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storing sikaflex 221
jabbahutt - 23/5/08 at 06:42 AM

Morning all

After some assistance for storing this PU adhesive once it's been used. I've tried a few different methods and when I come back to using the tube the next time it's solidified.

I've tried a screw in the top and also letting some of the sikalflex cure on top of the nozzle but the whole tube seems to cure.

At £8 a pop it's bit expensive to waste part tubes and I'm coming up again to needing to use it but the jobs will be a couple of weeks apart.

Any tips on keeping this stuff useable would be much appreciated.

Many thanks
Nigel


Humbug - 23/5/08 at 07:18 AM

Not sure if it's exactly the same stuff, but I had a tube of Wurth PU adhesive which had about an inch left, and the nozzle bit was completely set. I hadn't used any for months but when I cut open the side of the main tube to have a look the adhesive was still gooey. So, if you can actually clear out the nozzle part there may still be some usable adhesive

Simon


JAG - 23/5/08 at 07:54 AM

I believe these types of adhesive cure by exposure to moisture. My last tube also set solid after 6 months.

Best thing is to find somewhere dry to put it (airing cupboard maybe?) and do the best job you can of sealing the open end of the nozzle with something like cling film.

Then hope!


sucksqueezebangblow - 23/5/08 at 08:17 AM

A variety of sealants from your local DIY shop come with nozzles with screw on end caps. I found that if I bought a couple of tubes for a particular job I could use one nozzle for both and save the remaining nozzle for stuff like Sikaflex so I could use the end cap to seal it. I also found that the screw on end caps will push fit on most nozzles that don't have threads as well.


DaveFJ - 23/5/08 at 08:20 AM

I have managed to keep a tube going for over 6 months - no problems...

what i do is put a disposable glove over the end (slide the nozzle up a finger) then squirt out a blob into the end about 1/4 the size of a golf ball so it forms a kind of cap over the end of a nozzle.

works every time for me!


Alex B - 23/5/08 at 08:37 AM

The standard method is to put it in the freezer well sealed after use


02GF74 - 23/5/08 at 08:52 AM

I wrap some insulation tape aroudn the end to keep it air tight. the sealant in the nozzle usaully alwasy solidifies but the rest in the tube usaully doesn't.

I have a theory that once the stuff as started to go off by exposure to air normally, then the reaction works its way into the rest of the tube.

not tried using freezer.

and yes, it is annoying when you want to use a spoonful to have to pay for a full tube.

why can't it be sold in smaller sized tubes?


Danozeman - 23/5/08 at 04:00 PM

I wrap mine up tightly with insulating tape. Works a treat.
The nozzles that come with caps are ok but usualy the caps come off.


rusty nuts - 23/5/08 at 06:02 PM

quote:
Originally posted by jabbahutt


At £8 a pop it's bit expensive to waste part tubes and I'm coming up again to needing to use it but the jobs will be a couple of weeks apart.


Where can you get it for that price? my last tube cost me £12.00