3M 5200/4200

Dave Diefenderfer

Dave Diefenderfer

Well-known member
Supporter
I bought a couple caulking tubes for the BBSB restoration. Is there a way to open a tube and store it? The 4200 looks like it would go into a grease gun? Pull-tab on the bottom? The 4200 nozzle screws on, but there is no cap to replace the nozzle with? The 5200 has the nozzle on, and I don't know if it will screw off? Is this like spray foam 1 time use or lose it? I hope not even at the 40% off Boater's World Liquidation price, I hate to waste too much!

Suggestions appreciated!

Dave
 
Dave,

I've had luck cutting a piece of a shirt hanger (wire kind) and placing it down into the nozzle and into the tube. Then when I use it again, within a couple days, I take a pair of lineman's pliers and pull it out. This leave a free tunnel for the 5200 in the tube to flow out from. Only works a few times until the 5200 in the nozzle eventually closes in. Works if you're only going a day or two between uses.

Ryan
 
Use a regular caulking gun. Be sure to remove the end cap, pull tab and then puncture the other end with the nozzle and then screw the nozzle on and go to town. When down, let about a half inch or so of the material "seep" out of the tube and let it set. When you go back to it........pull that "cured seep" and you're back in business. If you've run too long without using it, unscrew the nozzle and push the plug out of the nozzle.
Remember, this stuff has a shelf life once opened and moisture is a curing agent. Clean up with lacquer thinner and remember...once it cures....not much will remove it. ;)
Lou
 
Don't the instructions on the tube of 5200 & 4200 say use it immediately after opening? I've used it days/weeks later too but I always wonder if it might fail.
 
Don't the instructions on the tube of 5200 & 4200 say use it immediately after opening? I've used it days/weeks later too but I always wonder if it might fail.
Click to expand...

It will continue to cure in the tube a bit with the moisture in the air and that part will be cured and unusable. Pull it out and you are good to go unless it's kicked all the way.
It's just as strong when used later, prior to curing. ;)
Lou
 
Don't the instructions on the tube of 5200 & 4200 say use it immediately after opening? I've used it days/weeks later too but I always wonder if it might fail.
Click to expand...

It will continue to cure in the tube a bit with the moisture in the air and that part will be cured and unusable. Pull it out and you are good to go unless it's kicked all the way.
It's just as strong when used later, prior to curing. ;)
Lou
Click to expand...


As long as we are talking 5200, I find that the toothpaste tubes keep really well in the fridge (I forget who suggested that). I clean up the threads and cap with mineral spirits and they keep for a couple years. Everybody should have one on hand for small jobs and use the caulking tubes for big jobs.
 
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Me too Ben.
Also, wrap it in a plastic bad to stop it from curing. I have forgotten to do that and when I tried to use it again it was like a rock.
Harry
 
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