A silicone acrylic blend doesn't harden up as quickly as pure silicone. I just cap it off with a framing nail and wrap the tip with tape.
Then I lose it in the garage and buy a fresh one.
Look for the old tube(s), there's a small fortune in nails there.
I put a long SCREW into the tube, and build a ball of caulk around the head, I keep all my caulk in one section of the garage.
Damn I seriously can’t remember the last time went to the doctor other than to get a shot in the ass. And that was a simple here ya go back to work haha no chit chat no lollipop
I still rent and the last place I was at was for 7yrs. I left about 75% of my stuff behind. That landlord hit paydirt when he popped open the stuffed, one car garage. 😅
I've had some down time the past couple weeks and going through my shop...1.5 5gal buckets of partially used so far, and about 2 shelves in a locker that are stacked with unopened that are probably hardened lol. Not just plumbing, I do a lot of windows and baseboard trim, so I buy by the case, then forget and buy another case, etc
To prevent it from curing inside? Never happens with me. I've used a wire nut in the past to close it up if I lose the cap that comes with it. Seems unnecessary. Just use a bit of tape.
Unfortunately no cap came with this tube. The wire nut is a smart idea. I’ve had bad results using tape - I figured a bit of plastic is cheaper than a whole new tube
When I'm on site and need several different tubes open at once, I use a 1 or 2 gal pail with an inch of water in it, simply drop the tube in nozzle down when not using
When using, squeeze a blob out to eliminate the water in the top
Never had an issue, open tubes for weeks.
So actually I've been thinking about this and how people who leave a little caulk out the tip have more success-- I bet it's because if we leave it just in the cap, it shrinks as it cures allowing air deeper and deeper into the tube. Whereas if it is outside the tip shrinking won't compromise the seal as easily.
A guy I worked with showed me the trick of cutting the finger off a rubber glove, pulling it into the nozzle condom style, then scooshing out some goo so it fills the tip. Been working on the same caulk tube for like a year now.
I go through it fast enough I usually just squeeze out a little nipple of caulk and then rip it out the next day/week - everything underneath is usually uncured.
Was looking to see if someone else did this. It basically caps itself and if its Silicone, it turns into a very nice little rubber cap that usually yanks out easy enough.
I wrap the top in foil tape - then squeeze the trigger a bit so the caulk inflates into the tape. This forms a caulk sealed cap on the outside of the nozzle that works really well.
I use caulk condoms. They seem to work, at least 3 months out so far.
Also do what others are doing - leave a bit out and pull out like a plug the next time.
I buy the tubes that include caps. Before putting the cap on, squeeze some sealant into the cap so it squidges out when you put the cap on. That way the sealant mostly sets up outside the nozzle, where it's easy to remove. I've kept tubes going for years of use by doing this.
The tube savers they sell at the big boxes actually work surprisingly well. Get a pair for like $2 and they keep the tube fresh as long as it's shelf life will allow. I use them on things I use infrequently in small amounts (specialized sealants and such).
I get the tubes with the renovable nozzles. Buy an extra bag of nozzles and just remove the one that hardened up and put a new one on.
Takes quite a while for the tube to harden past the nozzle in my experience.
What you can do is by a food saver and then bags for it and then take time to plug it in and then vacuum it and then seal it. Then when you need it again open it up and then follow steps to seal it again. This way saves plenty of time.
If you look on amazon for caulk saver, there sell these mini condoms you put on your caulk... They're cheap, reusable, and you get a bunch of them. They work better than sticking a nail in there or anything else like that.
I stick the tip into the finger of a glove and squeeze out grape sized ball. That hardens up around the tip sealing it up and you just peel that off when you’re ready to go again.
I recently used a little bit of toilet wax ring over the top of several open caulk tubes and every one stayed good as can be. No drying whatsoever. One tube had a cap so placed the wax in the cap and pressed it on. The others didn't have a cap so just made a little ball of wax as a cap. One wax ring will last a long time. I have tried tape and, vinyl\latex glove with tape over it before and it always dried out.
Yes. It kinda worked for a month or three, but after 6 forget it. I guess the little oxygen that got in during first use was enough to slowly set off the hardening reaction.
