RTV tubes.... PITA !

[John T]

Anyone got a cool tip to store Rtv tubes?

As much as I try to squeeze the air out of the tube and then put the cap back on....

Sure as shootin

Its A hardened glob on the end...

Nature of the beast I reckon

 

[John T]

 

[VersionOne]

What works for me is to squeeze a bit out and leave it to dry. That little glob at the end can then be pulled out, revealing the fresh RTV inside.

 

[fsae0607]

^^ similar to above; I squeeze a blob out, spit on my finger and pack a little "mushroom" at the tip to create a "seal".

Then you can pull it out when you're ready to use again.

 

[jgreen-fsi]

The new style tubes like this are great.

 

[gdudik]

I like the stuff that comes in a caulking gun tube. Use the little poker on the caulking gun to clear the tip.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBNU9U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mlcharlestonsc]

I quit using tip and re-cap

 

[merbie]

put a screw in the end

 

[bonneyman]

I take old rubber wine corks and drill a hole about 3/4 the way thru. Then squeeze them as you press them on the tip to expel as much air as possible. Helps, but doesn't stop the hardening.

There is this product out there. Like a long, plastic screw with a handle to remove it.
Have one, but haven't tried it yet.

http://www.caulksaver.com/

 

[Virgil Cain]

If you've got a vacuum sealer throw in it a vacuum bag and **** the air out.

 

[unslow1]

I take old rubber wine corks and drill a hole about 3/4 the way thru. Then squeeze them as you press them on the tip to expel as much air as possible. Helps, but doesn't stop the hardening.

There is this product out there. Like a long, plastic screw with a handle to remove it.
Have one, but haven't tried it yet.

http://www.caulksaver.com/

I've used those on caulking tubes but never tried gasket sealer. They work OK on kitchen latex tubes.

 

[azhatchback]

I like the stuff that comes in a caulking gun tube. Use the little poker on the caulking gun to clear the tip.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBNU9U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yup and when your done squeeze a small tail out and let it dry. Next time you use just pull the dried up tail out and no poker needed!

 

[davesnothere]

What works for me is to squeeze a bit out and leave it to dry. That little glob at the end can then be pulled out, revealing the fresh RTV inside.

What he said.

 

[allinon72]

I use a nail in the end of caulking tubes. The new RTV tubes that seal better work pretty well but you definiately have to pay for them. Paid $8 for a tiny tube of Ultra Black recently.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Stop using those and go with the Aerosol type...think Easy-Cheese type cans...perfectly nice beads, lasts in the can for a long time. I quit using the "toothpaste" tube type cause I'd always end up with just as much on my fingers as on the project..

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Yup and when your done squeeze a small tail out and let it dry. Next time you use just pull the dried up tail out and no poker needed!

that what the instructions call for for Right Stuff gasket maker. I will admit I have not tried that yet but will on next project.

 

[allinon72]

Stop using those and go with the Aerosol type...think Easy-Cheese type cans...perfectly nice beads, lasts in the can for a long time. I quit using the "toothpaste" tube type cause I'd always end up with just as much on my fingers as on the project..

I've had those cans dry up solid too. And they are considerably more money.

 

[azhatchback]

that what the instructions call for for Right Stuff gasket maker. I will admit I have not tried that yet but will on next project.

Dosen't seem to work as well with the toothpaste tubes but works great on caulking guns. That my experience with it. I have had lids break on me for tooth paste style ultra black and have tried this but always have to poke it after breaking tail off. I have had zero issues with tooth paste tube ultra blue. Just put an engine back together a couple of weeks ago and used a 2 year old tooth paste tube on some water pump bolts. Lid came off and saueezed right out. I only use blue on water items including head studs that are not blind on stock blocks. Ultra black for everything else. That silicon clear like blue color **** is the worst. My dad used to love that stuff and he would always be fighting the cloged tubes

You dont need much of the stuff either just a skim coat. Lots of guys like to coat the entire part and make a big mess. Only areas that need it should get sealer. I see guys really fubar ford water pumps with this. Holes that are not blind should get a small coat on bolts after wire brushing the bolts (water pump bolts, crank to fly wheel bolts, some oil pan bolts at front and rear on windsors, etc.