…off any company that makes silicon that doesn’t dry up in the nozzle! But of course, there’s no %age to make it I guess, and to think of all the 3/4 full tubes I’ve cut the nozzle back to 1/4″, and still had to junk it.
All the best…
To those who know – this may be obvious. To those who don’t – I hope I’ve helped.
Replies
Take a piece of duct tape about 3" long. Fold it in half over the tip of the cartridge (with the fold at right angles to the axis of the cartridge). Leave about 3/8" of space between the fold and the end of the tip. Press the tape tightly around the cartridge tip, but don't smash that 3/8" area -- leave a little chamber there. Now squeeze some silicone into that space, until the tape bulges up a bit.
Won't keep a year this way, generally, but can be good for several months.
Great post. Thanks for the tips (no pun intended) on this age old problem. I always stuck a 16d common nail down the shaft of the nozzel and it sort of works half the time. I'm going to try the duct tape. Thanks again.
I'm sure I'm not alone, but I've had great luck using a wire nut screwed dow tight, get an easy couple of months.
I found the little tube "condons" at my local kitchen installer supply house.They are better than any of the suggestions listed so far - find em and use em.(BTW - I've tried all of the previously suggested ideas myself...)JT
Thanks for all the suggestions - I've tried a couple of them, butI guess I had to have a little rant. And there's a couple more that sound promising.All the best...
To those who know - this may be obvious. To those who don't - I hope I've helped.
I wish they made a tube about 1/3 the size in length, I rarely need a full tube of clear for one job or black usually just need a little bit. What I do is put a nail or screw in the end and wrap with duct tape. That will buy me six months sometimes longer, though doesn't always work.
Jeff
Yeah, half-sized (or smaller) tubes would make a lot of sense. You can get those toothpaste tubes of caulk, of course, but who wants to wear your thumbs out on one of those.
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
I'm with PaulBinCT, Use wire nuts . Cheap, easy, and i have yet to cut myself with a wire nut!
Ditto DanH's method, only substituting Scotch 2" clear plastic tape, type 375. It's the stuff they make for use on cardboard moving boxes. Advantages over duct tape are that it's airtight, and you can see the dab of goo you squeeze out into the tape.
-- J.S.
Generally I use whatever tape's at hand -- electrical tape will work. The glob does most of the work.
If Tyranny and Oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy. --James Madison
There was a tip in one of the last few FHB's that works for me- if you've got a dried up nozzle full of silicone, slit the nozzle from the short side of the tip cut all the way back to the tube. Open up the nozzle and pull out the silicone booger. Duct tape the nozzle back together, and see if it works.
It worked on some of mine, others were dried out halfway back in the tube. You win some, you lose some.
zak
"so it goes"
I've done the same and seen the same as you describe/Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
Lee Valley sells what look like mini-condoms that work very well for your problem
I have been using them for some time and had no problems with them other than keeping them in a designated spot so as to be easy to find when needed
Why not just use cheapo party balloons ?
Yadda yadda yadda
Lee Valley sells what look like mini-condoms that work very well for your problem
Also available at your nearest Rockler store.
DG/Builder
We use 4" shrink wrap that we always have in the truck for bundling. About 6 or 8 wraps changing directions over the tip.
Loctite or Dow Corning
Dont think any of us has the cash for that type buyout though.
The types that come in well sealed tubes go for about $20 a 15 oz cartridge, others, not in tubes, such as DC95-500, MUCH higher.
I cut away the tube and use the cured insides to "refresh" sanding disks and belts. It is similar to a large artgum eraser. Simply press against the running disk or belt and it removes all the clogged-up sawdust and glue.