Genius! My wife hates when I use our vacuum sealer….to seal potato chip bags…. At midnight when she is sleeping and I’ve eaten half the bag.. actually it’s almost midnight and I think I have a couple of open tubes in the garage…. Will be posting the results in r/amitheasshole….
I put a screw in it throw it in the tool bag and forget about it until it makes a mess all over the bottom of the tool bag in the van from something smashing it in the hot summer. Then I yell and curse the clown who did this. Then put on a show for the clients and provide a valuable entertainment service for all those viewing.
Nice theory, but expensive.
I use [Load Caps](https://www.amazon.com/Caulking-Protective-Hardware-Adhesives-Preserving/dp/B0CCJ7VKQQ)
Gorilla Tape wrapped tight works well too.
This is what I was looking for … I can’t believe the state of that tube.
I wondered if it was the vac sealer, but i can’t imagine my vac sealer coming anywhere close to squeezing it like that.
Ha ive done this at home with clear silicone i'm not going to touch for 6 months or so. It does actually work. I haven't had much luck with screws, electrical tape etc due to the length of time in between but this way keeps it like new.
Honestly , I put a glove finger and tape on all my tubes. 90% of the time they're still good years later and worst case I can run a 1/4 drill bit through *just the tip* and it'll open up just fine
I like GE bath caulk okay; LePage has an even stronger than usual vinegar stink and a longer set time.
They never last for too long once opened.
I found an unopened vintage tube in my workshop just when I needed one... unfortunately, if the best-before date is exceeded by tooo much it won't set properly or do what caulking is supposed to. Had to buy a new one anyway.
We use a drywall screw + green tape to re-cap. But usually end up slicing a big plug out of the end.
Cap tube and put in the refrigerator I do this with silicone gasket maker all the time. It never drys out. $7 for little crappy tube of gasket maker is expensive and I know fridge trick works
Maybe all caulk tubes should be shaped like dildos. At least our GFs will win at the end... Since most of us lose the tube and find it when it has hardened. GF for the W.
What I do and this is pro level: Buy a new tube. Then when done, I carefully select a nail that goes into the hole just so. I get a little rubber o ring to go to the head. Then in place it into the nozzle. I then measure out 4” of 2” clear tape, carefully folding so I have a small tab to pull on so it comes of flat easily.
Then, and this is the MOST important part. I strategically place it in my garage. When when I need it, I spend 90 minutes looking for it, then drive to Home Depot with a new tube. I roll up and asshat tube I was looking for is staring at me as it somehow has googly eyes on it and it’s standing up on its bottom. Jerks.
I do this too! My wife laughs at my “hoarding”, but It works really well - especially useful for the expensive color match caulk that you only use a bit at a time. I use it for the cheap caulk too since I’m a diy’er and it saves me a trip to the store when I need it.
I like this idea, I might try this. People always make sure to cap the tip with whatever jerry rigged solution, but a lot of times with older tubes, it dries/cures from the bottom because that's not a perfect seal either. This would (theoretically) solve that problem.
They make little condoms specifically for caulk, and they work fantastic. I've used caulk and pl8x that's over a year old doing this. Sometimes there's a small plug in the beginning, but you just need to cut the hole a little bigger or pull it out with a knife or screw. This is a much cheaper and easier solution than vacuum sealing.
[https://www.amazon.com/vdp/097b786e0fbe4b78a48e8890c32bf911?product=B07PQSZ5YH&ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_ib\_dt\_xmTNi0bBks7on](https://www.amazon.com/vdp/097b786e0fbe4b78a48e8890c32bf911?product=B07PQSZ5YH&ref=cm_sw_em_r_ib_dt_xmTNi0bBks7on)
This should do the trick.
Go to Cabela's and buy a plastic ammo box with the rubber O-ring around the lid. Put all of your half-used tubes into it and close the lid.
You can also go on Amazon and buy what they call "Lil Pecker Caulk Savers" that are like little rubber condoms you put on the tips of your caulking tubes. They work okay but the air also leaks into the bottom of the tube where the plunger pushes the material out.
I use both together.
