Dumb question about tube of caulk

Question

It seems to me that this has a cap on it that must be pulled off, but I can't get it to pull off.  IS this a cap?  If so, what's the secret to removing it?  If it's not a cap, once I've used the caulk and there's still some left, what's the best way to keep it soft for a later use?  Cover the end with aluminum foil or something?

Janet Pizaro · Answer

It looks like you have to put a puncture hole at the end from what I see. As for it lasting , maybe putting the tube in a ziplock bag that may aid in keeping for later use.

Dee · Answer

That is not a cap. It is made that way so the caulk comes out in different widths. You can cut it open with the little hole on your caulking gun or use a scissors. To keep it fresh use either an electrical cap or just tape it with blue painters tape.

MN Mom · Answer

There should have been a cap on the end. The plastic on the end right now should be cut with a sharp knife or scissors, at an angle, to allow a nice even bead of caulk to be applied. The farther you cut down that shaft, the wider the bead will be. If you just puncture a hole, it's not going to be able to flow out in a nice steady line. If you can't find the cap, you can put the tube in a sealed bag or go ask for an extra cap at the hardware store...they probably have spare caps.

William · Answer

It is a cap. It snaps on. Wrap the tip with two fingers and press the ring with your thumb. and pull off.

Kathleen frostic · Answer

Cut the plastic tip where the score line is. When done cover the end with plastic wrap . Make sure you  wrap the tip good with the plastic wrap so air doesn't get in and harden it.

Dery Antonio Barrios Saucedo · Answer

It's a cap and does help a little when used. Make sure you take it off, then cut an 1/8 of an inch off . Some tubes of caulk require you poke them to remove an extra layer of protection.

Jean Myles · Answer

I use a small pair of pliers to remove the cap. When I'm done I put a nail in the hole and wrap it in electrical tape . It looks like yours has the cap on, they are kinda hard to get off.

Marion Nesbitt · Answer

Once opened, I wrap a screw in clear wrap and push it in.

William · Answer

HEY, LOUISE! Did you get the cap off. Just asking. By the way, the cap is supposed to seal the tip so the caulk won't harden. Doesn't always work. A tip for everyone. If your store away a used tube of caulk for a long time, you can reconstitute (long word) it. If you can squeeze the tube, the caulk is still soft inside, but too stiff to squeeze out. What I have done is microwave the tube for 30 SECONDS - SECONDS I said =:). It will be hot, but usable again.

Diana Deiley · Answer

Hi Jean,  I cut the tip off diagonally with a utility knife, poke a hole inside the tip with the metal pin provided on the caulk gun, when done, insert an appropriate sized screw as a seal or purchase a 'cap' specifically designed for this purpose.    Great question and best of luck.

Ann|The Apple Street Cottage · Answer

You need to cut it with a utility knife.

Dee · Answer

It is not a cap, it must be cut using the end of your caulking gun, to the width according to your project. Smaller is better.

Kwh113739919 · Answer

How do you get the cap off?

Johnavallance82 · Answer

Not a cap! You have to cut across it to make the caulk come out. There is no cap as they don't expect it to be used a second time. If you want too you will have to find something to seal it yourself in some way!

Betsy · Answer

Hi Louise: Your question made me smile as I had the same question years ago. That ridge is about the farthest you want to cut, on an angle, to use the caulk. Start out with a smallish cut and increase the angle until you get the bead you want. As an aside, if you want to smooth out the caulk, use your finger. Dip it in water and then wipe the caulk gently. As for keeping the caulk soft for the future, push the caulk until it is near the opening, crumble some plastic wrap into a roll and stick it into the opening of the tube, pushing the caulk down. Then wrap the entire thing with more plastic wrap.

Dee · Answer

Mine is right by the handle looks like a small circle. Or just use a knife and cut a small tip at the end on the diagonal. Better small than large. I use an electrical cap to close after I use it.

Dumb question about tube of caulk

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Dumb question about tube of caulk

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