How long does caulk last?
#1
01-28-17, 05:43 PM
How long does caulk last?
I just opened up a tube of caulking on Friday.
I was just wondering how long an open tube would last before it should be thrown away?
Thank you
I was just wondering how long an open tube would last before it should be thrown away?
Thank you
#2
01-28-17, 06:01 PM
Group Moderator
A few things can make a tube last quite a while, maybe a year or more. Cutting as small of a tip as possible for the job... placing a long thick nail down the nozzle, wrapping the nozzle with tape to keep air out... all help.
But if you don't do any of those things, you might as well toss it...
But if you don't do any of those things, you might as well toss it...
#3
01-28-17, 07:07 PM
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Check out the Dap Cap. They used to come free on squeeze tubes but must be purchased separately now:
CAP Caulk Finishing Tool-209293 - The Home Depot
I don't use finishing tools regularly, but this one works better than any I've tried and seals the tube.
CAP Caulk Finishing Tool-209293 - The Home Depot
I don't use finishing tools regularly, but this one works better than any I've tried and seals the tube.
#4
01-28-17, 07:15 PM
Member
I use a nail and tape..like X said, but I use a 16d common nail and put the head of the nail in the tube about an inch, and then wrap the end of the tube and the shaft of the nail with blue painters tape. When you go to use it again, grab the nail shaft with pliers and twist and pull. The head of the nail will pull out the plug of hardened caulk and you will be good to go. Works for at least 2-3 months, maybe longer.
#5
01-29-17, 03:14 AM
I also use the nail method, as Paul said the nail needs to extend into the tube. I don't bother with tape although the nail does need to have a snug fit. I tried the little caps that came with some tubes of caulk [not what Brian linked to] years ago and was disappointed as the caulk tended to dry up in the spout.