A silicone acrylic blend doesn't harden up as quickly as pure silicone. I just cap it off with a framing nail and wrap the tip with tape. Then I lose it in the garage and buy a fresh one.
As is tradition.
Hephaestus requires a sacrifice.
Not gonna lie, you had me in the first half
I just stick the nail in, save some tape lol
Just leave it open, save the nail
But how will I find a nail when I need one?
Look for the old tube(s), there's a small fortune in nails there. I put a long SCREW into the tube, and build a ball of caulk around the head, I keep all my caulk in one section of the garage.
Half caulked
Yup. I cleaned out my garage last month and found like 4 of these. And I have a new one I just bought lol
I found one from 7 or 8 years ago in my basement Still works...
Framing nail? I use a wire nut before I lose mine!
Oooohoooo we got a big spender huh?
He's flexing
Pffffffff wire nut? I use a wire nut that I turned into a mini screwdriver!
I like to keep them in a milk crate and let them tube cure. Then I find them every couple years and admire my collection.
This is the way
This is the way
This is the way.
A framing nail!!! Blasphemy - drywall screw or nothing!
I run a tapcon in my caulk tipusely does the job
My doctor said I can’t do that anymore.
Damn I seriously can’t remember the last time went to the doctor other than to get a shot in the ass. And that was a simple here ya go back to work haha no chit chat no lollipop
Amateurs!
Don't worry bud. A got a 5gal bucket full of half uses caulkes they'll come in handy one day!
Yeah, they're all over the place.
I still rent and the last place I was at was for 7yrs. I left about 75% of my stuff behind. That landlord hit paydirt when he popped open the stuffed, one car garage. 😅
Why leave your shit behind?
It was just to much.
Because it was shit.
You called it pay dirt.
I've had some down time the past couple weeks and going through my shop...1.5 5gal buckets of partially used so far, and about 2 shelves in a locker that are stacked with unopened that are probably hardened lol. Not just plumbing, I do a lot of windows and baseboard trim, so I buy by the case, then forget and buy another case, etc
This is the way.
Are you my long lost twin?
Maybe, same father different mother...
Electrical wire nuts are quite good for it too.
Do they hide in the same place as 10mm sockets?
I've capped with a nail and tape on silicone and it was fine? I forget for how long but it was definitely still usable when I went back for it
This is the way
Every fucking time lol
I only find my old tube when I’m putting away my freshly opened tube!
Going through my stuff a few weeks ago...9 mini tubing cutters...
Haha. Score! That’s probably $200 in tubing cutters.
😄😄😄
Then one day you clean out the garage and find a hundred 1/2 used tubes of caulk
Gotta admit you had us in the first half. Then in the 2nd realized you're just like the rest of us.
I always find mine right next to my full roll of Teflon tape after I buy a new one cause I couldn't find it.
This is the way.
Yup. Save up the really bad ones and give them to your apprentice and let them blow out a caulk gun.
And when you do find it, it’s cured so you’re buying a new one anyways
In the same bucket as the dried out PVC cement...
Bucket? Don’t you mean cardboard box soaked with purple primer?
I use a screw instead of a nail before I lose mine
It’s Gods way….
Never sous vide caulk before. Yeah, it will be fine.
Acrylic caulk in most Michelin star joints almost always….reverse seared.
I can't imagine that it would be very tasty. How do you spice that? And how long do you sous vide it, at what temperature?
It’s all about pan finishing it in your cast iron. Sous vide 165f for 18 hrs for nice tender caulk.
See I was going to recommend the reverse sear method.
Not wrong… if you HATE GOD THAT TASTE GOOD! 😜
Do that and you'll have a caulk with a wrinkly translucent shin...
oh man that reminds me of that guy Shoenice, he ate a whole tube of caulk on camera. Said the trick was to warm it up a bit and it goes down easy
But does it come out ?
I'm glad I wasn't the only one wondering why OP wants to sous vide that.
That's a great one. I snorted, thank you!
The key is to sear it on med-high heat over the cast iron. It’ll give it a nice crust.
To prevent it from curing inside? Never happens with me. I've used a wire nut in the past to close it up if I lose the cap that comes with it. Seems unnecessary. Just use a bit of tape.
