozzle and tube with the wrap.
I saw most of those tubes were acrylic. That dries and these methods work. I didn't watch past half way, gotta go. But... For silicone, wrap duct tape in a spiral to extend the length of the nozzle. Squeeze silicone into the duct tape about an inch then pinch the tip of the tape shut. The acetic acid and oxygen will cause the silicone to cure about an inch no matter what. That one inch is going to cure no matter what cap you put on. When you squeeze that contaminated caulk into the tape it cures and keeps air from getting in the nozzle. Been doing this for years.
Phoo. Just wrap a small piece of duck tape tightly around nozzle, extending it an inch past the end/tip. Pinch that together. Done deal. Worked for me for 20 yrs.
What about petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Small engine specialist Dony Boy has a YT video about using it, and it has saved me many tubes since I started using it.
The best is finger cots and they are cheap and you dont have to worry about trying to clean them. They will also last for awhile and are dirt cheap for a box of 300 is like $5.00 - $10.00 depending on where you live.
nails, screws, wire nuts never worked for me. The best method for me is to run out about 1/2 to 1" of caulk and let it sit, outside of the tip ... just let it dry hanging there. Seals the rest of the tube every time, regardless of material!
I use nitrile gloves cover both ends and electrical tape the middle where they join, my caulk lasts for months and can buy box of gloves relatively cheap
I've always cut the tip so I can drive a long lag bolt all the way down and into the tube. Keeps it freshy-fresh for MONTHS and you don't destroy the tip when you reverse out the lag bolt.
Just do big nail or long 3 inch drywall screw … yes tip dries out. But if dry just use wood skewer to punch thru dry portion do not store in garage… temps kill the caulk I store a cabinet above stove
I cut the tips off of used latex gloves and rubber band 2 of them to a tube. Works great and I don't have to clean them after the next use. Just use a new-used finger.
Which one of these methods did you find the most interesting or think would work the best?
The caulk condom
I always used an old baby bottle nipple works perfectly 👍
The caulk condom works best for me...
The red button
In Australia the nozzels are a seperate screew on part, you just ask for 'em at the hardware store and they give you free ones
Don't think it was mentioned, but one of the most important things to do is to squeeze a little out before using anything as a cap. You want to make sure no air is left in the nozzle.
This is the key point.
Retired now at 71 working in metal, glass,shower doors &windows. I've used all these techniques. They all work. My favorites are the red condom caps & tube renew ends. Excellent video. featuring the
I'm a homeowner and have little need for calk - so I usually buy the small tube that doesn't need a calk gun - I was always throwing away a lot of product when I'd buy a full tube for the calk gun - your video just changed my mind - I can now buy the full tube and save the excess for the next job - THANKS!
I have pulled out 4 year old tubes of used caulk with nails stuck thru the hole, pulled the nail out, rammed a #2 philips screwdriver as far as it would go down the nozzle and proceeded to caulk my bathtub with it. Great salesmanship brother.
Works on some caulk in some climates. Won't work right for Silicone or poly. Even though you stab through with a screwdriver, there is a plug you pushed into the tube. It will come back to stop up the flow repeatedly. Keep poking until you are finished or frustrated.
I've found that all putting something in the tip of the tube does is introduce air deeper into the tube. my go-to is to wrap the tip with electrical tape, extending it an inch or more past the tip, then squeeze a blob of caulk out into the tape wrap. when I need the caulk, days to months later, I can unwrap the tape, pull out the hardened bit of caulk I squeezed out, and apply good caulk. my carpenter friend does use the caulk condoms, and he does the same, squeeze a little bit of caulk after putting it on, and that part cures and protects the rest.
also, pro tip - using a razor knife to cut the tip gives you a better tip to work with, and using a piece of wire instead of the built on probe on the gun to puncture the seal, keeps you from having a sticky probe on the barrel of the gun which will invariably smear caulk on your hand.
Actually, this topic has been on my mind for a long time but never bothered to look for solution and here we go, you answered my question without me asking. Thanks for your work and sharing your time with us. Awesome work 💯
Great Father’s Day gifts and ideas. Thank you. Never found your channel before but have subscribed and will recommend your channel.
