STOP Throwing Away Half-Used Dried-Up Caulk Tubes! How To Fix It To Last Forever!

[@FixThisHouse]

CAULK ITEMS I USED ON THIS VIDEO: - Caulk Caps - amzn.to/3nSY4yf - TUBE-A-NEW Caulk Tube Repair - amzn.to/3P7sPe7 - Lil-Pecker Caulk Saver Sealer Caps - amzn.to/3mn6YDB - Caulk Nozzle Stopper - amzn.to/3mscfcQ - Seal-A-Tube - amzn.to/43lYL39 - AirTire Tubes (X2) - amzn.to/3Uq7RI6 TOOLS I USED: - Dripless Caulk Gun - amzn.to/3o2Yx0G - Retracting Utility Knife - amzn.to/3KQ4oiC

[@greenfinch628]

Caulk caps - probably one of the more useful “tips” I’ve seen in a long time. Thanks

[@SyBernot]

All this time I've just been squeezing petroleum jelly into an open tube. It works but you have to squeeze out a couple inches of caulk to get out all the jelly.

[@dallasarnold8615]

For many years, I just squeeze out about 1/4 inch of caulk/ sealant and store the tube tip down. When I want to use it, I gently pull on the dry piece sticking out. It stretches most of the dry material into a more slender section and pops out. Generally about one inch comes out before the soft part. Works almost every time for me.

[@jacqjacq5920]

It worked! Thank you!!

[@waynenetzley1045]

Caulk rubbers ( condoms )

[@johnsims4694]

You can teach an old dog new tricks, I'm 69 years old and this young guy just taught me something new. Great lesson!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help sir! Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@ste9430]

Sad

[@TonyTundra5.7]

Same I'm 62 I call it KZbin University

[@makantahi3731]

now you see you can think out of box

[@pleasureincontempt3645]

@@TonyTundra5.7I just think you’re stupid.

[@tonyhelton2788]

Congratulations. Finally someone with exceptionally communication skills and the ability to explain something in straight forward and plain language. Excellent instructor and instructive video. Thank you and keep up the great work.

[@FixThisHouse]

Than you so much for the love and support! Your comment means a lot! Have a great weekend my friend! 🙏🏽😊

[@elbigotesdelatienda]

Exceptionally what??? 🤣

[@dawn0972]

@@elbigotesdelatiendadoes that make you feel better about yourself?

[@randywilliams847]

Man you deserve a Nobel Prize! This is the most valuable information I have seen on KZbin in years. Thank You.

[@erniemathews5085]

Folks like you make me really appreciate smart people. Thanks.

[@hisense4394]

For years I've been frustrated by leftover caulk drying up, even when I've used long nails, which sometimes rusts; I ordered some 3" long plastic golf tees and that solved my problem. I like that they work and they slide out of the caulk tube easily.

[@charlesl7168]

nice! How much do they cost?

[@30guarino]

@@charlesl7168 tee dollars

[@morgan5941]

Red wire nut and wood glue works every time.

[@koruki]

Caulking employee: hey guys I have a new design to make the tubes not dry up and not waste the tub. Head office: you’re fired

[@shaquileoatmeal7365]

​@@korukiLol

[@jimmysurfed]

I love this. My caulking storage is pretty good now, I rarely lose a cartridge. It only took me 75 years to figure it out. This guy is awesome, wish I had seen this decades ago. The nozzle condom cracked me up.

[@reminaya]

I’m a former (recovering) paint contractor of 15 years, and always stuffed a nail into the end of the caulk tubes. This video showed multiple methods of problem solving this issue quickly with no extra crap. Great video, young man!! Now I’m an Old dog with new tricks.

[@govinda102000]

You just saved a bunch of space in our landfills. Thank you.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@ganjalfcreamcorn8438]

idk about all that haha but the condoms are kinda cool. duck tape works very well though.

[@MrHanowski]

On squeeze tubes with threaded caps, put a sandwich bag over the end and screw the cap over it to improve sealing.

[@topherdean1024]

Ok, I'm a remodeling contractor and I rarely click on these videos, but just out of curiosity I scrolled through your video and I'm glad I did. I sometimes use 5200 or similar marine caulking compounds and they are really expensive. I save them by pouring a little bit of paint thinner down the nozzle and if it has a removable spout, which they often do, I clean that out and wrap some plastic or duck tape over that, then screw the nozzle back on. Now I'm going to get some of those condoms for my caulk. One thing you should mention is, even if there's a tiny amount of air in the nozzle, that will catalyze the caulk, so when you skin it back, make sure there's a blob of caulking coming out the tip into the condom so there's zero air space. I guess those Tube-a-new things could be reusable if you clean them out after using them, making them more affordable, but hopefully the caps will prevent the need for using tube-a-new. Anyway, thanks for sharing that info.

[@davea5150]

It's a balloon that's all 😅

[@davea5150]

Seal the hole with hot glue. Then when your ready to use it again just pull it off with some pliers.

[@64fanatic]

@@davea5150 Now that's a good idea, thanks!

[@tonylim9244]

Dried out half-used caulk tubes was the bane of my DIY existence! Thank you for this super detailed explanatory video of the why behind dried out caulk tubes and the products that work and don’t work.

[@wildweaselkeeper]

I've also used wire nuts as caps for these types of tubes. Very easy and inexpensive to use!

[@charlesl7168]

and some electrical tape or some other good tape to wrap it on the tip.

[@richardbrown3061]

I use either the red or blue wire nuts.

[@djratino]

​@@richardbrown3061Blue usually fits best in my experience.

[@-KIMISAFOX]

Yup, & if you squeese some material in the nut first it is 100% air-tight.

[@nothankyou5524]

Wire nuts are another great idea! I always seem to have them all over the place. How did I not think to try that???

