BCC ) writes:
I need to open a big tube of 5200 for a small job because I need
mahogany color - and won't use it again for a while - how can I extend
the life - maybe put in the freezer?


I don't use 5200 but for other substances that come in tubes I save the
"empty" tubes to cut open and dig out the dregs for small jobs.

For removing plugs from nozzels I find a wood screw usually works. It's
the first thing I try before attacking the plug with a piece of stiff wire
(clothes hanger or bicylce spoke) or a nail.

One problem I've found plugging some nozzels with a nail is the nail can rust
and discolour the contents of the tube near the nozzel. I'm probably
thinking of latex house caulk here.
--
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William R Watt National Capital FreeNet Ottawa's free community network
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3M products usually have a removeable nozzle that can be removed and
cleaned. I have even cleaned them after the caulk has cured.. However, it is
best to seperately seal the threaded nipple on the end of the tube. For that
I save a few spare/uncut nozzles. Then when the material in the nipple
cures, I dig it out with a wood screw.

The main objective is to keep moisture laden air from contating the surface
of the caulk/sealant. The curing process will gradually, over time migrate
into the interior of the tube unless you refrigerate it. The cooler temp.
seem to retard the curing process.

As I stated earlier, the plunger end presents a problem since the curing
process will start with the residual sealant around the plunger and migrate
to the interior contents. The plastic bag can help here and I stuff a bunch
of this bag all the way up inside the tube end to displace any moist air..

Steve
s/v Good Intentions

Steve says:

However, it is
best to seperately seal the threaded nipple on the end of the tube. For that
I save a few spare/uncut nozzles.

Or you could go to Home Despot and get some of their bright orange mouse
condoms, specially built for the job...

Steve

On 2 Apr 2004 13:34:56 GMT, (William R.
Watt) vaguely proposed a theory
.......and in reply I say!:
remove ns from my header address to reply via email

Just read a story recently, illustrating market analysis when
inventing, about some poor guy who invented a way to get the hard
silicone out of the tips.........but the bigger hardware stores were
giving the tips away for free! :-

I don't use 5200 but for other substances that come in tubes I save the
"empty" tubes to cut open and dig out the dregs for small jobs.

For removing plugs from nozzels I find a wood screw usually works. It's
the first thing I try before attacking the plug with a piece of stiff wire
(clothes hanger or bicylce spoke) or a nail.

One problem I've found plugging some nozzels with a nail is the nail can rust
and discolour the contents of the tube near the nozzel. I'm probably
thinking of latex house caulk here.

************************************************** **
remove ns from my header address to reply via email

I went on a guided tour not long ago.The guide got
us lost. He was a non-compass mentor.........sorry
.........no I'm not.