Excellent! Really glad to hear you found the channel and are finding value in it. Thanks a lot for the feedback Randy and look forward to seeing you more around the channel!
in a pinch, try using a red wire nut.The threads inside can screw down over the plastic nozzle, and it's kept caulk from drying out for months for me.
Electrical tape. A few wraps, pinch it at the top, and leave an end folded over to make it easy to pull. Works great and basically free.
When I was seven my father was working on something that required dozens of caulk tubes. I noticed that there was a significant amount of wasted caulk that the gun couldn't squeeze out. We were at the wood craft shop on the army base we lived on, so I found a scrap piece of dowel that was just a little bigger than the inside diameter of one of the empty tubes and used a lathe and sand paper to make it fit. Then I cut it to fit in the space that the gun couldn't resch, and put it into the back end of each tube and got two or three more trigger squeezes worth of caulk out of each one. The only caulk left after my improvement was in the tip. So really not possible to design away, so no big deal.
Thank you!
Most useful video yet. The no drip caulk guns are definitely worth the money and I highly recommend them. Thanks for the great videos
Another one of those common problems with a (relatively) easy fix that makes everyone think...
"WHY didn't I ever think of that" ?!?
Thanks for sharing!!
I split the nozzle vertically in half with a utility knife and dig out the cured caulk with a small screwdriver. I then wrap the nozzle with elec tape. Works great and is repeatable.
Brilliant. I’ll try that one
I just drill it out, using a drill the same size as the opening. Have to clean the bit, easier after the product has cured.
I have a monthly subscription for my caulk gun issues.
Seriously,
It's a very helpful video.
Can't believe how many times Made the tip too big for my job that I was doing. Really glad I found your channel
I am just a retired home handyman and have tried many methods to keep caulk useful over time. Most have been unsuccessful. I have lately been using hot melt glue to make a seal which has worked well for me, just squeeze some around the tip and when it hardens it seals the caulk. I am retired as I said and time isn't money for me, not sure I would take the time if I were a contractor.
Love this idea❤
I use a marker and date my tube that I put away. Thumbs up 👍
Also when you buy the caulk check the use by date and it could be on the inside bottom.
That's a great tip. Thanks a lot for the input and feedback Clarence!
I wasn't aware of these products but will definitely get some of these to try. What I do for water-based tubes is screw in a stainless steel eye screw, far enough that it seals the hole. That only works if the hole is relatively small, and doesn't work for long. For opening tube when product has cured, I will drill it out. You can select a size that matches the opening. The drill bit gets in pretty far and it usually gets it flowing again. But I'm going to try these more effective products. Thanks for the video!
I picked up a trick that works really well... electrical cap. Screw it tight on the end and it seals up pretty well. I've gone back to tubes a year later and they were still alright. Handy trick using something you likely have on site or around the house.
Giant holes for your caulk is a definite no-no.
Good info my man! 😎👌
I used to use a very long screw to get the same results. Instead of the caulk condom you could use a very slim balloon.
A condom for a caulk tube. I have now seen it all. Seriously, this was an incredibly useful video. I don't know how may calk tubes I have tossed in the pass. Such a waste. This is a game changer. Thanks.
Seriously! Was about to throw several tubes of caulk away before seeing this video. So much really helpful information in concise presentation. Wow! Color me happy & subscribed.
I really like that airtight container! In my line of work, some of the tubes cost as much as $300 each, and dry very quickly.
military contractor? 🤣🤣
@@steven.h0629 Some of my contracts are, yes.
I found a way of keeping sealant fresh but I've only used it on clear silicone types like Selleys all clear. I think the longest time between uses has been somewhere around a year and a half. I have kayaks for fishing and use it to do the various jobs I do. It's been really good as sometimes I might go 6 months without using and then it might be only for a few small screws at a time, Then later maybe some more I've been doing this for about 8 years now, and have never had to throw out a cartridge.
