3M 5200 need answer ASAP

[CntrySngr]

I just went and bought a tube of 5200 at $20, and when I got home I read on it that you have to use it in 24 hours!!! What's up with that? I need it for 6 screws for my transducer and wire holes, and will want the rest for my Smart Tabs...but this is going to go bad in 24 hours? I don't have my tabs yet, and won't until next month!!! If this is the case, I'll go with a much smaller, cheaper sealer/adhesive that won't go bad on me.<br /><br />Please tell me there is a way to stop it from going bad! I need an answer ASAP cause I need to take the 5200 back before 6:00 pm CDT.<br /><br />Thanks.

 

[mattttt25]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

never read that it went bad in 24 hrs, but then again, i rarely read directions that closely. from experience, i've always bought it when i needed it and discarded whatever was unused. problem was that the applicator tip always dries rock solid.<br /><br />but if you plug with a nail like a standard tube of chaulk, and use a pair of vice grips to remove it in a month, i think it will be just fine.

 

[AntsGrady]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

I never had a problem. After 24 hours you just may need to put a nail through the top but it should stay fresh.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

5200 is good stuff, but it is intended for permanent adheasion. 4200 is a better choice for sealing screws or anything else you might want to remove at some point in the future. <br /><br />I too can't find a way to keep it from curing in the applicator tip. One thing I have done is to puncture a small hole at another location on the tube, squeeze out what I need and then let that hole seal up. This was fairly effective when I was rigging my boat over subsequent days/weeks.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

I vote for 4200 as well. No need to use a permanent sealant for what you are doing.<br /><br />I also might add that they got to you on the price. iboats does not carry it but I found it at Boaters World for $11.??. The 4200 was a couple of bucks cheaper.<br /><br />When you are done using whichever, put the screw top back on it and try to clear any residue out of the nozzle before it dries.

 

[JasonB]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Put the leftover part of the tube in a zip-lock bag and put it in the refrigerator. it will keep much longer that way. I've had a squeeze tube in teh fridge for a few weeks and it is still good.

 

[Buttanic]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Just bought a 10 oz tube at Home Depot for $7.49. Either they mis-priced it or the boat stores are making a killing on it.

 

[baja power]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

they make a 5200 remover that they sell at west marine. so if you do need to take it off, it will dissolve it or somthing to that effect

 

[baja power]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

found it..<br /><br /><br /> http://www.jamestowndistributors.com/decoder_debond2000.asp

 

[bubbakat]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Do as JasonB said. I have kept it this way for several weeks. You say 20 bucks for a tube of that well try Wal-Mart next time 5.97 here in tenn.

 

[reka12]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Here's my trick for the smaller 5200 squeeze tube: I screw a tight fitting SS screw in the hole at the end of the applicator tube. I am still using the same tube for a month and a half. Just unscrew the screw to use and so far it is staying fresh. Stuff takes so long to cure.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

If you put a screw or nail in the tube you risk never being able to get it out and it usually does not seal it well enough to prevent possibly losing the tube.<br /><br />If you are using a standard caulking gun sized tube, simply unscrew the applicator tip, don't cut it or use it. Puncture the seal and use it straight from the tube. when you're done, screw the applicator tip back on and it will stay fresh.<br /><br />If you need to use the applicator tip, you can take some plastic wrap and an elastic and cover the opening when you're done. Use a few layers and make sure the elastic over it is tight.<br /><br />If you have a tube that went hard on you, you can usually use an all or something to dig out the amount that hardened in the opening.<br /><br />I've found the air left in a zip lock is enough to cause it to harden.<br /><br />Can you tell I've used A LOT of this stuff

 

[CntrySngr]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Originally posted by bubbakat:<br /> Do as JasonB said. I have kept it this way for several weeks. You say 20 bucks for a tube of that well try Wal-Mart next time 5.97 here in tenn.

Walmart didn't have it here...I looked.

 

[Ralph 123]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Home Depot $10 for a standard caulking gun sized tube. Find it in the aisle with the other caulks...<br /><br />They also sell a cap (by Dap $2 maybe) that is meant to seal the tip of the applicator. I haven't tried it though...

 

[NYMINUTE]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

I just saw it at Walmart here for $5.50, and I paid $11.95 @ the Marina. Same size tube. Guess WM wins this one.

 

[Jdeagro]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

It does not go bad in 24 hours , it takes 24 hours to cure before you put the boat in the water.

 

[Terry H]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

I use 5200 quite a bit, and today I found a half full tube in a caulking gun I misplaced 6 months ago and it's still good. I also need to do some f/g repair work on the transom and took the tabs off no problem, they were stuck on with plenty of 5200 and screws. No worries. Chief

 

[inthesticksnow]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

Originally posted by Chief 101:<br /> I use 5200 quite a bit, and today I found a half full tube in a caulking gun I misplaced 6 months ago and it's still good. I also need to do some f/g repair work on the transom and took the tabs off no problem, they were stuck on with plenty of 5200 and screws. No worries. Chief

This is good to know because I have already sealed Smart Tabs screw holes and some blown out gel behind the hinge-plates, with 5200. Also got it at WM for under $6... the smaller squeeze tube. Because I had to force sealant into the screw holes, I used the applicator tip, discarded it, and put the cap back on for future use.

 

[Terry H]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

The hinges were completely set in the 5200. I didn't anticipate taking them off but a little pry with a stiff putty knife and they removed with no damage. Getting the stuff off the paint, now that,s another story. Chief

 

[Ken G]

Re: 3M 5200 need answer ASAP

You guys are luckier than I am. A few years ago I bought a 10 ounce cartridge of 5200 from a boat restoration shop and when I went to use it the bottom half of the unopened cartridge was rock solid. I was able to hack off sections of the bottom of the tube until I found uncured product and was able to use the shortened tube. I won't say it wasn't messy though.<br /><br />A few weeks later I bought a small tube of 4200 at WalMart. It was a new tube in an unopened blister pack and it was solid also. I was able to return it but it was inconvenient to have to return a $5.00 item when you are ready to use it.