Strategies to extend life of caulking tubes

[Micrornd]

They do sell small tubes, like 80ml.

/\ /\ /\ /\
winner, winner
chicken dinner
Don't buy more than you need and the problem is solved.

 

[Muse]

/\ /\ /\ /\
winner, winner
chicken dinner
Don't buy more than you need and the problem is solved.

Oh, and not mind tossing what's left over. There's always some left over. I don't remember seeing smaller tubes. Just the squeeze kind. Like Shoe Goo.

 

[sdifox]

Oh, and not mind tossing what's left over. There's always some left over. I don't remember seeing smaller tubes. Just the squeeze kind. Like Shoe Goo.

Zinc screw + heat shrink tube should work as well. I was talking about the smaller squeez type.

 

[Greenman]

They do sell small tubes, like 80ml.

Example

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mono-100-silicone-sealant-for-kitchen-bath-window-door-and-siding-clear-83ml/1001001925

I really wish someone would sue them for advertising that as being used for windows, doors, and siding. Those are three locations where you NEVER use pure silicone because you can't paint it.

 

[BoomerD]

I really wish someone would sue them for advertising that as being used for windows, doors, and siding. Those are three locations where you NEVER use pure silicone because you can't paint it.

agreed. 100% silicone has its uses...but not any place where paint is needed.

I've been using this on my greenhouse:

Lexel - Sashco

Downloadable Resources Where to Buy The Tough Elastic Sealant For Every Job. Sticks To Most Anything. Lexel is the Tough Elastic Sealant for Every Job. Super-elastic. Superior adhesion. Paintable. It seals around anything: tubs and shower stalls, sinks and countertops, window frames and door...

www.sashco.com

a bit more expensive than the Dap products, but crystal clear and can be used on wet surfaces.

 

[Muse]

My old previouslly opened tube of painters acrylic + silicone (white), has gone off nicely. I put a strip of it on a piece of cardboard and checked it a few times over ~3 days and decided to use the rest of the tube in my mouse-proofing the house, also to help seal the house from cooler air coming in from the crawl space. It's gradually set up nice and tough. Shrank quite a bit but is adhering very nicely. Seems that whatever silicone was in it didn't prevent it from setting well.

 

[Scarpozzi]

They do sell small tubes, like 80ml.

Example

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/mono-100-silicone-sealant-for-kitchen-bath-window-door-and-siding-clear-83ml/1001001925

NObody wants small caulk. 😔

My trick is to have a list of projects. I use Google Keep to make a running list of every project I need to get done around the house. When I start on one that uses materials I may need on another,I try to knock out 2 or 3 at a time. It helps minimize waste as long as I can complete everything in a few days time. The best part about having a list like that is just being able to mark things off and having direction so I don't end up on the couch drinking coffee too much.

 

[Greenman]

NObody wants small caulk. 😔

My trick is to have a list of projects. I use Google Keep to make a running list of every project I need to get done around the house. When I start on one that uses materials I may need on another,I try to knock out 2 or 3 at a time. It helps minimize waste as long as I can complete everything in a few days time. The best part about having a list like that is just being able to mark things off and having direction so I don't end up on the couch drinking coffee too much.

I have a system much like that, it also has a daily reminder of all of the things I need to do, a quality control checklist, and schedules events based on assumed completion times. My system is called "wife".

 

[Micrornd]

I have a system much like that, it also has a daily reminder of all of the things I need to do, a quality control checklist, and schedules events based on assumed completion times. My system is called "wife".

Love it
But you forgot to mention the late penalties and liquidated damages

 

[Scarpozzi]

I have a system much like that, it also has a daily reminder of all of the things I need to do, a quality control checklist, and schedules events based on assumed completion times. My system is called "wife".

Lucky for me, my wife only asks me for help occasionally when carpentry, muscle, or power tools are involved. She had me building pick up bed-sized raised beds a few weekends ago that took up a Saturday....but usually, it's my list on my time. She's willing and able to work and is basically in charge of all yard work now. (We have a maid that comes once a week to handle inside stuff)

 

[Torn Mind]

If you're privy to being bold, shove down some windshield urethane glue down the hole to seal it back up.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I find it really depends on the product, for stuff like silicone seems to last a long time, I make sure when I put the tube away that there is some of it at the tip so it seals itself. I use a screwdriver to poke it and pull the plug out and the rest inside is still good.

I find the biggest thing though is to avoid the cold. Ex: don't leave it in the garage or shed over winter. A lot of chemicals will go bad from this.

I hate to waste too so I try my best to see if an existing tube is reusable before buying new. It's not just a money thing but an environment thing. The less trash I can generate the better.

 

[Instantwow]

When I’m done caulking, my cheap approach is to grab a plastic bag and tear off a corner. I then empty some caulk into that corner, squeeze the bag to further wrap it around the caulk outlet. I just let this dry. Usually when I want to use it later, pull off the “caulk” cap, clear out the tube end with the metal poker and reuse.