Long-term Storage of Silicone Gasket Maker?

A

Alex Ethridge

Active Member
This is not a Briggs question but I don't see a forum here for general questions.

I get a tube of silicone gasket maker, use a tenth or less of it, put the tube away and find it hardened months later when I need it again and have to buy another tube.

So, has anyone here ever come up with a better way of storing it? What about in a bucket of water, or maybe even a jar of used motor oil?

Anyone ever tried a better method for long-term storage than just putting the cap back on?

Suggestions?
 
If you HAVE to use it, buy the smallest tube offered.

I've gone to the non-hardening sealants with great luck. Much much easier to remove and clean up for the next guy.
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Yes, gotta' have it. Ordered a sump on ebay and it came like this. A simple gasket can't be trusted to permanently seal this:

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Screw the cap back on or use silicone tube condoms to help protect it. You are not going to get several years on an opened tube once it kicks off. Google

Universal Fit Caulk Tube Latex Sealing Caps, Caulk Saver Cover Sealer for Sealing and Preserving Open Caulking Tube, Red 10 Pack​

 
Been doing this for several years:
I have a old working refrigerator in the shop and store gasket sealants, super glues, small batteries, garden seeds, etc. I also place them in a Z lock bag and squeeze out the air. A tube of Yamaha Bond 4 will store for a long time. The Permatex gasket makers and the Yamaha Bond 4 still set up normally. The fridge slows the aging process and super glues, both gel and liquid last long time.
If some of the Permatex gasket makers have been stored long time I have to carefully run a small screwdriver down inside to clear out a channel hole so as to squeeze out the good stuff.

I have not tried freezing any of the sealants as suggested. Might give that a try.
 
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Don't think I would cool or freeze any sealants. Might not work as well as a fresh tube. Doesn't say to refrigerate on the tube that I've read. If it works for you guys then great. (y)
 
slomo said:
Don't think I would cool or freeze any sealants. Might not work as well as a fresh tube. Doesn't say to refrigerate on the tube that I've read. If it works for you guys then great. (y)
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The freezer will slow hardening, not prevent it for ever.
If you freeze your sealants, be sure to warm them before expecting the soft stuff to come out 😈
 
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