sikaflex

[baggypipes]

ok you clever people, lets have some sensible answers
How do you stop sikaflex going off in the tube once you've opened it I've tried, nail in the end of nozzle, duck tape over screw end, corks, n just about every thing else to hand, nothing seems to stop getting a hardend blob that sets its self inside. Now it's fine for the company as they then sell more tubes but boy is it frustrating, or is it just me HELP! /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[PhilipH]

You don't. The easiest way to get value out of the tube is that next time you use it, pierce the tube with a screwdriver close to the nozzle end of the tube, pump out what you need, stick a bit of K-roll over the hole; next time again you want some just puncture a bit further down the tube. Works a treat and you get your money's worth.

 

[jerryat]

Simple. Put it in a polythene bag (purely to stop any smells from affecting food) and stick it in the freezer. Works with Sikaflex, silicone etc.

Thaw it out a couple of hours before you need to use it and Bob's yer.........!

 

[PhilipH]

er ... freezer ... on most boats???

 

[jerryat]

[ QUOTE ]
er ... freezer ... on most boats???

[/ QUOTE ]

Where's it say he's storing it on a boat?

Actually, it does keep a bit better in a normal 'boat' fridge (we've done it whilst long-term cruising) but it's not as effective - even jammed in the the 'O' condenser.

 

[sailinglegend420]

Putting it in hot water will soften it a bit.

 

[Cloven]

Unless I have a big job to do, I now buy the small size tubes and if there is any waste its much less.

 

[Roach1948]

What I do is after use unscrew nozzle and put an old plactic bag across the hole and thread and screw on nozzle again.

PhilipH - trying to understand your suggestion. I can't see that advantage of what your saying unless you pierce the tube at the piston end, so that the when the piston goes down the piston passes the hole you have made, making an airtight seal.

 

[John_Clarke]

If you keep the tube of Sikaflex, or other moisture curing sealant such as silicone, in an air tight container with silica gel crystals it will keep for a year or more (if it has been bought when quite new) and still flow well. When the silica gel crystals change colour it is time to dry the crystals out in an oven at 100 - 120 C. At 100 C in a fan oven this only takes about 10 minutes.

See http://www.geejaychemicals.co.uk/default.htm for more information.

I use a 32 cm high plastic container with a large screw cap. It is clear so you can see the colour of the silica gel; it holds about 5 sealant tubes with their nozzles. A heavy duty polythene bag with a couple of ties on the neck would probably work just as well.

I wrap the end of the nozzles with pvc tape to contain the sealant. There may be a small plug of hardened sealant in the tip of the nozzle when next used but it is easy to pick this out.