If you don't use an entire tube of 4200 how do you seal it

[dark star]

I can't be the only person who needs to tackle many small jobs on the boat with short time intervals in between. Open up a tube of 4200 (or caulk or 5200) use a small amount and think, now what to seal the end of the nozzle with? Tried bits of dowel, nails, screws even Saran Wrap over the end all with mixed and not great results.
Anyone have a simple solution to this little quirky problem?
Thx, Dark Star

[Ziggy]

Buy it it smallest tubes possible or try to stack up multiple jobs to use it on. I don't think there's a way to preserve it once open.

[a64pilot]

Pretty sure putting it in the freezer will slow it's curing, but it's still going to cure. Unfortunately once opened, it can't be saved. I try to keep a 4200 / 5200 list, then when I open a tube I go around and do all those little jobs.

[RKsailsolo]

Best bet is to buy smaller tubes. 4200/5200 are moisture curing polyurethanes. Curing starts when the material is exposed to moisture in the atmosphere and it takes just a little to kick it off. That's why 3M goes to great effort to package and distribute it to local marine suppliers, to make sure the experience of using it will be the best it can be. Just remember that both products bond to to many substrates like grim death. It's a permanent bond. 4200 is less breaking strength than 5200 but both tear substrate depending on the substrate material.
http://www.hopkins-carter.com/3-oz-w...cure-4200.html

[Cuttyhunk]

I buy small tubes and when one is opened, I store it in a ziploc in the freezer. It will last a couple of months, but eventually I have to toss it. I think there must be a dead tube in the freezer right now...

[dark star]

RKsailsolo makes a great point about adhesion, I have just repaired areas of my cabin top (original construction epoxy coated plywood) due to damaged caused by removal of winch base plates, handrails, staysail tracks, dorade boxes. So perhaps the next question is what to use that seals and lasts but can be removed without major substrate damage?

[Nicholson58]

I buy the slow cure and seal with saran and rubber bands. This holds for quite a while. Sometimes I have to clear out the shout with a drill. Only but the calk size tubes for big jobs - otherwise small. You can get 5200 tubes at Home Depot for less than WM.

[rockDAWG]

You can use some dielectric grease to seal the tube opening. it works for me for years.

[lonesoldier0408]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

You can use some dielectric grease to seal the tube opening. it works for me for years.

Looking forward to trying this.. I have multiple small jobs and one big tube... 😒

[Lake-Effect]

Carry and use butyl sealant, which is great and long-lasting for bedding stuff to the deck, and the unused stuff lasts indefinitely. Only use hardening caulks or 5200 where you absolutely have to.

[HappyMdRSailor]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

You can use some dielectric grease to seal the tube opening. it works for me for years.

Smarty pants... Imma try this new one too...

[jcapo]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

You can use some dielectric grease to seal the tube opening. it works for me for years.

Vasoline works too.

[dark star]

Does butyl sealant have a brand name and or location?

[Nicholson58]

Originally Posted by rockDAWG

You can use some dielectric grease to seal the tube opening. it works for me for years.

Thanks for the insight. Great idea.

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by dark star

Does butyl sealant have a brand name and or location?

Many chandleries will have it. It's sometimes called butyl tape since it often comes in a roll with quick-release paper.

Compass Marine (aka MaineSail) also sells it, and has a good article on its use and benefits.