We have all wasted a lot of money with unused caulk that dries out. Great video on new products to save use money!! Thank you!
Totally relevant and very helpful. The one place we like to keep our couck soft!
the one i used was the yellow cap on a tube of PL did not work
I’ve always used a wire connector. Works like a charm!
That's what I use. I put the wire nut on the tip, then wrap with electrical tape, works every time.
@@wildbill23c Sweet! I just put the wire nut and have used it a couple of years later.
I saw somebody who found some caps from magic markers or pens or something like that, which fit perfectly, too.
A wire nut work as well as anything. Been using them for decades with 100% success.
Excellent video and no "fluff." Thanks!!!
I have used the orange type of caulk keeper. It works okay, but could be better. Haven't seen the others at our store.
Thanks for letting us know about the other options!
You are very welcome. It was the one I was least impressed with. Thanks for the feedback Jeanne!
Seriously! Great information here. Also seriously… I listened to this video while going to sleep. Slept great, and then woke up 4 hours later. Watch again (because it showed up on my iPad when I turned it back on) and fell back to sleep immediately. Not trying to disparage you at all… I’m saying this is good information I’ll remember in the future. But for now, your unique voice and presentation is helping me sleep. Thank you!!, (seriously). See/hear you again tomorrow night! I wish I was a good writer to do a better job in complimenting you, and expressing my appreciation of really getting benefit from this.😅
Uh, Ok lol Sweet dreams.
Thnx so much for sharing! I'd hate to guess over the years how many tunes of silicone and caulk I've has to pitch because they hardened up. Seems every new project meant another expensive trip for new sealant. I think I like the red ones as well, so looks like another Amazon trip. Lol Thnx again. (I forwarded this to my son ... He'll LOVE this.)
The BEST method I have discovered:
1. Squeeze out excess air
2. Unscrew nozzle (you can wash out if its water soluble sealant)
3. Use a disposable latex glove as a seal (tried plastic film but not as good)
4. Screw the nozzle back on (over a couple of films of latex)
Gives a VERY good shelf life. If sealant has begun to harden drill in with a larger diameter drill bit until you reach the gooey stuff. This works and creates a channel for the good sealant.
Fantastic video! I’m definitely gonna get the caulk condoms, being protected is essential!
Thank you for sharing these great ideas. I use Hot Glue to seal the end of my caulking tubes when I finish a job. It is not a fast process, especially when I can't find my hot glue gun or glue sticks, but it does provide a great airtight seal. I'm going to try your suggestions next.
We have over a dozen partially used tubes with screws or nails in them. Had no idea there are so many products out there. Like the yellow one but the Tupperware is pretty cool. Caulk condom is hard to beat the cost
Excellent video. Bought these and love them. Thanks.
Awesome information. There’s nothing more frustrating than dried up tubes in my caulk guns.
Great inventions. I should look for them in my supply catalog. Long time ago I drilled out the dry caulk from the tip.
Your videos have helped me so many times it's not even funny! This is GREAT! Thank you!
I got a caulk saver kit with the red caulk condoms and they work well for handheld squeeze tubes. The kit I got came with things to poke in to break up old caulk, but I like to use a nail. Btw, before watching this video the first time I saw them, I called them caulk condoms. So, pretty much universal. LOL. I've used them on silicone, construction adhesive, etc.
My suggestion to hopefully last even longer is to use a vacuum seal bag such that is used for sealing food. That seals not only the top but the bottom as well. That does a similar thing as the much more expensive airtite, but even better. Just make sure to put it into some container, cardboard box, whatever, because the bottom of the vacuum seal bag will be very tight and easy to puncture. I also use the caulk condoms on top of that because why not...and i guess it would help to avoid vacuuming caulk out the end.
Great fun. Sometimes I shove a little stick in the hole. Other times I wrap it with a piece of paper. They actually sell little rubber cabs. And you can't find a better place to keep your Philip screwdriver
Another great informative video, thanks!
Glad to hear you found it informative. Thanks a lot for leaving the feedback Randy!
