RTV shelf life

[artieb]

Hi, I did a search and wasn't sure how to get the most shelf life from an opened tube of RTV?
I use the black tape under the cap technique and was wondering how the occasional DIY extended their silicone RTV?

 

[jkwilson]

I just push enough out of the tube that it makes a mess when you put the cap on. This seals the tube with RTV. Looks like heck, but works better than anything else.

The important thing is storage temperature. Around 50 degrees is ideal. Don't let it freeze and don't let it get hot. IIRC, most of what we use at work is rated for storage at 45F-80F or something close to that range.

 

[Falcon67]

"A while". 4-6 months maybe depending on storage temp. Squeeze the tube, if it comes out it's good. Otherwise toss it and grab another one. A tube of black RTV is $5, shelf life isn't really that big a deal IMHO. I just cap it when I'm done and keep one or two spare tubes on a hook ready to go.

 

[artieb]

That how I used to do it, when money was good. I don't do any for hire work, just occasionally work on my stuff. The tape method does ok, I use a drill bit by hand, to drill down and pull the hardened rtv out. Just wondering if there way a better way. Any ideas would be cool! Artie

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,... They seem to keep perfectly well, right up to where I Need it,....

I've tried diggin' 'em out with a drill or screw,...
Other times, cut the bottom of the tube, Hopin' to get enough useable product to finish the job at hand,...

 

[Richard Cranium]

I just put a nail in the end of the tube, the rtv hardens around the nail, then when I am ready to use, I just pull the nail/plug out and use what I need and install a new nail

 

[icenfire01]

I too find the half used RTV tube in the back of the drawer 6mos later. Im with falcon67 on this, for $5 just let it go. Let the auto parts store stock that for you and then you can have a fresh tube for the next project you are working on. If I'm doing an engine rebuild or a big project I get the aerosol can type, they are so much better than the toothpaste tube.

 

[CJM8515]

I squish a bunch of it to the top to seal it, takes a long time to go bad on me. I have had tubes for a few years still fine. I store it in a cabinet in my garage and it can be 10F or 100F in there, never an issue. Ill often take a pick or a drill bit and pick the hardest stuff out if I have to.

I also poke a hole in various spots of the tubes (if Im using it hand) to get good rtv out.

 

[laser3kw]

I just put a nail in the end of the tube, the rtv hardens around the nail, then when I am ready to use, I just pull the nail/plug out and use what I need and install a new nail

same here except I use a screw so I can back it out

 

[Stevie-Ray]

Ayuh,... They seem to keep perfectly well, right up to where I Need it,....

I've tried diggin' 'em out with a drill or screw,...
Other times, cut the bottom of the tube, Hopin' to get enough useable product to finish the job at hand,...

That's me as well. Just threw a bunch out, though they were years old and I got em for free....

 

[LS6 Tommy]

I've had reasonable luck with a big wire nut, but as previously stated, if it doesn't come out looking OK I toss it. It's just too inexpensive to worry that much.

Tommy

 

[NUTTSGT]

I squeeze just a small out the cut end of the nozzle. Then I place a cap from a qt bottle (like gear oil) and wrap it with electrical tape.

 

[rodm1]

I use a ziplock bag squeeze all the air out.

 

[Fixnfly]

I always write the date I opened it on the tube so I know exactly how old it is.
If I'm doing a pain in the *** job, I always use new sealant just so I don't have to do it twice

 

[Tim The Tool Man]

There is no rule. I have had it last anywhere from 2 weeks to 4 years. I do as others have said and squish some out as I close the cap. I also use those tooth paste tube roller things as I use it to keep from having to fiddle with the tube to get the last of it out of the tube.

A coarse sheetrock screw screwed in and pulled out seems to be the best way I have found to clear the throat when it is all dry snotted up.

 

[artieb]

Does anyone know what the anticipated shelf life of an unopened tube? I always use the copper colored RTV. I understand that the key in an opened tube is discarding what has been exposed. Then a air tight seal needs to be reestablished, without vacuuming in air into the tube.
I don't mind spending money, but I hate wasting money.
I use a old stick welding rod, bent like the previous post.

 

[artieb]

On a similar thought? Is anyone using anaerobic sealant? I have done some reading on this and currently trying some of this Permatex 518. Sometimes it needs a primer, and most of the time, primer is not required. Any input on this?
I use a product cled Seal-All that works on so many things. Seal-All has a short shelf life, however
Thanks Artie

 

[RV77]

I used to just squeeze some out the end......Now I remove the screw on "spout" that comes with them and blow it out w/ air in the trash and then put the small cap back on snug as these will crack easy.

 

[BlindViper]

Does anyone know what the anticipated shelf life of an unopened tube? I always use the copper colored RTV. I understand that the key in an opened tube is discarding what has been exposed. Then a air tight seal needs to be reestablished, without vacuuming in air into the tube.
I don't mind spending money, but I hate wasting money.
I use a old stick welding rod, bent like the previous post.

I got some small tubes from my grandfather that were in the top of his tool box. He retired 18 years ago. He proclaimed them as his stash. They worked fine. They were a nice size like about 5" long and were made like toothpaste tubes. They were the perfect amount just enough for most jobs.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

When I worked at a Chrysler dealership about 13 years ago, we were told the Mopar RTV for sealing tranning oil pans had a one year shelf life.