Permatex RTV

RalphWD45 · Apr 9, 2016

Does any one have a method of keeping a tube of RTV, from turning to rubber, before it gets used up? I buy a tube, use it, screw the cap tightly on, and put it in the tool box. The next time I want to use it, I have to hand screw, a 3/16th drill bit down the neck, to open it up. Then the third time I want to use it, it has all turned to rubber, and I throw a sawed open tube of rubber away. I seldom get 1/2 of a tube used, before it goes bad. Any suggestions?

Billy Shafer · Apr 9, 2016

If you find out. Let me know. I have the same problem.

Jim in Ma. · Apr 9, 2016

They should sell it in mini tubes as an option.

PopinJohn · Apr 9, 2016

I had the same trouble until I started keeping my used tubes in an empty pickle jar with a good lid. Keeping the tube in a closed environment helps a whole lot, but is not foolproof. M

Mark-Ia · Apr 9, 2016

Work the tube so the RTV will suck in a little ways, then put a smear of vasoline or grease over the end to seal out the oxygen.Reinstall the cap.

RalphWD45 · Apr 9, 2016

I opened a new tube yesterday, and put a real small O ring, on it when I closed it up. (THIS IS A TEST) I have a box of HF O ring assortment, that I seldom use the small O rings. Iwill let you know in about a month, if it works.

Mike(NEOhio) · Apr 9, 2016

It helps to take the tapered spout off and put the cap back on right away. That works OK until the cap cracks.

JF in MI · Apr 9, 2016

I always put a piece of tin foil over the top before I screw the cap back on. Seems to help a bit. Also depends on the type of RTV. For some reason I've found that the high temperature (red) ones and Ultra Grey don't seem to harden up as easy. I also get longer life out of the pressurized can ones.

Dune Country · Apr 9, 2016

I like the closed jar method. Going to try that.

Also looking at the paint forum where they are talking about preserving paint by shooting aerosol duster into the can or argon from a mig welder Hmmmmmmmm.

Two Dogs · Apr 9, 2016

That will come soon enough but the price will stay the same or go higher. Fun size, you know. TDF

RusselAZ · Apr 9, 2016

They now sell, finally, tube caps,,or spout caps at the home centers. Seem to work better than the all the other tricks over the years.

showcrop · Apr 9, 2016

I used to go through a lot at work but only maybe a three inch ribbon at a time, and I pretty much always got to use all of it without it hardening. What I did was throw away the small cap and use the tapered tube cap. I would squeeze a little out of the tube before putting it on so that there ended up being a pretty good slug that seals, keep air out, and then pulls off with the cap leaving fresh product just inside of the end or the tube, ready to be squeezed out.

Hobo,NC · Apr 9, 2016

It rare it happens top me I go thru so much of it. I leave the applicator on the tube and never recap a tube. I have accumulated quite a collection of applicators that I have cut to different sizes. I soak the used applicators in gas then blow them out.

Don't throw those used applicators away recycle them they have quite a few uses.

I have had good RTV given to me in a never opened tube it will harden over time even with the cap on it...

I am gonna give the jar trick a try.

Animal · Apr 9, 2016

I have kept and used a tube over a year, putting it in an air tight zip lock bag.

Areo · Apr 9, 2016

I don't know if it would work for you , but I store my PVC solvent in a plastic bag in the fridge. It keeps it fresh for several years.

Billy Shafer · Apr 9, 2016

Thanks I will try that. Keep mine in a container.

Ranchingelec · Apr 9, 2016

Use loctite 515 or 518. It never hardens until it is used. And easy to clean up the squeeze out mess. No need for gaskets with this stuff.
Ranch

4play · Apr 9, 2016

I use the permatex that uses the caulking gun (right stuff). You can find long and short tubes and I have never had a tube dry up. I always leave the cone tip on and when done using I let a little plug hang out of the tube and release tension on the gun. When I'm ready to use again just pull the plug and repeat.

showcrop · Apr 10, 2016

(quoted from post at 20:53:03 04/09/16) I use the permatex that uses the caulking gun (right stuff). You can find long and short tubes and I have never had a tube dry up. I always leave the cone tip on and when done using I let a little plug hang out of the tube and release tension on the gun. When I'm ready to use again just pull the plug and repeat.

That is pretty much the same idea as what I do. push that extra out, then just pull it off to use it again. works slick. I showed all of my techs how to do it.

NoNewParts · Apr 10, 2016

I screw in about an inch long screw...right into the end of the tube. Then put the cap on.
A little experimenting to find a screw that fits tightly and one that the cap will fit over the head.

shrug...it's sealer...might as well let it do its job....seal that screw

Permatex RTV

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Member

Well-known Member

Well-known Member

Member

Similar threads