Problem we all have

[Cornpatch MO]

How do you keep a tube of RTV-silicone from setting up in the tube after it has been opened? I buy a new tube , use just a little of it , put the cap back on tight , and a month or two later it has set up near the top. I wish the manufacturer would offer a pack of 6 or so in a box. Use the funnel tip , and plan on throwing it away after one use ......................MO

 

[Car Nut]

I feel your pain, I buy the smallest I'll need and use it up.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Take the funnel tip off. Squeeze the tube till silicone is flush with end of tube. Screw cap back on a hope for the best.
We buy larger tubes to get a bargain and them throw most of it away. Could buy smaller tubes and spend more.

 

[kiwigtx]

Depending on your climate - you'll usually get up to 2 months storage from an opened tube. I have had some last for 6 months, but usually there is a solid lump at the start of the tube to get rid of first. Don't buy bulk, and check the Use By dates when purchasing.

 

[oldbee]

Yup, always squeeze a little out the end to stop air from getting in; then just grab dried out part and yank it out. Hopefully you'll get one or more use out of it.

 

[440+6]

Making sure there is no air in the tip when you screw it on helps allot
If it's dried real bad at the tip I've cut a bottom corner off to get another use.
.

 

[Mike67]

I've been buying the cans, the tip will dry up but comes out without much effort.
When I remember to and when using a tube I'll take a sheetrock screw and shove it in the opening, it will go under the screw cap and if you use the nozzle you can use a screw or a my favorite a wire nut.

 

[Riverdawg]

Has anyone tried also putting it in a ziplock and sealing that while pushing as much out of the bag as possible?

 

[Ranger16]

Mine is years old and still soft and usable, but it is a tube with a screw on cap (like toothpaste). I have the same problem with those silicone caulking tubes. They are a lost cause and there is just no way around it. Use it or loose it, as the saying goes.

 

[MOPOWER871]

We put a man on the moon but the manufacturer can't figure out how to stop the sealer from hardening in the tube.They have , I'm sure, they want you to buy a new tube $$$$$$$$$$$

 

[wagonman]

If you can find it get the RTV made by Wurth, comes in a aresol like Cheeze Wizz. Good stuff easy to use and lasts way better than squeeze tubes.

 

[Beekeeper]

If you can find it get the RTV made by Wurth, comes in a aresol like Cheeze Wizz. Good stuff easy to use and lasts way better than squeeze tubes.

Yep the can like cheese whiz is great when done just squirt about 1/4" out the tip let it setup when needed just grab the tail pull it out of nozzle and squirt away. I have a can that's over a year old used it last week.

 

[73HEMI_RR_GTX]

Here's my trick. I put my open adhesives tubes into a Tupperware container and store them in my refrigerator in the garage. Since I live in Laughlin it can get 105 in the garage during the summer months. I have had some RTV last over a year.

 

[KENTON]

Maybe the freezer would work better. Never tried it just thinking out loud.

 

[73HEMI_RR_GTX]

Maybe the freezer would work better. Never tried it just thinking out loud.

Freezer will work also. But you will need to let them thaw prior to application. Or you won't be able to squeeze it out of the tube.
In the Aerospace industry we would use many frozen adhesives (RTVs, Epoxies and Polysulfide.

 

[mopar 3 B]

Better be reading the storage requirements before freezing.

 

[WileE]

I fill the cap almost full, I put a nail into the tube, then screw the cap on. The nail head seals the tube from the pressure from the stuff inside the cap as you screw it on.

 

[73HEMI_RR_GTX]

Better be reading the storage requirements before freezing.

Yep, just to make sure.

 

[Aarons Air]

I buy silicone in tubes with thread on ends. After i use it it hardens in the end. The next time i use it, i unthread the end and use the caulking gun poker to push out the hardened chunk. I can use the whole tube.

 

[kiwigtx]

We put a man on the moon but the manufacturer can't figure out how to stop the sealer from hardening in the tube.They have , I'm sure, they want you to buy a new tube $$$$$$$$$$$ View attachment 497692

@MOPOWER871 wins the Tube Wars....that is one impressive looking piece of silicone wastage.