It drives me crazy when I pick up my caulk gun that I know has caulk in it, and nothing will come out because, despite the “Miracle Cap” I purchased and put on it, the caulk has dried out in the nozzle! Here’s my trick for How to Keep your Caulk from Drying out.
A few times, I’ve tried to force it to come out but instead of pushing the dried caulk out of the nozzle, it squishes out the other end making a huge mess of my gun. (Like I need any help in that area.) So I have to go digging around to find a nail long enough or a tiny screwdriver that will fit in the hole without mucking it up so the caulk doesn’t flow out smoothly.
Does this sound familiar or is it just me?
The plug-caps tend not to work properly with the slanted cut nozzle, in my experience.
Doesn’t everyone cut their caulk tube nozzle off at a slant? That’s “Caulking 101”– basic stuff… Oh well, this is easier, less messy and cheeper anyway!
When you’re done caulking your project, squeeze a little more caulk out of your gun and don’t wipe it off.
A little extra usually always comes out anyway, even after you release the pressure…so use that.
Then smoosh it into a ball-ish shape, completely covering the hole in the nozzle.
Now let it dry! When you’re ready to use your caulk gun again, just pull that ball-ishy ball off the end and you’re ready to go!
Simple tips that make work easier are what make my world go ’round!
Chantelle - ThousandSquareFeet says
We always just stick a long nail with a large head in the hole. The nail seals it and when you want to use it next, just pull out the nail and you are good to go. Works every time!
Woody Butcher says
I cut a strip of duct tape about 6” lg then I place it alongside of the nozzle and fold it over the end til it meets the other end then I smooth both sides thus sealing air out of the end . Then with an awl or lg nail make a hole to hang the caulk on a hook until it’s needed again.?
Tracy says
I use a 3 inch screw right in the end. Works every time:)
katy says
That’s a great tip, I’m going to try that. I’ve got about 6 bottles of caulk with that problem. Sometimes it dries out much farther back than just the tip, and usually I can’t find anything long enough to dig it out.
Andrea says
Hmmm…interesting. I will try this next time I caulk – which will be never if it is up to me. I hate caulking. We do the nail/screw thing, but sometimes I can’t find one right off the bat, and so this would come in real handy.
Sarah @ The Ugly Duckling House says
The nail trick can be hit or miss, because I’ve used old nails in the past and they rust, which doesn’t make for a clean white line the next time I use caulk 🙂
I’ve had a lot of success with Dap brand caps (they have a deep well for the tip so angled cuts are fine). They aren’t the cheapest, but they work.
Surprisingly, simple plastic wrap works well, too!
Sandra says
Plastic wrap is so handy I should carry it in my tool belt. I just hate having to run around trying to find something – anything to cap that hole. Using the caulk itself solves that problem. 😀
elaine says
great tip! Thanks 🙂
Dacia @ Lemon Drop Life says
Great tip!
kathleen says
It is so dry here in Colorado, that everything dries out. I’ll buy glue and if I don’t use it, bang, it’s dead. Even Gorilla Glue and nothing usually gets to that stuff. I’ll try that on everything now. Otherwise, I stuff it in a plastic bag and seal.
Amber says
You do know that there is a long metal “stick” on the caulking gun to do that very job, right? I see it in your photo. Even so, I still do what you do and leave a little spooge hangin’ out to dry.
Sandra says
Bwha! That’s too funny! I see it but didn’t know it was there. I’ve never looked at my caulk guns before. Thanks for the heads up…always learning something.
Kristen @ Pink Toes and Power Tools says
Great tips–yours and all the ones in the comments!! I find I have better control with the smaller tubes of caulk that don’t need the gun. It’s more expensive, but it’s less frustrating.
Linda says
Now that is a tip I can use!
Lucy Designs says
great tip Sandra…thank u…going to try this next time!
breanna says
super smart tip!
Stephanie says
I live in Colorado, too, and do the caulk trick. It works really well. I go through caulk pretty quickly so maybe it doesn’t have time to dry out!
Ty says
I read a tip in one of my woodworking magazines that explains using a wax ring for toilet installation. You push the tip of your caulk container into the wax and then remove the wax plug next time you use the caulk. It has been working for me.
Neccia Mayhew says
Two Great tips to keep caulk from drying out.
Glad Press and Seal this is great.
The best I think is Twist on Wire Connectors, inexpensive different colors mean different sizes, used to secure electrical wires
D. says
The long metal stick is used for punching the seal down at the neck of the caulking cartridge not for clearing it. I too will try the forming of a ball like tip…
Barb E. says
I love this! Nail thing rarely works for me so I share your frustration. I’m caulking right now and have spent half the time shoving a metal skewer in and out just to have it plug up again on the next squeeze. Thank you—simple and no opportunity for it to dry behind the plug!
Sandra says
Sometimes it’s the simple things that make life work more smoothly. Glad to help.