To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Rejuvenating Old Pipe Dope

msmit62

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2019
Messages
163
Location
Holland, Michigan
I have a few old bottles of pipe dope but they are a little bit dry. Does anyone out there know if it's somehow possible to rejuvenate them? For example, maybe add some 30 weight oil. I know a new bottle isn't expensive but if it's possible to add ____ rather than throw it out that would be great. Thanks in advance!
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

rlitman

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 18, 2010
Messages
24,642
Location
Long Island
I wouldn't try to stir anything in. Funny thing is unless it's too crusty to spread, I find pipe dope only gets better as it thickens. The extreme example is the La-Co Slic-Tite Stik. It's a crayon of pipe dope that works better for me than anything else I've found, though it does take a little more time to apply.
 

MacMcMacmac

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 21, 2014
Messages
1,591
Location
canada
Pour in some isopropyl alcohol. I have revived many bottles of Masters Pro Dope doing this. You will need to mix it well.
 
OP
M

msmit62

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2019
Messages
163
Location
Holland, Michigan
Pour in some isopropyl alcohol. I have revived many bottles of Masters Pro Dope doing this. You will need to mix it well.
I'll try that, thanks.

Why? It's so cheap it's not worth the effort. If it's looking funny tos it, why take the chance and have to redo a connection.
I know, I know...it's cheap. But, over the last couple decades it seems that I keep throwing away another bottle every time I start a new project and thought maybe there's a way to salvage it.
 

kbuhagiar

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2005
Messages
1,755
Location
Escondido, CA
I know, I know...it's cheap. But, over the last couple decades it seems that I keep throwing away another bottle every time I start a new project and thought maybe there's a way to salvage it.

I applaud your effort to reuse/repurpose/recycle. I always make an effort to fix or repair when possible, rather than arbitrarily throw something out.

That being said...give some thought to the big picture. I always consider my time, effort and cost (and remember, your time has value!) that would be required to rehab/rejuvenate an item vs. the potential reward. Is it worth it? In your case we're not talking about an old desk lamp that needs a new cord, where if the lamp fails there are no major consequences. If the pipe dope fails it will be critical (regardless of its application) and require immediate remedial attention, either from you or a paid specialist.

It's your call, but remember, critical thinking is your friend. Keep everything in perspective.

In any case, good luck!
 

MovingAlong

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 17, 2013
Messages
1,242
I have a few old bottles of pipe dope but they are a little bit dry. Does anyone out there know if it's somehow possible to rejuvenate them? For example, maybe add some 30 weight oil. I know a new bottle isn't expensive but if it's possible to add ____ rather than throw it out that would be great. Thanks in advance!

The easiest thing to do - call them. They publish those (800) numbers on the label for a reason. :thumbup: Have always had good experience with contacting manufacturers...

And then let us know what you find out! ;)
 

Jswain

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2013
Messages
2,464
Location
Calgary, AB
The easiest thing to do - call them. They publish those (800) numbers on the label for a reason. :thumbup: Have always had good experience with contacting manufacturers...

And then let us know what you find out! ;)
I'd suspect any manufacturers method of rejuvenating their items would be handing over cash for a brand new item

If you can use a teaspoon of iso / water / something else and do it yourself in a minute then it's kind of silly to buy a new bottle every project. I mean if you're working on fuel lines for NASA maybe not, but airlines in the shop....
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Black300zx

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2019
Messages
782
Location
Elkton, Md
Putting aside the cost/effort arguement, I'm most interested in these types of questions because inevitably I go to glue up some PVC pipes, install a sink drain, etc and the ONLY reason that I can't finish the small project is because the last container of PVC Cement/putty/dope is dried up.
 

mobiledynamics

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 14, 2010
Messages
5,044
Location
Gotham City
How dry is dry....I don't use mine with said frequency as well. If we skip the bottle brush....and grab either a longer handle acid brush or in my most recent case, I just grabbed a long stick Q-Tip....easy to grab some more fluid dope with the longer applicator poking down. YMMV
 
OP
M

msmit62

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2019
Messages
163
Location
Holland, Michigan
The current bottle that is driving this question is a very thick goo. Too thick to brush but not completely dry and cracked.
 

no704

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 27, 2016
Messages
5,225
Putting aside the cost/effort arguement, I'm most interested in these types of questions because inevitably I go to glue up some PVC pipes, install a sink drain, etc and the ONLY reason that I can't finish the small project is because the last container of PVC Cement/putty/dope is dried up.
Store pvc glue upside down.
 

seber

Well-known member
Joined
May 31, 2016
Messages
4,204
Location
Deep East Tx.
I gave up on pipe dope decades ago. Teflon tape or teflon paste has worked for everything I've needed.
 

Leaflessshadetree

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Messages
7,171
Location
Don't ask.
Years ago a relative that was a plumber taught me to use a little linseed oil to thin it out. Not sure it works with all types or brands.
 

Aileron

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 15, 2019
Messages
471
Location
outside
Pipe dope is a lube and the threads should do the actual sealing BUT some dopes are only compatable with certain oils and gases, Id be carefull of what I mixed in with it.
 
OP
M

msmit62

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 17, 2019
Messages
163
Location
Holland, Michigan
I've been buying regular pipe dope for air and water and then the special stuff for natural gas. Maybe I should just buy the natural gas version and use that on everything?
 

bonneyman

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 22, 2010
Messages
8,850
Location
Desert SW
Look up the SDS for the product, determine what liquids/solvents are used, and mix some more in.
I used to recommend the same thing, but of late products have deleted or included vague ingredient listings. They obviously don't want folks making their own "homebrew". Notations like "proprietary mixture" or "hydrocarbon compounds" that new gov regulation permit them to use to hide specifics. The regs seem to start changing around 2012 as I recall.
What about accidental ingestion you might ask? Poison control centers can call a 1-800 hotline and the information will be given to them. Not you.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom