Asked on May 08, 2016

Dumb question about tube of caulk

Louise
by Louise
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?
  12 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 08, 2016
    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 Dee on May 08, 2016
    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.
    • Jean Myles Jean Myles on May 08, 2016
      @Dee I didn't know there was a place on the caulking gun to cut the tube open. I looked on mine and didn't see any where. could you tell me where it is. Mine is old and maybe I need to up grade. thanks
  • MN Mom MN Mom on May 08, 2016
    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 William on May 08, 2016
    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 Kathleen frostic on May 08, 2016
    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.
  • 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 Jean Myles on May 08, 2016
    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 Marion Nesbitt on May 08, 2016
    Once opened, I wrap a screw in clear wrap and push it in.
  • William William on May 09, 2016
    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 Diana Deiley on Sep 07, 2016
    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.
  • You need to cut it with a utility knife.

  • Dee Dee on Dec 10, 2023

    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.