[@scooby0068]

Great video! Thank you! A couple comments on this topic to share here. 1- The blue painter tape your using has a porosity to it, pretty good for short term, but I would recommend clear packaging tape or a plastic based tape without a paper base to it. I paint professionally for some years and love the stuff, but clear would be better for long term storage. 2-Some caulks loose their ability to cure properly over time, I saved some caulk and used it years later and it FAILED to adhere the two plates together, it became a big project to remove all that caulk and then go buy new, so keep this in mind for the level of project your doing and if it's worth a possible compromised outcome. Yes, i said I had this caulk on the shelf for YEARS, if I can recall the brand and type I will update this comment. 3- Just an aside tip I learned from professional commercial glazers on my jobs, to save the old caulk tubes and use the back of the empty tube to give you a place to wipe the excess caulk off your finger or tool into the rear of the tube! Simple little trick many may do already, but it changed my projects for the better with this better way to manage the material and it's excess that can actually be re used in contrast to wiping on a paper towel and disposing of the excess caulking. Neatness is everything in caulking as you know! Again THANK YOU for the video! I will be purchasing both the products in the links and think of you often my friend! Ciao Vince

[@frank103757]

porosity!!! Learned a new word today!

[@joeguilfoyle1922]

Really good points.

[@bobjiroutek2719]

I use plastic electricians tape to prevent air contamination.

[@eugene5438]

I push a couple dabs of vaseline down into the nozzle. Works every time, and haven't had it fail yet. Keeps it air tight.

[@williamterry3177]

Might help getting the Caulking Spout Condoms on too 😂

[@paulkolodner2445]

@@williamterry3177 Yeah, they only come unlubricated.

[@SanchoPanza-wg5xf]

That's the best idea yet! You're a genius.

[@jeffsim8664]

I like that idea.

[@xenasloan6859]

Great idea, will now adopt it. Ta!

[@DieselLoco]

Excellent video. I'm 64 and thrown away hundreds of tubes. I never know these products existed. Thank you so much for sharing. I'm going to buy one of these right now.

[@jameslowmanjr6141]

My dad owned a painting business in the 80s and 90s in Florida. When I go down to visit him he showed me a trick. Depending on how big of a hole you cut out of the tube. You get a wire nut and screw it on and just squirt just enough to seal that little end up inside the wire nut. I’ve been doing that for as long as I can remember. And just now a year and a half later I go out take the wire nut off squeeze the handle and look the tube still working properly.

[@tommeyer3770]

Yep. Wire nut.

[@georgemooyman7155]

What's a wire nut?

[@sweetmemories4448]

I liked your idea, wire nut. Thank you very much. I will try.

[@GeeWillikersMan]

@@georgemooyman7155 A wire nut is a threaded plastic thimble used to connect electrical wires. Used primarily in the states.

[@zeez4178]

​@@tommeyer3770 his whole premise is on the wire nut ,😂think he means a wing nut

[@JohnSnow-vf8jo]

Here in the UK nearly all mastic tubes have screw on nozzles, so when one has dried out, you just change it for a new one. The dried out nozzle seals off the mastic inside the main tube and it could last for over a year on most tubes.

[@luccasbp]

The same in Brazil. It's insane that in the US, where most of the technological advancements occur and they have an absurd amount of product, still doesn't have a screw on nozzle. It's so much simpler and you can even screw on a closed nozzle in if you want to preserve the caulk even better. Also, after it dries out, you can just pull out the dried caulk/silicone if it's a elastic type of material and just reuse the nozzle.

[@dougjones4538]

Not good for corporate profits Mr. Snow, so we don't allow that kind of commie pinko nonsense here in the States. Make more, use more, waste more, sell more!

[@philipgrice1026]

That's because you live in an advanced country that understands not wasting valuable materials. The USA is a pretty backwards country that wastes tons of food, energy, fuel, and pretty much everything they have. Just trying to find parts to repair stuff is difficult if not impossible. The USA is a throw away society, including human lives.

[@wwhb4780]

@@luccasbp Yeah, pull out with a corkscrew.

[@ainstaink8312]

I like those too but here only marine stuff has them and you are paying arm and a leg. US manufacturers are just getting more and more stupid with everything lately.

[@projectguyprojectguy9019]

Great vid! If you don't have any of these products on hand what I have done in a pinch is squeeze out some caulk while holding it vertically and let it form a blob at the top. Then just keep it vertical - the blob of material creates a seal which will last at least a few days - you can pull it right off.

[@larry4fire]

I use aluminum foil tape. This tape sticks really well to the soft plastic nozzle producing an air tight seal. This tape is made to seal metal ducting, and the adhesive sticks really well to plastic. I’ve left aluminum taped calk tabes for months without any problem. Best thing, it’s really cheap and requires no cleanup, just tear off another piece of tape.

[@homemprovmentguy]

When you puncture the seal in a new caulk tube, that’s aluminum you’re puncturing, so your method makes sense 👍🏻

[@usernamemykel]

I've wrapped my ex-wives in that, and I agree that it works great.

[@jooproos6559]

@@usernamemykel Yeh,still fresh after months??

[@pizzasaurolophus]

I use blue tuck tape

[@giuseppenero110]

@@pizzasaurolophus: Agreed, and because of its' sticking power can be used for countless applications

[@Thfeyhvfdetyhbvcd]

Excellent presentation. Straight to the point with no “filler” Subscribed

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@NotAsTraceable]

For real. Most KZbinrs would have started with the history of caulk, 3 minutes of them using caulk then drag out the rest of the video as long as possible to get more advertisement revenue.

