TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
But if you’re storing half-used tubes for later touch-ups, those bargain brands seem to dry out even faster once opened.
That’s the story of my garage shelf—half a dozen crusty tubes that looked like a good deal at the time. I’ve tried the tip-down trick too, but honestly, sometimes it feels like I’m just delaying the inevitable. For screws, I learned the hard way after snapping a few heads off in oak—never again for anything that matters. Cheap shims though? All day.
sometimes it feels like I’m just delaying the inevitable
Yeah, I hear you. I’ve tried every trick—tape, ziplocks, even vacuum sealing once. Still end up with a graveyard of dried caulk. But on shims? Couldn’t agree more. No shame in going cheap there.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
Ever tried storing caulk in the fridge? I read somewhere it helps, but honestly, I just forget about it until I need it again... and by then, it’s another brick. Still, I wonder if there’s a better way or if we’re all just fighting a losing battle with dried tubes.
On shims, though—totally agree. Why pay extra when scrap wood works just as well? But do you ever worry about the waste from all those dried-up tubes? I keep thinking there’s gotta be a more sustainable approach, but maybe that’s wishful thinking.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
- Fridge trick? Tried it once... wife wasn’t thrilled. Still ended up with a rock-solid tube.
- For shims, scrap wood all the way. No point paying for something you’re literally meant to wedge and forget.
- Dried caulk tubes drive me nuts too. I started buying smaller tubes for small jobs—less waste, costs about the same per ounce.
- If anyone figures out a magic way to keep caulk fresh, I’m all ears. Until then, it’s just part of the game, I guess.
TRIMMING DOWN EXPENSES ON PROJECT SUPPLIES
For shims, scrap wood all the way. No point paying for something you’re literally meant to wedge and forget.
Couldn’t agree more on the shims—paying for those is just tossing money out the window. But I’ll push back a bit on the caulk tubes. I’ve tried every trick in the book (foil, nails, tape, you name it) and they still dry out. At this point, I just factor in a “caulk tax” on every project. It’s annoying, but I’d rather have fresh stuff than risk a bad finish. Maybe one day someone will invent a tube that actually reseals... until then, it’s just part of the cost.