Very good demonstration!
Glad you liked it! Thanks a lot for the feedback!
I've had decent short- to mid-term results threading on a wire nut. I start with a red or blue, depending on the caulking tube's opening.
Old Ziploc bags work great as well as long as they still seal, push all air out & it's sealed
These are all fixed tips, here in the UK we mainly use detachable tips (probably to make them easier to package).
Just thought though, maybe you could melt the end and seal it by twisting or folding over?
Very helpful thanks.😊
I use a 1 5/8” end cap for a “cyclone” type of fence fencepost. I insert it at the end of tube, with a generous wrap of black tape. In addition, I use a Sharpie black pen to make angle lines from where the residual IS to the base, so, in an instant, I know how much caulk I have
The introduction was mint. 🤣👌
🤫🤪
been using the red condoms and they work well. I find using a 3 inch screw worked well too with saran wrap and when i need to use it again just unscrew with a drill
I use hot glue that I put on the tip and it works pretty well keeping the caulk wet.
I've cleaned out caulk tubes and filled with drywall mud. You may have to thin mud slightly to make it flow. Work good on corners? Fills in straight cracks.
I have never seen most of these, I usually tape my end and sqeeze some caulk till there's no air left...
The dripless gun is great, when I lay it down it doesn't leak.
Thanks... great info... HOWEVER... do U have anything 2 offer re tubes that maybe were left over but never opened...?
Wipe the tip off when done, and dip the tip into hot candle wax a few times. The wax seal is as good as factory made.
Sounds like a great idea, but it's usually pretty hard to find hot liquid wax at job sites...or at home, for that matter! 😊
I use the condom type sealers and find they do really well and so cheap too! But I shall check out the other types because there is nothing more annoying than losing the caulk by oxidation especially the tubeanew fix I do like that one a lot as I have some caulk tubes that have got to that state and I usually throw them away.
I have been storing those caulk condoms in my wallet for years.
You never know when you might need one.
if you have a garage refrigerator, store open caulk in the fridge. most won't cure below 50 degrees and a fridge should be at 45 degrees. I use electrical tape to seal the tip. been doing this for years and can use caulk for years.
this works even for expensive polyurethane caulk like 3M 5200
Very profitable explanation
You may have inadvertently created a virial video!! Just hilarious!! Thanks for putting this together.
i actually got sick of wasting tubes and have the airtite, works amazing . one tube was in there for 6 months with no issues. wish i knew about the rubbers
Nice video. Never knew there are some of these neat stuffs in the market.
Do what I do. Use 2 teaspoon of caulking and then stick the tube in your truck. This next part is key, forget that you have it, then next time you need some caulking buy another tube and do the cycle over again. This works everytime.
When caulk is dried down far into the nozzle, just use a long small-diameter drill bit and drill it out. Works well even if you spin the bit with your fingers when you're too lazy to get the drill out.
I use a bicycle spoke which is thin enough for small holes in the tip in order to get down to wet caulk.
Thanks for sharing this information
I use a screw and electric tape as it does not let air though the tape. Keeps most types of caulking good for over 1 year so long as the electric tape was applied to have no openings to the air .
Painters tape for example breathes so air passes through it and causes the caulk to harden.
Awesome blossom!!
Because you can use the rest of the material in the tube instead of throwing it out and then clean the tube a new and use it again when you need it. Makes a lot of sense actually.
I have a huge problem with my caulk tubes drying up. I use tube that are cardboard in the sides, with metal tops, then plastic nipples. They dry up. I use the caulk, and then they sit for about 4 to 6 months. Used in campers. I've used caulk condoms, I've used nails, screws. I've used wire nuts with electrical tape making a tight seal. I've used just electrical tape, a strip over the top and down the sides, then wrap tape all the way down to base. What's the longest lasting sealing method you have used? Maybe I should use multiple methods to seal these??? I am thinking air gets in from the metal to cardboard mating surface or the plastic to metal mating surface???
You really have to work this rubber down onto the caulk tube. The best line in the video😂
And, “nice wet caulk”
Thanks!