[@nedkent5239]

I use a balloon and cover entire tube then tie it. Cheap, works excellent

[@Samantha-wu5vn]

Little caulk condoms are great. I handed one to my fiancée as a joke, and he almost called off the wedding.😅🤣😂

[@joeygordon7265]

😂😂😂

[@cbak1819]

Thanks for all the info! Those caulking caps are known in medical field as finger cots.. but might be thicker.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Thank you for the info! 👍🏽😊

[@peteduncan921]

Thanks for producing one of the more useful "how to" videos online. The small "roll-on" rubber sleeve caps seem to be the most economical and practical solution, but I would add one small wrinkle to the application technique. Covering the caulk tube tip with one of these small "balloons" should seal it well, but there might still be some dried caulk that can plug the very end of the tip. To reduce that risk, simply squeeze a bit of caulk out of the tip after applying the "roll-on" cap, so that the end of the rubber sleeve is then filled with a small "bubble" of caulk. That should prevent any trapped air from drying out caulk inside the tip of the caulk tube. The TubeANew Caulk Tube Saver looks like a genius idea for recovering a caulk tube that is hopelessly plugged, and at a price that is quite reasonable. If desired, this product can probably be cleaned and re-used.

[@markhoskins579]

Like many do-it-yourselfers, I throw away more caulk and adhesives than I use due to drying and clogged nozzles. Screws plus tape never works long, so this video offered great tips, using products which I didn’t know existed. The first solution seems the best. Thanks for a very useful and informative presentation!

[@tedwalford7615]

Ditto everything you said!

[@steven.h0629]

he said great tips :-)

[@jamesbullington8958]

All you have to do is leave a little bit of caulk around head of the nail once it's all the way in, then the caulk seals it. No need for any of this nonsense.

[@jamesbullington8958]

All you have to do is leave a little bit of caulk around head of the nail once it's all the way in, then the caulk seals it. No need for any of this nonsense.

[@somethingtrulyhorrifying]

The only caulk tubes I throw away are completely empty to the hilt, whether it's a day old or over a year old. There's absolutely no need for tape or these custom-made sleeves. #10 x 2" metal screws and nails are all I have ever used in my 15 years of using caulk, silicone, and glue tubes. I've pulled screws out of tubes that were opened over a year prior and the remaining caulk was still good as new, even after being frozen in the winter and heated in the summer. It's best to cut the nozzle slightly smaller than the diameter of the screw/nail, then you can just shove the screw in and forget about it. How much to cut off becomes second nature after you've done it for a while, but for beginners just keep shaving off a little at a time until the nail goes in but needs to be pushed in. *If you mess up and cut larger than the screw, just drop the screw in when you're done and squeeze the handle until some caulk comes out around the head and smooth that off.* Sometimes new tubes will push the nail out even after you push the release tab, just hold the nail for a few seconds and let the caulk flow around it. I guarantee your tubes will last at least a year with this method.

[@1734245]

You are one of the best, if not the best, presenter of home helper information. Thank you so much.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for the love and support! Means a lot! 🙏🏽😊

[@geneedwards5639]

Thank you so much for these solutions! I’ve battled dried out caulk tubes for many years.

[@klmbuilders5385]

Great video on a subject that's overlooked! I use 1/2" clear flexible tubing. I cut several pieces about 2-1/2" long. Then heat one end with a heat gun until it gets soft. Then immediately squeeze the heated end in a bench vise. Leave until completely cool. These tubes fit all caulk spouts and when full of residual caulk or adhesive simply throw away and make more.

[@vynderma]

That's what I do.

[@coppulor6500]

great tip. thank you!

[@jeffsim8664]

Great idea. I have a couple feet of 1/2 tube I kept for no particular reason.

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@jeffsim8664 my workmate was always militant about throwing everything away, never saved a scrap of anything. I would chuck a length of unused tubing into the parts bin. "What are you saving that for?!" Cuzz it will save your ass some day.

[@johnmcdonald9977]

A solution to one of my real annoyances! I don't care to think of how many tubes I have discarded believing them to be useless. Thank you for the advice!

[@midas7394]

Our suggestion is to use what my Dad taught us to go 1) Use a tight fitting screw to seal tubes for short term storage (a few days). 2) If long term storage is needed, we pack them in an old fridge that keeps them cold. Six months later, we can still use the tubes as new. Hope this simple idea helps someone out.

[@PilgrimsProgress7]

Thanks for the tip!

[@tomasmerino1039]

Damn that's handy

[@williamterry3177]

Very good information. Next topic suggestion, the half empty Great Stuff cans!

[@davidklodd4369]

Clean out spray foam tube with brake cleaner. Wear eye protection

[@djlykaen]

My dad started using the cap from a Bic pen (pointy with the hole in the end). thought it was a bit ghetto but actually works well, still wet when you take the cap off weeks later

[@usernamemykel]

Whatever works!

[@contessa.adella]

This is the exact same as using no cap at all….You realise some people might believe this…right. SMH

[@TheIronDuke9]

I've been vacuum sealing mine - I figured I own the machine for sealing food but why not give it a try and it worked very well

[@chaos.corner]

That sounds like it could be useful for some other things too like PVC cement maybe. Though the solvent might eat the bags. Possibly brake fluid which absorbs moisture from the air once opened.

[@Nexus9]

Awww, thats ingenious. It's like little rubbers, for my BIG CAULK!

[@JackRainfield]

LOL, you had to go there! I'm surprised he didn't try to make a joke out of it!

[@Power5]

"little"? Yeah, those are little...

[@allthings2allmen]

I had to chuckle when that little thing went boink! @5:16 It's just funny no matter what!

[@draster541]

Wow! Excellent video. Now I know how to save my left over chalking. Your hard work makes our work a lot easier.😊😊😊😊😊

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! I’m glad I could be of help! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@SaulHerrera-l5b]

I’ve used children’s small balloons to place over the caulk end point. As long as it maintains a tight grip once you roll it down to the base it should hold good until next time. The only thing is balloons are a little more on the thin side so being careful when placing is a must or you risk puncturing it.

[@coreysgmail7261]

That’s so true , cost per unit is way lower

[@a.j.7264]

Great video young man. Great research. Great demonstrations. The tubes are a problem as I don't ever need all the caulk when I do small jobs around the house. It is really troublesome to use caulk without a caulking gun so the large tubes are better than the tooth paste versions that require He Man strength to squeeze the product out and because of this, it does not come out in a uniform stream. The smaller "tooth paste like dispensers" which are cheaper because they have less caulk are also messy. However, as you have demonstrated the large tubes can be wasteful to buy because the tip dries up before all the caulk is used up. But now I see there are a number of great solutions to this problem.

