How to prevent rtv tube to dries up after storage

[MetalSlug]

Any one know how to prevent rtv tube from dries up after storage ? I alwa bought a tube if rtv and use very little of it . Close the cap and when next time I need it . It all dries up inside. Any way to prevent it from dries up ?

 

[Falken]

Not sure either.

I have seen the cylinder ones that go into caulking guns cure fully.

We split it open and had a black silicone cylinder that stank of vinegar.

Try maybe putting a screw into the end where you clipped it off?

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: Falken
Not sure either.

I have seen the cylinder ones that go into caulking guns cure fully.

We split it open and had a black silicone cylinder that stank of vinegar.

Try maybe putting a screw into the end where you clipped it off?


The whole tube dries up not just the end cap

 

[eljefino]

There's a preservative inside. When you feel that gas bubble burp out it's all over.

They have black RTV in an aerosol cheez whiz type can but IDK if that's any better, and it's expensive.

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
There's a preservative inside. When you feel that gas bubble burp out it's all over.

They have black RTV in an aerosol cheez whiz type can but IDK if that's any better, and it's expensive.


Brush in type ?

 

[Quest]

I've been told that RTV and many other silicone caulking have a finite shelf life (i.e. 2 yrs after manufacturing) before they start to decompose (breaking down) even when left unused.

For me (permatex) I tend to use it and then cap it snug.. if it becomes harden, I'll toss it away and buy/start with a fresh new tube.

It's not something that I would care much about.

(*ditto with bathroom caulking...if they go bad, I'd toss them and buy a new one and I don't stock them normally*)

Q.

 

[MetalSlug]

Originally Posted By: Quest
I've been told that RTV and many other silicone caulking have a finite shelf life (i.e. 2 yrs after manufacturing) before they start to decompose (breaking down) even when left unused.

For me (permatex) I tend to use it and then cap it snug.. if it becomes harden, I'll toss it away and buy/start with a fresh new tube.

It's not something that I would care much about.

(*ditto with bathroom caulking...if they go bad, I'd toss them and buy a new one and I don't stock them normally*)

Q.


I need find another solution for gasket rtv . I use it on rear diff cover most and use it very thin coat on gasket both side. Mabe 15% of the tube that I use. And throw away most of the time cause it dries up on next used.

 

[ddrumman2004]

Originally Posted By: Quest


For me (permatex) I tend to use it and then cap it snug.. if it becomes harden, I'll toss it away and buy/start with a fresh new tube.



Q.


Permatex for me as well.

 

[Schmoe]

Keep it in the house or refrigerator....especially where your at, the garage can get quite hot!!

 

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted By: MetalSlug
Originally Posted By: Quest
I've been told that RTV and many other silicone caulking have a finite shelf life (i.e. 2 yrs after manufacturing) before they start to decompose (breaking down) even when left unused.

For me (permatex) I tend to use it and then cap it snug.. if it becomes harden, I'll toss it away and buy/start with a fresh new tube.

It's not something that I would care much about.

(*ditto with bathroom caulking...if they go bad, I'd toss them and buy a new one and I don't stock them normally*)

Q.


I need find another solution for gasket rtv . I use it on rear diff cover most and use it very thin coat on gasket both side. Mabe 15% of the tube that I use. And throw away most of the time cause it dries up on next used.


Buy a proper diff cover with a drain plug?

Smaller tubes?

 

[gomes512]

Yeah annoying, how about sticking it in the freezer? Wonder if that would slow down the reaction. Of course you'd have to sit and wait for it to warm up every time... Keep forgetting to try this.

 

[wymi516]

How do I store silicone caulk?
Push any air out of the nozzle by pushing the caulk all of the way to the tip before tightly replacing the cap. Store in a cool environment. If it is a squeeze tube, push the caulk up out of the nozzle before replacing the cap. Only twist cap until it stops. Do not wrench it or it will sheer and break off. You should squeeze some silicone into the tip of the cap. By doing so, you'll remove the cured silicone plug when removing the top.

 

[another Todd]

Here is how to save it:

If it is a tube with a screw cap, put the cap over the nozzle and completely fill the cap with silicone, then screw it on. It is not too tuff to get off next time you need it and only the stuff in the cap will harden, the tube contents will be fine.

If it has a push on cap, like a caulking tube, I throw out the cap, put a glob of silicone on a medium duty plastic film then push the nozzle into the glob and wrap it up while removing all the air you can, secure with rubber band or the like.

You can also save paint rollers for a second coat later by wrapping them in plastic, that way they do not dry out and you can use them hours later, even the next day. I use plastic shopping bags, just watch out for holes, must be air tight.