You are very welcome! Really glad to hear you liked it. Thanks a lot for the feedback and the Super Thanks!
Thanks, I've always had issues with my used caulk getting too hard. I like to keep my caulk moist so air getting into my caulk tube and drying out my caulk is very problematic.
Take packing tape, lightly make a hoop over the tip leaving a gap over the tip. seal the hoop by pinching the tape together up the shaft and again, leaving a reservoir of open "balloon" off the tip, now airtight. Squeeze caulk to fill the "balloon" of tape and you can get virtually similar storage times vs. brand new tube.
Super useful video, thanks
The shelf life of even unopened tubes of alkoxy cured silicone caulking is a problem. The AirTite looks like it might be a winner for this particular product.
Can you do a video on central heat.
The first stage heater stopped working, while the second stage works.
Great tips / products, thanks!
Gunna have to get our hands on one of them non drip guns cause our caulk always dripping on everything
Great info. Thanks for taking the time and spending the money to buy the different types.
I tried using the gun type you were using but it really wore out my hand. I then discovered a relatively cheap battery powered one made by Black & Decker. It only lasted one season. The only one I could find to replace it was over $100.00. Do you have any thoughts, suggestions?
A roll of cling wrap is the cheapest.
If you are going to only keep them for a few days to a week.
If you want to keep it longer remove the nozzle, clean it out of calk put the bit of wrap over the tube opening the carefully screw the nozzle back on the wrap the nozzle and tube with the wrap.
I saw most of those tubes were acrylic. That dries and these methods work. I didn't watch past half way, gotta go. But... For silicone, wrap duct tape in a spiral to extend the length of the nozzle. Squeeze silicone into the duct tape about an inch then pinch the tip of the tape shut. The acetic acid and oxygen will cause the silicone to cure about an inch no matter what. That one inch is going to cure no matter what cap you put on. When you squeeze that contaminated caulk into the tape it cures and keeps air from getting in the nozzle. Been doing this for years.
Great video, great products, thank you!
Awsome video. Thank you, sir.😊
A nail in the end with a smidge of caulk smeared over the tip and a dab down the side. Have used it up to 40 years later.
No joke.
Phoo. Just wrap a small piece of duck tape tightly around nozzle, extending it an inch past the end/tip. Pinch that together. Done deal. Worked for me for 20 yrs.
What about petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Small engine specialist Dony Boy has a YT video about using it, and it has saved me many tubes since I started using it.
The best is finger cots and they are cheap and you dont have to worry about trying to clean them.
They will also last for awhile and are dirt cheap for a box of 300 is like $5.00 - $10.00 depending on where you live.
Just unscrew old cap put new on 😅
I usually use a screw and push a little caulk out to finish the sealing and the tip. I have caulk that is over 6 months old and still good
nails, screws, wire nuts never worked for me. The best method for me is to run out about 1/2 to 1" of caulk and let it sit, outside of the tip ... just let it dry hanging there. Seals the rest of the tube every time, regardless of material!
I use nitrile gloves cover both ends and electrical tape the middle where they join, my caulk lasts for months and can buy box of gloves relatively cheap
Amazing info. Plus there must be 101 "that's what she said" moments in here. 😂 Michael Scott would be going crazy.
Excellent video. I think Ill get the Caulk Condoms for safety sake.
Do you recommend to reuse the calk condoms"?
I've always cut the tip so I can drive a long lag bolt all the way down and into the tube. Keeps it freshy-fresh for MONTHS and you don't destroy the tip when you reverse out the lag bolt.
Just do big nail or long 3 inch drywall screw … yes tip dries out. But if dry just use wood skewer to punch thru dry portion do not store in garage… temps kill the caulk I store a cabinet above stove
I cut the tips off of used latex gloves and rubber band 2 of them to a tube. Works great and I don't have to clean them after the next use. Just use a new-used finger.
Perfect idea❤
Yep, those little red caulk cap condoms are the best. Been using them for a decade or more.
They really do work extremely well. Appreciate the input!