[@bguy1979]

Thanks!

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much! 🙏🏽😊

[@5Iron]

I have 'unplugged' older tubes using a 6-inch-plus piece of cut coat-hanger wire. Its not great but in a pinch it opens up enough of a channel to get out enough caulk for the job. It beats having to run off to the store for a new tube. Side note - The $16 'Airtite' isn't worth it, but someone makes a similar concept plastic case for paint brushes. At $4 its worth it if you're using decent $15-$20 brushes.

[@sloanlance]

Great tips. I've had very good results over the years by just folding a piece of duct tape over the ends of caulking tubes. It removes really easily, too. One thing I want to point out… 12:31 - "You just saved yourself 10-15 dollars on caulk." - That tube of Liquid Nails adhesive costs about $2.50. However, sometimes every penny counts, so saving money is always good. Even when you may consider the cost to be negligible, if you had been counting on using that tube of adhesive and you find it dried out, it means time and energy wasted to go to the store to buy more.

[@landsea7332]

I was going to comment on this - the days of buying a $5 tube of silicon are over . The Gorilla silicon is $17.95 Cdn here in Canada - I'm serious . I like it because it doesn't yellow . Plus the Gorilla has a screw on nozzle , that can be removed, cleared out , and screwed back on . A tube of Lepage PL is $10 Cdn from Home Depot . .

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

even if it only save a buck, it still saves time. It is quicker to unseal a used tube than to buy, install and cut and pierce a new one.

[@removadhesives]

I have been in the commercial caulking, painting and waterproofing business for over 30. This is great tip for anyone buys and throws away partially used caulk tubes!!!

[@defuller1]

37 years as a professional handyman and I've tried a lot of methods to save caulk tubes! What I used now is the red caps. They work well with about 95% of the products I use. With Henry's 208 or similar I use a nail and then a red cap over the nail.

[@corey6393]

Pretty much the same thing I have found. The little red condom things work perfectly, or some version of them. I have used wire nuts in a pinch, too, but they tend to not seal as well over long periods of time. Good enough for overnight, though.

[@aggese]

They should juat embras what it is and sell it as chalk tube condoms

[@homemprovmentguy]

I let them fuckers dry out then drill through the dry shit. I have a shitty drill bit for that sole use. Works Pissah! You’re welcome 👍🏻👍🏻

[@jimcurtis9130]

37 years and you're still using Henry's?,?,? Poor quality products and overpriced.

[@esskayaussie286]

Being a handyman is not a professional. You can be good at what you do but you can't call yourself a professional anything. There is no qualification needed to be a handyman. I know because I am presently one.

[@_JohnRedcorn_]

Thanks a bunch for this info, my man! I’ve left so much money on the table by throwing away, partially used caulking tubes

[@tdonovan67]

Good video. When I am finished using my caulk, I screw an electrical wire nut on the end. The red size seems to work the best for me. I have been doing this for years and It works quite well and inexpensive.

[@daniel_kos]

At hardware stores in Australia, there's usually a bucket of free screw-on nozzles provided next to the selection of caulking tubes. You help yourself to a handful when you buy caulking tubes and you simply swap out the clogged nozzle with a fresh one each time it dries out. If you're going through a lot of tubes in a single day you transfer the same nozzle from the empty tube to the next tube to avoid wasting the caulking in the nozzle.

[@zeez4178]

That's nice of them in England they are to greedy and unhelpful to do that they just need your cash

[@46I37]

Bunnings also sell tips that have a thread at the end of the tip so you can screw on a sealing cap. That usually preserves silicone for a few months.

[@petercooper2387]

@@46I37 I just put a piece of polythene carrier bag over the threaded tube end then screw the cap down on to it. Nozzle content goes solid but sealant in tube stays fine for months. I just put a new nozzle on when next needed, they are very cheap to buy.

[@TonnyVanLoon]

In Belgium also 😊

[@grahambarton1942]

In NZ customers steal the nozzles off the new tubes and walk out of the Hardware store with them. Sometimes it’s hard to even find a new tube with a nozzle

[@rickraub5448]

Thank you. I literally just threw out some half used tubes today because they felt dried up. I just ordered two products from Amazon through your affiliate link…now I’m going out to the garage and take those tubes out if the trash can! Thanks! New subscriber too!

[@theluckymanfrom]

These are great ideas for saving used tubes of caulking. Thanks for sharing. I've had to throw away many half used tubes in the past. Now I know what to do.

[@offertunatea]

I simply squeeze it a little bit out of the nozzle and let it dry. And later I just pull the dried part out of the nozzle and use it again. It works for me.

[@russmartin4189]

It ususally breaks off and the tube is still plugged.

[@williamterry3177]

Short term seal, yes

[@haydendoan7691]

I've done this for years. It worked well for me.

[@wayne8268]

you goof

[@brianspencer6523]

I found caulk caps in a gas station bathroom!! Ive been practicing safe caulking ever since and i dont even have to pinch the tip before rolling on!! Thank you caulk cap!!

[@johnr8252]

Most useful thing I've seen on KZbin in a long time. I've always used the 'stick a nail in the tip, wait 1 month and then throw it away' method.

[@iancrossley6637]

Great presentation. You are well spoken and logical. It's a pity the manufacturers are so derelict in adapting this design with no consideration for re-sealing after use. You are smarter than them.

[@tomrogers9467]

You don’t think they plan on their products being useless after a few months?

[@TUKByV1]

Caulk is a consumable product. Realistically, you should expect to lose what remains once you've opened it. Planning ahead can sometimes reduce waste. Sometimes.

[@TUKByV1]

@None Gone caulk is a consumable product. Do you civilized people own dictionaries?