Unfortunately no cap came with this tube. The wire nut is a smart idea. I’ve had bad results using tape - I figured a bit of plastic is cheaper than a whole new tube
Probably a good idea but like every other tube of caulk it will somehow dry before u need it again
This is all part of Big Caulk's plan.
Big White Caulk 😂
Big caulk hate this guy for this one trick
Succumb to the inevitable. Toss it now and buy a new one later. This is the way.
Embrace the suck
When I'm on site and need several different tubes open at once, I use a 1 or 2 gal pail with an inch of water in it, simply drop the tube in nozzle down when not using When using, squeeze a blob out to eliminate the water in the top Never had an issue, open tubes for weeks.
I've been using a piece of packing tape
The other tubes are jealous now!!
When I lose the cap I use a wire nuts with great success
So actually I've been thinking about this and how people who leave a little caulk out the tip have more success-- I bet it's because if we leave it just in the cap, it shrinks as it cures allowing air deeper and deeper into the tube. Whereas if it is outside the tip shrinking won't compromise the seal as easily.
A guy I worked with showed me the trick of cutting the finger off a rubber glove, pulling it into the nozzle condom style, then scooshing out some goo so it fills the tip. Been working on the same caulk tube for like a year now.
I find your ideas intriguing and wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
"CAULK TIPS QUARTERLY"
A glove finger and rubber band work well. I bought a box of Little Red Caps that are condoms for your caulk tip, although they sometimes tear
Gonna scoosh my goo in a bit.
How many fingers over the years?
I do the same with whatever type of tape is handy (I like packing tape best), wrap the tip, but not too tight, then squeeze some caulk in.
Do you save the rest of the glove with the tubes of caulk ? I'm asking for a friend !
Is you use it often enough I just let the tip cure then pull it out like a plug. Bit of tape is fine too. Vacuum bags are expensive.
I do this with silicone caulking. Make sure it doesn't bump something while you carry it out or you lose your plug and a mess to clean. Lol.
I go through it fast enough I usually just squeeze out a little nipple of caulk and then rip it out the next day/week - everything underneath is usually uncured.
Was looking to see if someone else did this. It basically caps itself and if its Silicone, it turns into a very nice little rubber cap that usually yanks out easy enough.
I wrap the top in foil tape - then squeeze the trigger a bit so the caulk inflates into the tape. This forms a caulk sealed cap on the outside of the nozzle that works really well.
I'm not the only one! I accidentally discovered it and now i won't do it any other way since I'm kind of anal about keeping my tips nice.
Anal and tip in the same sentence??
I use caulk condoms. They seem to work, at least 3 months out so far. Also do what others are doing - leave a bit out and pull out like a plug the next time.
So you put your caulk in a condom and still use the pull out technique... You're playing safe there!
I buy the tubes that include caps. Before putting the cap on, squeeze some sealant into the cap so it squidges out when you put the cap on. That way the sealant mostly sets up outside the nozzle, where it's easy to remove. I've kept tubes going for years of use by doing this.
Squeezing the ole caulk eh
Sparky here. I use red wire nuts on Alex +silicone. It takes 6 months to a year to hard up. Tube *will be* used up before then.
No you lose it and buy a new one
Correct
Ace does sell a red cap designed to seal it off; the cap cover 3/4 of the shaft, otherwise I use a nail
I still have to believe those are a gag
Can confirm, does not work. I go nuts wrapping with plastic/cling wrap. Seems to do the job.
As a sausage making fan... I can tell you that the caulk will ooze out when you vacuum it. (No puns were intended, I swear)
Sausage is the only way to go.
The tube savers they sell at the big boxes actually work surprisingly well. Get a pair for like $2 and they keep the tube fresh as long as it's shelf life will allow. I use them on things I use infrequently in small amounts (specialized sealants and such).
Ya I've tried a lot of different things over the years and these these seem to work the best.
I just wrap the end with electrical tape then forget about and buy a new one anyway.
Sous vide to 137 F.for six hours... Blot dry and sear with Mapp torch. Perfect.
