save that caulking

[John]

Ever get frustrated buying a tube of caulking for just one or two applications and then find you can't use it anymore when you go back to use in a month later? Maybe everybody else already knows this trick, but what I've taken to doing is running a long screw down the nozzle and leave it in when I'm done using the tube. After even several months, I can still use the caulking (even though I mostly use butyl tape as suggested here on this forum).

 

[Ross]

Like everything else here it depends. In this case it depends on the type of caulk. 5200 will cure in the tube all the way to the bottom if you leave it long enough.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Just read in one of the sailing mags the hint to also store it in the refrigerator as cold often slows the curing time in the tube.

 

[Manny]

Store it even longer in the freezer.

I've been able to store opened 5200 for a year and still use it, same with 4000.
If unopened the fridge is good. I keep my unopened caulk next to my rolls of film!

Manny

 

[Stu Jackson]

If that is an issue, then simply

buy smaller tubes of it, like the size of toothpaste tubes, at Ace Hardware.

I agree with John, and also stick screws in the long tubes and leave them down low in the boat, can usually get most of the stuff out.

 

[Joe A]

I use a vise

For tubes with flexible nozzles like silicone I clamp the end of the nozzle in the vise in my garage. The plastic to plastic seal will help the contents to last a really long time. If I periodically need to use the vise I can temporarily remove the tube and then put it back when I'm done. This probably won't work for 5200 due to the screw on nozzle.

 

[Chuckbear]

If the tube does set up it is usually just a short length into the nozzle. Use a drill with a bit just smaller that the hole at slow speed and it will pull out the hardened caulk and you will be good to go.

 

[MacMikey]

I have found that if I remove the nozzle from the tube and clean it out with acidtone and then place a small piece of alum. foil over the threaded end of the tube before replacing the nozzle that the 5200 will last for months.

 

[higgs]

I store my tubes with the nozzle end up so that the caulk drains back into the tube. that seems to help some.

 

[Ross]

Some of the caulks that I use will keep in the open tube for weeks and others harden in just a few days. I have had pretty good success with long drywall screws as stoppers because they seem to drag the hardened caulk out when I pull the screw. Construction adhesives and urethane and silicone caulks go bad after anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I just count it as part of the cost of the job. If I hired someone to do the same job it would cost more than a tube of caulk.

 

[BobM]

Boston Whaler also made some nicely appointed planing sailboats with positive floation, the Harpoon 4.6 and 5.2. The 5.2 was available as a daysailer and with a cuddy. They often go for reasonable prices as the are not all that well known.

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/871661333.html

 

[Allan R]

Bob, are you sure you are on the right thread?