[@steveknight878]

I have been using the caulk caps for over a year now - and they are fantastic - they 100% work.

[@ronbumbera6229]

If you are using caulking on a regular basis just put them tip first into a small bucket with a couple inches of water in it. It will last quite a while as long as you maintain the water

[@alanesterline2310]

Ron and ​fleeting facet In floor drains we put some mineral oil in the drain to keep the water from evaporating, this would work for your water in the bucket as well and will not go rancid as vegetable oil can.

[@chrissmith2114]

hA hA, many sealants use moisture to cure.....

[@Derek0846]

@@alanesterline2310 That is very good to know for anyone who has a floor drain that is not charged by the shower or basin discharge etc. Thank you..

[@a.p.5429]

​@@alanesterline2310 thanks good tip

[@lummoxx8586]

⁠ I use this method all the time it works great. just do not use it for the type of caulking you were talking about.

[@antoonvangaans7666]

Nice solutions! Over here (The Netherlands) most tubes have a removable/replaceble nozzle with a cap, both screwed on.

[@amandameglio2903]

Yeah but we are a capitalist country. They know you will reuse it so try to prevent that at all costs. LOL.

[@barrie6000]

Must be a European idea, always thought everyone had removable nozzles. Here in the UK we can buy packets of spare nozzles , very cheaply

[@Nikosi9]

@@barrie6000 We, in the States are way ahead of you guys in planed obsolescence...

[@johnyoung-ob6jm]

What I’ve been doing for acrylic caulking tubes is simple. I tried putting the partly used tube nozzle down in a glass of water. The caulk is perfectly sealed. When you need to do more caulking, simply shake off the water from the tip and off you go. I’ve stored tubes like this for over a month.

[@gillgetter3004]

As a retired carpenter I’ve thrown away hundreds used tubes in forty years. Hey boss paid for them, but I’ve tried everything at home ( ones I bought ) I’ll tape them with electrical tape tight as possible. Works ok I’ve cut the tip open and removed plug them taped nozzle back it worked good 👍

[@Ritalie]

Electrical tape always works for me. The key is using about 1/4 of a roll of tape.

[@usernamemykel]

@@Ritalie That's a lot of tape, even from a small roll. Made in Minnesota.

[@espy0008]

Thank you for posting this because I'm going to purchase the Tube-A-New now. But thinking about how many hundreds of dollars I've lost by throwing away tubes that were at least half full but had a dried nozzle really sucks. "edit" I finally got to use the Tube A New, thats got to be the best invention to the caulk world since the caulk gun was invented. Along with the nozzle condoms, no more wasted caulk!

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help and help you save those caulk tubes 👍🏽🙏🏽😊

[@wingandhog]

Same here. I just threw a dozen half-empty tubes away thinking they were a lost cause. And then ironically this video popped up. KZbin can read minds I suppose

[@seanyiya]

TubeANEW is same or more than just buying new caulk… 😭😭😭

[@seanyiya]

@@lethal1370 double checked and it had 5 in each back, so $1.59 each...

[@espy0008]

@@seanyiya Not hardly... a three count is only $14.00, and depending on what you have used it on, you can clean them out and reuse them. The caulk I use runs about $9.00 a tube.

[@allthings2allmen]

In addition to all these great ideas I have found wrapping with Glad Press-n-Seal to be quite handy and effective for relative short storage times. I mainly use it for wet paint brushes & cloths I'm using with finish. It's like a poor man's shrink wrap. Great product! Very versatile! It can also be taped over although it almost isn't necessary because it sticks to itself so well! I do use it to bundle small items together in my shop, just gotta label with black marker cuz the stuff isn't as clear as shrink wrap.

[@76201tyson]

I use a wire nut and works like a champ. You can take it on and off when ever you need to. I’ve had caulk tubes last for over a year.

[@Rondogardener]

I just posted the same thing in addition to using a deck screw to pull out the clog. Brilliant minds swim in the same stream. 😁

[@forrestweldon9168]

Wire nut + screw/ nail? Or just nut onto nozzle tip

[@officialshadetreeamerica]

I bought the caulk caps recently after seeing your recommendation. I haven't tried them yet, but I do like the concept. This was definitely a great video topic to tackle.

[@zeriousvolt1245]

I like the concept of antigravitational plates. I haven’t tried them yet but....... well, you probably get the point.

[@TUKByV1]

​@@zeriousvolt1245 HURRRRRRRRRRRR

[@usernamemykel]

@@zeriousvolt1245 They work well. Four days ago, while celebrating one of my semi-annual "Happy Days", where I wear nothing but deodorant and a smile, I experienced a positive reaction of anti-gravitational plates, so, at least in my case, they functioned well. Try it, you'll like it!!

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

I use antigravity plates for DIY dental projects.

[@PaulMacklinAmazing]

In Australia the tubes come with a replaceable nozzle that screws on and off! I still have the issue of silicone setting in the nozzle, but it’s easy to replace with a new nozzle (srew off, screw on). Also you can sometimes push the hard part out of the old nozzle and put it straight back on. Replacement nozzles are cheap. Having said all that I still like your small rubber caps, I’ll be looking out for those.

[@jacqjacq5920]

Exactly what I needed for this weekend projects! Excellent tips. Thank you for sharing!

[@schmitty8225]

I usually put the caulk cap in my mouth to help ease it over the tip. Works pretty well most times but occassionally the caulk squirts a little unexpectedly.

[@ronhammar1154]

Put the rubber on your caulk ! I have heard about that ! I like the idea that I can use it over and over and it wont damage the tip and it is not so messy !

[@GeorgeCampos-o6g]

I enjoyed your presentation as a do-it-your-selfer it was very good. It was to the point and with good comparisons. Also, your terms and direction on how to seal the tubes was good. Furthermore, the examples of what happened to the tubes were great..I will continue to follow your channel.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you so much for love and support! 🙏🏽😊

[@MrMattDat]

I always wondered if using a nail or screw was actually introducing air into the sealant. Seems like all of the solutions I've tried fail, and out of what you showed, the caps & Airtite tube are the ones I haven't tried. Got to admit, your test showing the caps caught my attention!

