Recently I bought a tube of 'Liquid Nails' glue. After having used a small amount of it, I pushed a nail into the dispenser end of the tube to prevent it drying out.
About a week later I was unable to get any more glue to come out as it had dried up.
Is there a good method of preventing the contents of 'tubed' products like this from drying up?
You help will be appreciated.
Lewis.
******
If you are using small amounts of Liquid Nails and buying the large caulk gun-type tube, the remaining stuff won't last long once the tube is punctured for use. It's just the nature of the product -- and is also true of regular caulk. Use it or lose it. Some caulk tubes come with a plastic cap which will extend the life of the contents somewhat, but it eventually dries up too.
Liquid Nails also comes in a regular toothpaste-style tube which will last longer once opened (but not forever).
Not liquid nails, use it or lose it. I have gotten some life out of half-use caulk by first only cutting small amount off of the tip. Then when done for the day screw a good sized wirenut onto the end of the tip. Not guaranteed, but sometimes preserves the tube.
Sometimes a small dab of Vaseline to seal the opening will work. If you use this, remember to squeeze out the first little bit to get rid of the any trace of the vaseline.
Charlie
Keep the tip when you cut it off. When you're done, flip it over, stick it in the hole, and hold it in place with duct tape.
I gave up on the nail method.
What I do is wrap some clear packing tape around the tip so it makes a kind of bubble around the opening. Then, squeeze some glue out to fill the bubble. That little bubble will harden, and seal up the hole. Next time you use it just twist off the tape and that bubble on the tip. Good as new.
I haven't had a tube go bad yet since doing it this way, and it doesn't harden in the tip either. I've had a couple that have sat for months at a time :)
Tim
Saran doubled wrapped around the tip + wire twist tie for extra security works for me.
Tim, that's a good idea, THANKS!
Thanks to all for the good suggestions.
Kind regards.
Lewis.
*****
The key element being- get and keep air out of the tip, since that is what sets off the drying action. For small expensive specialty glues, a big baggie with all the air sucked out, and sometimes even storage in freezer, prolongs the inevitable.
aem sends...
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