New Product for "frozen" caulking tubes

[MilDoc]

I've tried everything I've read about to keep caulk from hardening in the tip. This new product is more for expensive solvent based products, but it "rescues" the remainder in the tube:

http://www.crawlerproducts.com/site/...ktip_about.htm

Supposedly $5 for 5 tips to "rescue" 5 tubes.

[Slik Geek]

A cheaper, and highly effective solution for caulk, anyway, is the nozzle cap from Lee Valley. (A previous thread discussed these).

www.leevalley.com

Nozzle Caps, pkg. of 20, 25K80.80 $3.95

I've used these since Lee Valley started selling them. Haven't had any problems with my caulk drying up after at least six months. The caulk seemed like it was brand new. (I did, however, squirt out an inch or two into the garbage to just be safe). I love them.

(I do have to take rude comments when people see how they remind them of a normally larger version...)

[Ken Massingale]

A cheaper, and highly effective solution for caulk, anyway, is the nozzle cap from Lee Valley. (A previous thread discussed these).

www.leevalley.com

Nozzle Caps, pkg. of 20, 25K80.80 $3.95

I've used these since Lee Valley started selling them. Haven't had any problems with my caulk drying up after at least six months. The caulk seemed like it was brand new. (I did, however, squirt out an inch or two into the garbage to just be safe). I love them.

(I do have to take rude comments when people see how they remind them of a normally larger version...)

There are larger versions??!!

[MilDoc]

I tried the LV tips too. Didn't stop the caulk from hardening in the nozzle. Maybe different environment?

[backpacker85]

So I guess my 20d galvanized nail just won't cut it anymore

[Ed62]

I like a 16d nail wrapped with (what else?) duct tape.

Ed

[Stytooner]

I actually like to use decking screws. They are sometimes hard to pull out, but when they come out, they usually pull a plug out with it and then the caulk flows as normal. This is also dependent on what's in the tube. Construction adhesive, then you may as well get ready to debeak the tube and use some fat lines.

[tuttlejr]

Use Golf Tees.

[bthere]

I use pan head sheet metal screws. It cuts a little thread going into the nozzle to keep it sealed and you can either unscrew it to get it out, or, as Stytooner says, you can pull it out if you need to yank a plug of dried stuff out.

[cabinetman]

From their advertising: The longer nozzle gives you more control over sizing the cut, for the perfect caulk bead to fit your job.

Makes sense to me.
.

[Slik Geek]

I tried the LV tips too. Didn't stop the caulk from hardening in the nozzle. Maybe different environment?

Puzzling, I've had nothing but excellent results. Did you put the cap on right away? Perhaps the caulk started hardening before you sealed it up?

I've only used them on two types of caulk, perhaps you used a type that is more volatile? I've sealed 100% silicon and DAP® ALEX PLUS® Acrylic Latex Caulk Plus Silicone.

I previously used nails and screws as plugs, but the caulk often dried up and required the extraction of a chunk of semi-dry caulk from the nozzle. Sometimes this extraction required enlargement of the nozzle hole, which I didn't want because I had already cut it to a desired bead size.

[Slik Geek]

I tried the LV tips too. Didn't stop the caulk from hardening in the nozzle. Maybe different environment?

Regarding my caulk storage environment:
My caulk is stored on shelving in a dry basement that generally hovers between 50F and 65F. It gets a bit humid in the summer, but there is no water seepage, so it is drier than some basements. I generally run a dehumidifier in the summer to keep the moisture level somewhat moderated.

[sacherjj]

I've also always used various sized screws. They cut into the plastic on the inside of the tip enough to completely seal it. Longest I've stored one was about 4 years, but it worked when I used it.

[L. D. Jeffries]

Lee Valley Tools sells little red rubber caps, that look jokingly like condoms for wee tiny folks. But they do work; roll one over the noZZle and squeeZe a little of what ever is in the tube out, release the pressure and take tube out of gun. Later on still useable, or at least I have found it so. They cost about $6 for a doZen or so if I remember right.

[RHunter]

Glad Press n' Seal.

Put it over the tip and then wrapped around the nozzle a couple of times.

Works well, is cheaper then Caulk Condoms (I steal a 2" x 12" section from the roll in the kitchen) and a roll of the stuff will probably last about a billion tubes of caulk.