[@1K18V21]

Thank you for this video, I've been putting off doing a small but important caulking job because I hate wasting caulk. Now I can do the job without sweating it.

[@FixThisHouse]

I’m glad I could be of help! Save the caulk! 👍🏽😊

[@alanmcrae8594]

Excellent comparison review of alternative solutions to a common problem. As is often the case, the simplest & cheapest solution is the best one. And one thing is for sure: you won't see Caulk Caps in the big box hardware stores in the caulk aisle.

[@Hank520Tube]

Alan, you're probably right, but I'm gonna look for them anyway.

[@lightfusegetaway]

One technique that works for me is to first wrap the tube end with cling/Saran wrap, then tape it on. Seems to keep the air out fairly well.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for sharing your technique! 🙏🏽😊

[@paulmea3166]

I do a similar thing but use a rubber band instead of tape. Wetting the wrap seems to help too..

[@Flippin_Crazy]

I’ve use Saran Wrap and rubber bands and they work.

[@roberttaylor6030]

​@Pamela Kissinger hey, women don't know anything about this stuff, yes I'm joking.

[@usernamemykel]

@@roberttaylor6030 You're joking with Henry's daughter??

[@Liesthroughisteeth]

The old caulk condom. lol When I was doing commercial window and doors installs many years ago, we had a plywood box with a hinged top and a handle also installed on the latching lid. The inside measuremnts of the box was a little larger than the length of a caulking tube. We had a 60W incandescing bulb inside. Working in cool weather and trying to do a lot of caulking can be a pain, but heating the caulk up in the hotbox for 35-40 minutes before hand makes it flow fast and easy. :)

[@greghamel8933]

This was great! I have struggled for years with dried up caulk and construction adhesive. I have had some luck cutting the nozzle down, but it gets so large in diameter and so short in length to become almost useless. When you cut away the side of the nozzle of the dried up tube, this was exactly the same as I have experienced. I ordered the Tube-A-New and the Caulk Caps. I figure that I can save some existing dried up tubes and then use the caps in the future. Thanks for doing this video and posting the info.

[@percivalgooglyeyes6178]

Caulk Caps on the Tube-A-New if you don't use it all!

[@1622steve]

Hot Melt Glue. Start at the center and go around until a cap has formed (looks like melted wax). It seals tight and can be pulled off with some effort.

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you for sharing Stephen! 🙏🏽😊

[@huckwach3074]

Or just poke the caulk tip into a toilet wax ring and make sure you get some wax to stay. One wax ring will last you a lifetime

[@Luciano_Intorno]

@@huckwach3074 Great tip, but how many times do I really want to pull and reset my toilet? 🤫😁

[@paulkolodner2445]

@@Luciano_Intorno Only once! Replace the wax seal with the caulk. That way, the toilet will still work, you'll use up your caulk, and you won't need the wax seal for anything.

[@Prentis1]

Hey Steven, you beet me to it. I'm in my 50s and only last year did the bulb go off in my mind to try hot glue. Thought I was going to impress some folks. Lol. Anyway, wish I figured it out earlier in life, cause it works! Makes those other products obsolete in my book.

[@IndependentVoterSince1789]

Great video on this annoying problem that I suffer from as well🙄. Bought the Red Caulk Caps and used them for several months. Seem to work better than any trick I tried with other caps or tape. Thank you "Fix The House". Why the manufacturers don't provide a secondary screw on plug for this 10oz. tubes to reseal them is a loss to me. All that would be necessary then is to unclog the primary cut off cap.

[@LincolnSP150]

For short term saving from getting plugged, .... Force a small blob of silicone out the end of the tube abd allow it to remain and solidify. When next you need to use it, remove the hardened blob by pulling it straight off the tube, and this keeps silicone behind it pliable for usually a few weeks or more.

[@xxmyspac]

I TRIED THIS IT WORKS ALSO

[@jazzcornertv]

Being that I do not know what I am doing, that trick has always worked wonderfully for me over the years. The gun even has a needle made for pulling out the hardened caulk. (Lol)

[@JZ-tg1cm]

Don't put a needle hole in one of those caulk caps or you may get some baby caulk support payments...

[@vitov58]

😂

[@raouliedafoolieslaps]

The caulk condom is 99% effective if used correctly

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

😂😂😂

[@williamterry3177]

Those are made for the CCP!

[@MichaelThomas-dr6xy]

Gotta be careful where you put your caulk!

[@InnovationTree]

Thank you for this video to show products to caulk storage problems. I didn’t know these products existed so this video is very helpful. Another idea is many years ago I ended up improvising using the seal n press plastic food wrap to keep my caulk from drying up and not used anything else since. It’s worked really well keeping the caulk from drying out for about 6months then the temperatures in the northeast USA affect it as I keep it in the basement. One thing - caulk is pronounced with a silent ’L’ in the USA. Otherwise this is a great video being clear concise and to the point. nice work!

[@alonzobean1]

The best way to preserve the tube is to squeeze out enough to form a cap and let it dry. I caulk for work and this method is the best and will last for quite a while. Leave enough to be able to grab and pull out the dried plug. It's easy and free.

[@janeblogs324]

Does it work with silicone or just caulk?

[@li2us]

That's my method, too. Been doing it for years! Especially with 230.

[@alonzobean1]

@rustyballs1255 it will dry down the tip, but once the air is gone the drying stops (and it always does). The tube is sealed and all you have to do is pull out the cork. Been doing this for thirty years.

[@alonzobean1]

@li2us same 30 years, and I have been using Dow Corning 795. Great caulk. Tools real easy.

[@alonzobean1]

@janeblogs324 it works with just about anything out of a caulk size tube. Will not last forever but I have some in my garage for 4 or 5 months and still good. Just make sure you leave enough at the tip to grab to pull out your self made cork.