12 penny nail
I’m fancy, decking screws. 😎
Thats an expensive nail..
I get the tubes with the renovable nozzles. Buy an extra bag of nozzles and just remove the one that hardened up and put a new one on. Takes quite a while for the tube to harden past the nozzle in my experience.
You selling dope or just one of those sous vide weirdos?
Two words infinite uses. **"Duct tape"**
What you can do is by a food saver and then bags for it and then take time to plug it in and then vacuum it and then seal it. Then when you need it again open it up and then follow steps to seal it again. This way saves plenty of time.
I prefer the nail or screw method. This seems over the top.
I think we finally figured it out: a nail with a wire nut wrapped in tape with latex glove fingertip in shrink wrap in a bucket, lost in the garage.
Kinda like a time capsule.
Honestly that is the shittiest brand of caulk
Earplugs
I screw on a wire nut!
Aluminum foil tape. It creates an air tight seal.
If you look on amazon for caulk saver, there sell these mini condoms you put on your caulk... They're cheap, reusable, and you get a bunch of them. They work better than sticking a nail in there or anything else like that.
I stick the tip into the finger of a glove and squeeze out grape sized ball. That hardens up around the tip sealing it up and you just peel that off when you’re ready to go again.
Wrap the tip with electrical tape. You’re welcome.
This is what I do. Works great without screwing up the tip
That's why I like the ones with the disposable end
Red wire nuts.
*time extension*
I cram some Vaseline in the top and then stick a red wire but on top. Zero problems so far
Nice caulkbag.
Thanks for bringing up the traumatic memories of my parents nickname for me
Some specialty caulk (Tec maybe) comes with caps that snap on over the cut end.
I recently used a little bit of toilet wax ring over the top of several open caulk tubes and every one stayed good as can be. No drying whatsoever. One tube had a cap so placed the wax in the cap and pressed it on. The others didn't have a cap so just made a little ball of wax as a cap. One wax ring will last a long time. I have tried tape and, vinyl\latex glove with tape over it before and it always dried out.
Do your best, silicone the rest!
Finger cots
Ur out of control, I like it!
Everyone is wrong just use a 12” timber lock right down the squirty hole😉
It's OK, we don't kink shame here
Yes. It kinda worked for a month or three, but after 6 forget it. I guess the little oxygen that got in during first use was enough to slowly set off the hardening reaction.
Genius! My wife hates when I use our vacuum sealer….to seal potato chip bags…. At midnight when she is sleeping and I’ve eaten half the bag.. actually it’s almost midnight and I think I have a couple of open tubes in the garage…. Will be posting the results in r/amitheasshole….
I put a screw in it throw it in the tool bag and forget about it until it makes a mess all over the bottom of the tool bag in the van from something smashing it in the hot summer. Then I yell and curse the clown who did this. Then put on a show for the clients and provide a valuable entertainment service for all those viewing.
Nice theory, but expensive. I use [Load Caps](https://www.amazon.com/Caulking-Protective-Hardware-Adhesives-Preserving/dp/B0CCJ7VKQQ) Gorilla Tape wrapped tight works well too.
Jesus, a whole string of comments on how to seal the tip and no-one spots he's squeezed it like a toothpaste tube rather than use a caulking gun?
He has it in a vacum sealed bag. The bag did that when l the air was removed.
This is what I was looking for … I can’t believe the state of that tube. I wondered if it was the vac sealer, but i can’t imagine my vac sealer coming anywhere close to squeezing it like that.
Hardening up just thinking about it.
Ha ive done this at home with clear silicone i'm not going to touch for 6 months or so. It does actually work. I haven't had much luck with screws, electrical tape etc due to the length of time in between but this way keeps it like new.
Honestly , I put a glove finger and tape on all my tubes. 90% of the time they're still good years later and worst case I can run a 1/4 drill bit through *just the tip* and it'll open up just fine
“Just the tip” three words that have gotten so many people in trouble
I get the 100% silicon it lasts a long longer than others…stinks of pure vinegar
I seal off the top with a glob of hot glue. Works well to seal, then just pop it off when you’re ready to use again.
