Silcone sealant

[curtis21]

You know the situation. You buy a tube of sealant and use a small amount (the size of your thumbnail) then seal the nozzle. After a few weeks you want to use it again and find the nozzle blocked. How can you clean the nozzle that is now solid or prevent it happening?

Curtis21

[Clanad]

Simple answer is you probably can't.  Having said that, once the nozzle has been used, replace the cap and the next time you use it, simply trim off some more of the nozzle.  The sealant is probably only dry about 1/4 to 1/2 inch down.  If you are using a failry new caluking gun, it will have a trimmer at the handle end as well as a swing out pin to puncture the new nozzle.  Sometimes you can force this pin down the tube and get it to flow.  Luck!

[Chessman]

I use a nail, then when you take the thing out, the sealant flows free,

[ianess]

Just Sellotape the end to make it airtight.

[jampot]

Just leave 1/2 in of sealant hanging out, this will dry and when you need to use it again simply pull it out.

[Tim B]

The sealant will form a solid mass inside the nozzle.  Unscrew the nozzle and remove as much solid as you can.  If this hasn't cleared it then poke a suitable rod down the hole to clear it completely.

You can get nozzles with screw-on caps which actually stop it happening.

[Dom Tuk]

Hello Tim Baxter

[curtis21]

Many thanks to all of you who came up with some good suggestions - I shall try them all.

Curtis21