[@LFBsmokealarm]

Interesting video. On this side of the pond our tubes come with a threaded removable nozzle. We can buy replacement nozzles too. I always unscrew the nozzle, put cling film over the tube end and screw the nozzle back on to seal it. But if we could buy those rubber seals here i'd use those; they look great.

[@fcatt48]

Me too. Cling film works well.

[@colstace2560]

Are you in England ?

[@LFBsmokealarm]

@@colstace2560 Yes, I am. London to be a little more concise. How about you?

[@markboscawen8330]

Same in Oz. When buying the product there is a big bin of screw on nozzles. Nobody seems to mind if you grab two or three with each tube. Then as you said, if product only dries up to the back of the nozzle, unscrew & fit replacement.

[@LFBsmokealarm]

@@markboscawen8330 G'day Mark. Looking forward to the Ashes tour this summer.

[@0therun1t21]

Thank you! I love anything that prevents wastefulness so this is great. (Btw, you don't have to say "like" after "how it looks." It's either "how it looks" or "what it looks like." You did us a favor so I thought I'd try to return one).

[@FixThisHouse]

Thank you! Anything will help! 🙏🏽😊👍🏽

[@rjb6327]

Try using a rim shank nail. Caulk caps: Rubbers for your caulk tube. 😃 Excellent video, Very helpful. 👍

[@stephenspreckley8219]

🤣

[@kevinhogan2909]

RJB, ring shank nail, not rim shank nail.

[@Rondogardener]

Cut the end of the tube off just a bit, if necessary, and twist a coarse-thread decking screw into the tube. The clog will stretch and be easy to remove when you pull the screw out along with the clog. To preserve the caulk much better, purchase several red (color-coded to size) electrical wire nuts that have metal coils in them that will self-thread on the tube. They are the best caps I have found and are reusable for many years.

[@doxx2427]

Great tip... This is why I read the comments section. 😅

[@tomnielsen3661]

Put a little caulk in the wire nut helps

[@jumbie6]

Obviously, don't try to use it for splicing wires after you've used it to cap a caulk tube!

[@Bluescout612]

I do that also and have had good luck with it. Wire nuts sound like a good idea I'll have to try them

[@Ritalie]

I have used the wire nut. But the best thing to do is use electrical tape. The electrical tape is a pain to remove, but it's 100% air tight, and there is zero drying, even at the very tip, so if you're trying to prevent dry chunks in the nozzle, the electrical tape is by far the best I've personally used. I stopped using other more simple methods, because they aren't reliable for certain fancy caulks that seem to dry for no reason.

[@stephenspann1261]

Interesting solutions for open caulk tubes. I have been using electrical tape on the tips and sometimes a baggie slipped over the opposite end and wrapped with electrical tape and then kept in my shop refrigerator. I believe the refrigerator is the most important step.

[@frankm2588]

I've always used the nail/screw approach but as you say, with limited success. When I have trouble getting the caulk to flow I take a white wire clothes hanger, cut it and ram the long end all the way into the tube and sometimes that works. I think I bought the small maroon caps and have to find them.

[@cwally1994]

Does it have to be a white wire hanger? I only have gold color hangers.

[@usernamemykel]

@@cwally1994 I only have plastic, Made in China, of course.

[@timmattson6417]

The products that you have shown look great... over the years I've had great success with using the cut-off tip, then inverting it back into the nozzle, as long as the initial diagonal cut is larger than the tip diameter. My other 'go to' hack is a simple wooden golf tee, works great!

[@craigharding475]

Some people use electrical wire-nuts--screw-on.

[@Rixster53]

@@craigharding475 👍👏🏻 Thats what I use and it works excellent...

[@hafcanadiana318]

Caulking tubes around my house can sit for years partially used, so sealing is critical. I think the last product you showed is a great solution for the price. But about once every two months or so I have need for a bit of Lexel. I have some unopened 10.5 oz for guns for future large projects around the house, but for mounting hose reels, decorations, flower boxes, etc., on the siding I put dabs of Lexel around and in drilled holes. I also use it in lieu of silicone on our motorhome. It works better, but dries to tack quite quickly, so any beadwork must be done as you go. The issue is that for such intermittent small jobs, I use a 5oz squeeze tube instead of the 10.5 oz caulking size. I‘ve used the Red Caps, Caulk Savers, and Tooltime caps, but they don’t often seal for months at a time, and I inevitably end up digging the nozzle with a screw to get the plug out. And with its clear squeeze tube, I can see the product inside slowly fogging, meaning air is saturating in. Have you better ideas for sealing squeeze tubes?

[@eddieliao1500]

You may try this. Squeeze out around 1cm of silicon on the nozzle. Don't wipe it off. Then use tape to seal the silicon together with nozzle. Within time, this 1cm of silicon might get harden and it would become to a plug to seal the nozzle from air going in. It is easy to remove this silicon plug before usage. This is how I do it.

[@Ritalie]

Correct. Just slam some electrical tape over the drippy end of the nozzle, and it lasts forever. Electrical tape isn't being mentioned, and I believe it's the only tape that works 100% reliably.

[@marks-0-0]

Same here but i might add your tip of adding tape over the end to stop the dried end getting knocked off by accident.

[@owensomers8572]

Two lessons I have learned over the years: Use a piece of HVAC foil tape to seal the end of the tube, it isn't permeable and sticks better than masking tape. And if you live somewhere like Phoenix, AZ, store your caulk in a conditioned building, even if the tube hasn't been opened.

[@leecowell8165]

good choice, Owen. haven't thought of that. I use shipping tape. described above in a comment.

[@CrzBonKerz21]

I recently started doing this and it works great. I also recently started using hvac tape to seal grout bags that are opened. Works great.

