"Walter R." wrote in message
...
I often find myself with half a cartridge of expensive caulking material in a
cartridge. I am talking about the cartridge that has a movable bottom and a
spout and fits in a ratcheting dispenser.

I have tried sticking nails in the spout but, invariably, the darned things
dry out or congeal anyway.

Anyone have a workable solution to this problem? - Thanks

I stick a 2-3" nail or deck screw into the end, then wrap it with plastic and
rubberband or wire it around the nozzle. Depending on the time to next use, it
either works easily, or I pull out the nail or screw, hopefully getting a plug
of dried cault with it. Occasionally, the nail just pulls out, leaving the plug.
Stick a nail in, between the plug and the nozzle wall. Turn the nail, so that it
walks around between the wall and theplug, loosening the plug from the wall.
Then, I pump the thing to apply pressure enough to get a little of the plug out
the end. Grab it with pliers and pull. If it hasn't hardened too much, the plug
will pull out, and it's ready to use.