Asked on Mar 15, 2020

How do I open this tube?

Louise
by Louise

The end of this tube is very hard. I slightly tried to punch the end of a knife into it and also tried a large paper clip but neither budged it. I was a bit timid in trying because I didn't want to slip and cut myself. Should I continue trying to punch a hole or cut the end off? And what should I use? A utility knife? An Exacto knife?



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  35 answers
  • I've had to open that very tube and used a utility knife once and the last time, a hacksaw to cut the end off.

  • Em Em on Mar 15, 2020

    Use a large nail to open end. Tap with hammer and pull out with pliers. If all else fails, cut the nozzle up higher with a utility knife. Last but not least cut the back end off and use something to remove the contents out like an old spoon. Reseal tightly with duct tape for next use.

  • Beth Beth on Mar 15, 2020

    I've had tubes of this stuff dry up before. Even if you get into it, the wood filler may be too crumbly and hard at this point. It's worth trying to get into it to see, and others have given some good advice on that front, but the wood filler may not be useable anymore.

  • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Mar 15, 2020

    Use a pair of wire cutters to snip the end. Make sure to cut it close to the tip. This is a very safe way of doing it. I’ve been doing it this way for years with zero injuries.

    • See 1 previous
    • Zard Pocleeb Zard Pocleeb on Mar 15, 2020

      Everything has a shelf life but there are ways to extend it. The cap that comes with it should do a pretty fair job but you can store it in a plastic bag between uses.

  • Dee Dee on Mar 15, 2020

    First kneed the tube so that you know is it pliable. Then just use a knife and cut off the tip, do not take a lot off cut as you were cutting a caulking tube. When you are finished using the wood filler, use a small piece of painters tape to seal the tube and then put the cap on. I usually also put mine in a ziplock bag to keep the air out

  • Sandy Sandy on Mar 15, 2020

    tHE TUBE SHOULD SAY HOW TO OPEN IT OR CALL THE NUMBER ON THE TUBE OR GO TO THE WEBSITE... 3--15-20

  • Ken Erickson Ken Erickson on Mar 15, 2020

    If new, then use a utility knife to open it by cutting off a portion of the tip. If it is old and the putty has hardened, cut off lower on tip. A large nail can usually clear the obstruction. you can always cut a slit in the tube and get remaining putty out, but then the tube needs to be thrown away.

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Mar 15, 2020

    My first choice to go to would be a utility knife, followed by a pair of wire cutters. If you can't budge the tip, then cut a small slit in the other end of the tube and that will let you access the wood filler. After use and so it won't dry out, either cover the opening with painters tape or duct tape, which ever works best for you. The important part is to prevent drying out, so keep the product as airtight as possible.

  • Pat Pat on Mar 15, 2020

    Sometimes there is a "clog" in the top of the tube put in there by the manufacturer to keep it air tight. I use a small screwdriver to poke open the end of the tube. Don't know if that is what you have but could try it.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Mar 15, 2020

    Hello. Generally I use a utility knife or wire cutters.

  • William William on Mar 16, 2020

    Cut the nub tip off. Knife, wire cutters, utility knife. Cap threads on for storing. I like to put a nail into the tip with the head of the nail flush. Then screw the cap on.

  • Janice Janice on Mar 16, 2020

    You mentioned to a post that you had just recently purchased the tube. If this is the case and you've not used it prior, I suggest you take it back to the store along with your receipt of you have it and request a different tube or a refund.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 16, 2020

    Some tubes are sealed to protect the contents. I use kitchen scissors to cut the tip.

  • Pamela Pamela on Mar 17, 2020

    Cut the top with wide or floral cutters !

  • Pamela Pamela on Mar 17, 2020

    That was supposed to be wire cutters !

  • Simple Nature Decor Simple Nature Decor on Mar 17, 2020

    You can use a nail to make a hole in the tip

  • Kmdreamer Kmdreamer on Mar 17, 2020

    Cut the tip off only with a knife on a cutting board cut at a angle .

  • Pat Pat on Mar 17, 2020

    From looking at your picture, I would say you should cut the tip off just above the screw lines (that screw into the lid). I think the nub was made purposely like that to keep the contents air tight. William has the right idea.

  • I would try snipping the end off with wire cutters.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Mar 30, 2020

    I would try snipping off the end

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Mar 31, 2020

    Use a pair of wire cutters to snip the end

  • Cindy Cindy on Apr 06, 2020

    Hi Louise. You might be able to snip the end off using nail clippers. Once you have the tube open, put a straight pin in the hole to keep it open in between use.

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 09, 2020

    Hi Louise, use a sharp utility knife and cut the opening fairly small so you can use a nail to seal it when you are done with it, the nail should allow you to put the cap back on as well. I have attached a video for how to open silicone, but it will work the same.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6HfGcy-rnQ

  • Deb K Deb K on Dec 25, 2020

    Hi Louise, you can use some sharp scissors, or a sharp knife (lay it on a cutting board and use the knife to open the end by cutting the tip off at an angle.

  • Lola Lola on Jul 01, 2022

    Not me shaming myself for doing an extensive search on how to open a tube...

    Utility knife gear up.... phalanges... pray up!

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Dec 03, 2022

    Large nail? If the tube has been used before, maybe it is now unusable - gone hard. It happen. I try only to buy smallest quantity in multi tubes, because of this problem.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 05, 2022

    Is the product inside still good?

  • Deb K Deb K on Jun 10, 2023

    Hi Louise, hope this helps you out. You will need to use a razor knife to cut open the end, remember the larger the hole the more product will come out. Try to keep it towards the end and very small


  • Use a utility knife to cut the end.

  • Mogie Mogie on Jun 12, 2023

    If you can pop the lid off the wood filler. Pour just enough acetone on top of the filler to cover the surface.

    Poke a stick into the filler. Make several holes in the filler so the acetone runs into them.

    You will need to squish the acetone so the wood filler will then soften.


  • Carol Jean Carol Jean on Nov 28, 2023

    I tried everything above (except the jigsaw :)) Nothing worked. I even tried to saw it with my serrated bread knife. Finally I hammered a screw in the end until I could start screwing with my hand. Then I got a screwdriver (thought about my screw gun) and screwed it all the way down. After I was finished using the filler I screwed the screw back into the hole to keep it from drying and put the cap back on. Hope this helps someone.

  • Carol Jean Carol Jean on Nov 28, 2023

    I tried everything above (except the jigsaw :)) Nothing worked. I even tried to saw it with my serrated bread knife. Finally I hammered a screw in the end until I could start screwing with my hand. Then I got a screwdriver (thought about my screw gun) and screwed it all the way down. After I was finished using the filler I screwed the screw back into the hole to keep it from drying and put the cap back on. Hope this helps someone.

  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Dec 11, 2023

    Use pliers to hold the tube then you can cut with a knife or hacksaw.

  • Janice Janice on Dec 11, 2023

    After getting the tube open, using, and then wanting to cap for reuse, coat the end of the tube and the interior of the cap with a good dab of Vaseline petroleum jelly. Next time, it will be easy to use.

  • Mogie Mogie on Dec 20, 2023

    You can use a flat screwdriver, a putty knife, pliers, scissors, or nail clippers to open the tube.

    If you don’t have any of these items at hand and you’re determined to open the wood filler tube no matter what (you’re not alone!), try using a hammer or even the back of your knife blade.