[@iamgriff]

Well I live in Michigan, and have found letting my caulk or glue freeze is NO good either. Maybe 30 degrees is the coldest you want it to get

[@spicydiarrhea5662]

imagine thinking that painters tape isn't permeable to air

[@mnkrause]

I was going to post this same tip, Owen. Tape the end closed with foil HVAC tape. Aluminum foil is the best vapor barrier.

[@joeegas5718]

Fantastic man. I wish i would have known about these products b/4 I threw my "empty" tubes away. Thanks.

[@maxagent86]

A practical option is to cover the tip with vaseline. It seals it from the air and comes out easily in the next usage.

[@edbrackin]

I'm going to try this.

[@Genevo9]

Awesome! I’m going to try this too! Stay tuned for a follow up video 👍🏽😊 thank you for sharing! 🙏🏽

[@Ritalie]

That's awesome! I've never heard that.

[@homemprovmentguy]

Just so no one asks why you carry Vaseline, I just drill out the dry caulk. It just looks less suspicious lol

[@mickwolf1077]

Is the air getting in the problem or is it the solvents escaping from the product the problem?

[@brent57]

The trick to reusing caulk later is to store it like this. Squeeze out a blob on the tip. You're going to make a little handle of caulk so that when you pull it off, it pulls the dried portion inside the tube out with it. Squeeze out a blob and use a gloved hand to create a round booger at the end of the tip. Let it dry like this. And when you go back to use it, pull that blob off and it will bring the dried portion inside the tip with it. No gadgets needed.

[@SwampT]

or squeeze it in to the "little finger" of a disposabel glove.

[@justnoted2995]

Only works when you have days apart... not weeks++

[@laserall]

@@justnoted2995 Especially not months...

[@brent57]

@@justnoted2995 It depends on a few variables but I've gotten months out of some types/brands (big stretch and silicone). Probably not with the high-VOC caulks.

[@brent57]

@@jamesw.6931 Yep. Gravity can sometimes interfere in the drying process if you just squeeze out an inch. But same underlying idea is creating enough of a handle to pull out the dried portion when you clean off the tip.

[@WASF2024]

Awesome video. Suggestion/question? For elderly, is there a way to take out the actual caulk and put it into a smaller squeeze type tube so they don't have to use a caulk gun?

[@SGAOuTLaWz]

I use hot glue to form a coating over the tip. Works great and peels off for the next use.

[@usernamemykel]

That's too smart and sneaky, therefore shouldn't be mentioned in public ; )

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

@@usernamemykel yes but it is all ok with the secret handshake.

[@JustAnotherFox]

Pro tip: put some duct tape (or whatever tape you have) on the end of the nozzle, leaving a hole in the end (basically, use tape to make the nozzle longer by about 1 inch). Squeeze the caulking through the tape-nozzle you just made, and viola! the caulking will dry and harden in your tape-nozzle which you will peel off later, keeping the real nozzle good for months (if you do it right).

[@JeaneGenie]

That sounds like a great idea, and costs nothing 👍

[@landsea7332]

I was squeezing a little excess amount out and using electrical tape , but thanks for posting your idea ... I've give it a try . .

[@drarkan]

I have always used a piece of tie wire to dig out the dried out caulk and dispense the last bit onto a rag or paper towel. Then its as good as new again. Works every time.

[@douggief1367]

OTHER THINGS TO TRY: 1. Drill out the hard sealant. Drill right into the tube (with the nozzle off). Use largest possible drill bit (maybe 8mm). Clears a passage. 2. Clean nozzle (from both ends) with hose after use (water based only). 3. Dispense without nozzle on, where possible. 4. Stretch disposable glove over opening before replacing nozzle for longer storage. 5. Try storing tip down in a 1/2 filled bucket of water (to exclude air). (i have over 50 years in trades)

[@wisconsinfarmer4742]

yup, I have drilled out many that coworkers neglected to close.

[@k1hasard]

I have been using a wire nut with two or three thicknesses of thin plastic like the plastic bags they give you in a store over the tip of the tube. Different size wire nuts for different cuts on the tube. The tube stays for several months almost all of the time. Those caps look interesting, and I will try them.

[@sal2928]

Wire nuts work great

[@kevinhogan2909]

I've used different size wire nuts with Vasoline in the tip of the wire nut to prevent air leakage. It works well.

[@k1hasard]

I'll have to try that idea, it sounds like it would work very well!

[@capnbly]

I also use wire nuts. Will have to add Vaseline .

[@t.e.1189]

I use the red caulk caps (sometime two as per instructions) and then place the tube in an airtight food storage container for extra protection. I bought the "OXO Good Grips Pet POP Container - 6.0 Qt/5.7 L with Half Scoop" on Amazon. I think it will hold about 6 or 7 tubes and cost about $23. Its just tall enough for a cut tube to fit inside. I have two in my work van. I also bought the "TubeANew Caulk Tube Saver" but have used them.

[@AaronE-v8e]

Giving the cost of those caulk saver devices, it is less expensive to buy a new tube.

[@opal386]

Thank you for the information and testing to show the effectiveness. I used to use tape to prevent going hardening, but with no success. So I had ruined so many tubes of keeping them. Personally, I like the first item (cap) the best since it is cheap and seems the most effective.

[@russmartin4189]

Me too! Great vid.

[@williamterry3177]

The Caulking spout condoms!

[@SandySez]

cheapest & easy to store! I just noticed on Amazon 35 are $12 ... for $2 more ($14) you get 50 .... and way cheaper for 100 or 150. Thinking I can also use them in my craft room on a ton of things!

[@russmartin4189]

@@SandySez 35 is plenty for me, but if you can use them, go for the larger quantity.

[@yomama9833]

What has always worked for me is to cut one of the fingers from your rubber gloves put a rubber band around it for a good tight seal. Since your already using the gloves and rubber bands or electrical tape are easily obtained,the cost is minimal. 😊

[@wwhb4780]

Please tell me you take off the gloves before!

[@usernamemykel]

Oh - So YOU are the guy who's been cutting apart my rubber gloves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gotcha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@yomama9833]

🤣