[ajsgolf]

After I initially used the caulk shown in the attached photo I put a long screw into the top and wrapped the top with gorilla duct tape. I put it in the cabinet standing up right for many months. When I opened it up today to use it on something it was completely dried out. How do I prevent that? What’s the proper way of storing that silicone so it doesn’t happen?

 

[Thom Paine]

Many months is your key...
Even unopened, some types of caulking can/do go bad... solidify.

professionally, I keep all sealant stocks rotated for usage... truck and shop.

 

[Thom Paine]

After I initially used the caulk shown in the attached photo I put a long screw into the top and wrapped the top with gorilla duct tape. I put it in the cabinet standing up right for many months. When I opened it up today to use it on something it was completely dried out. How do I prevent that? What’s the proper way of storing that silicone so it doesn’t happen?

just curious..
what are you using pure silicone sealant on ?

 

[ajsgolf]

just curious..
what are you using pure silicone sealant on ?

I’ve used it previously to seal around outdoor lighting fixtures I’ve installed. Today was trying to use it to close the 3 or the 4 opening in a junction box as only one set of wires is coming up from another junction box and the load bundle was coming in through the back so I didn’t need the other bottom opening and don’t need either of the two openings on top.

 

[Thom Paine]

I’ve used it previously to seal around outdoor lighting fixtures I’ve installed. Today was trying to use it to close the 3 or the 4 opening in a junction box as only one set of wires is coming up from another junction box and the load bundle was coming in through the back so I didn’t need the other bottom opening and don’t need either of the two openings on top.

ohhh, okay....

Wellll, anyway, know that sealants don't have a forever shelf life.

good sealing to ya'

 

[ajsgolf]

ohhh, okay....

Wellll, anyway, know that sealants don't have a forever shelf life.

good sealing to ya'

So I then need to find tubes about 1/4 of the size. I’m guessing they’re not made.

 

[Missouri Bound]

What I have done to seal a tube is use some plastic wrap or a balloon and slide it down over the tip.
If air can't get to the contents it will stay usable for quite a while....some things longer than other.

 

[XSleeper]

They sell little squeeze tubes of caulk. Sadly they cost about a dollar less than buying a normal sized tube for a caulking gun, which is stupid.

 

[SPS-1]

According to DAP, that tube had a shelf life of 24 months, and it possibly already spent a year on the retailer's shelf. Probably time to get rid of it anyways.

 

[Thom Paine]

So I then need to find tubes about 1/4 of the size. I’m guessing they’re not made.

Some types are in squeeze tubes and difficult to properly apply...
generally tubes are standard.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

to close the 3 or the 4 opening in a junction box

Code requires metal plugs.

 

[notnew2diy]

As mentioned, it has a shelf life.

I use black electrical tape. A piece over the top and a few wraps around the stem.
Squeeze the caulk gun just hard enough to push out remaining air from the tape.
Sometimes it last for years in my basement.

FWIW...Don.

 

[McGillicuddy]

I asked the same question recently and have been using what a member recommended and so far so good: https://a.co/d/0tTJION
Or you could just insert a screw and wrap tip with tape.

 

[Marq1]

The key to keeping a used tube of caulk usable is to insert a piece of thick wire way down into the tube past the tip. I have a section of aluminum transmission wire I came across, the material is around 1/8" dia. Sealing the cartridge with a long piece allows un-hardened caulk a way to come out. Sealing with a screw of something short will eventually dry out and become useless.