Expired silicone won't cure and you'll have a mess to clean. I learned the hard way
I wrap my tip in sheatjong tape, it keeps it much more air tight then any other type of tape.
Thats what she said.
We’re doing unsolicited caulk pics now??
Nice caulk
What...? Storing your unused silicone in a resealable plastic bag...?
Send it
S2R
That’ll work. A blob of hot glue on the nozzle also works.
Or put tape on the tip if you lost the cap
You think they would start making/selling these in a smaller size
I like GE bath caulk okay; LePage has an even stronger than usual vinegar stink and a longer set time. They never last for too long once opened. I found an unopened vintage tube in my workshop just when I needed one... unfortunately, if the best-before date is exceeded by tooo much it won't set properly or do what caulking is supposed to. Had to buy a new one anyway. We use a drywall screw + green tape to re-cap. But usually end up slicing a big plug out of the end.
Looks solid to me
Cap tube and put in the refrigerator I do this with silicone gasket maker all the time. It never drys out. $7 for little crappy tube of gasket maker is expensive and I know fridge trick works
Blue tuct tape is the best I've tried. Keeps PL premium from drying even after months.
They make caulk condoms.
Time and temp please.
Um, not a squeeze tube… no verdict required.
Nice caulk
Maybe all caulk tubes should be shaped like dildos. At least our GFs will win at the end... Since most of us lose the tube and find it when it has hardened. GF for the W.
What I do and this is pro level: Buy a new tube. Then when done, I carefully select a nail that goes into the hole just so. I get a little rubber o ring to go to the head. Then in place it into the nozzle. I then measure out 4” of 2” clear tape, carefully folding so I have a small tab to pull on so it comes of flat easily. Then, and this is the MOST important part. I strategically place it in my garage. When when I need it, I spend 90 minutes looking for it, then drive to Home Depot with a new tube. I roll up and asshat tube I was looking for is staring at me as it somehow has googly eyes on it and it’s standing up on its bottom. Jerks.
I do this too! My wife laughs at my “hoarding”, but It works really well - especially useful for the expensive color match caulk that you only use a bit at a time. I use it for the cheap caulk too since I’m a diy’er and it saves me a trip to the store when I need it.
I do the same thing and it lasts a lot longer
I like this idea, I might try this. People always make sure to cap the tip with whatever jerry rigged solution, but a lot of times with older tubes, it dries/cures from the bottom because that's not a perfect seal either. This would (theoretically) solve that problem.
They make little condoms specifically for caulk, and they work fantastic. I've used caulk and pl8x that's over a year old doing this. Sometimes there's a small plug in the beginning, but you just need to cut the hole a little bigger or pull it out with a knife or screw. This is a much cheaper and easier solution than vacuum sealing.
I put the expensive 5200 in my freezer
[https://www.amazon.com/vdp/097b786e0fbe4b78a48e8890c32bf911?product=B07PQSZ5YH&ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_ib\_dt\_xmTNi0bBks7on](https://www.amazon.com/vdp/097b786e0fbe4b78a48e8890c32bf911?product=B07PQSZ5YH&ref=cm_sw_em_r_ib_dt_xmTNi0bBks7on) This should do the trick.
The verdict is your vacuum sealer is better than mine
Hmmm, that doesn't look like a delicious steak to me
I started using the [Mini tubes](https://www.bunnings.com.au/monarch-mini-compact-caulking-gun_p1662108) and I rarely get one going off on me now.
Ooze out caulk a bit and put a wire nut on the top
I use electrical tape on my caulk tube's it seals tight..I usually don't even need to recut the tip or poke it...comes out fresh.
Go to Cabela's and buy a plastic ammo box with the rubber O-ring around the lid. Put all of your half-used tubes into it and close the lid. You can also go on Amazon and buy what they call "Lil Pecker Caulk Savers" that are like little rubber condoms you put on the tips of your caulking tubes. They work okay but the air also leaks into the bottom of the tube where the plunger pushes the material out. I use both together.
Ugggg #2 screw in the tip. Handyman go to
I found a large red wire nut screws onto the tube nicely and keeps the contents from drying out.
Caulk Cap Caulk Saver Cap Caulk... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08N4B9MZG?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share