Give me some tips on using RTV silicone gasket maker.

[OilPatch197]

Okay, ya this pisses me off. I want to run a 1/8th inch bead around the front cover of my 2.8, okay So I get some Red sealant(because the Red always works better than the blue) and then I start the application.

Everything goes fine for the first 12" then you get tired hands, and you got to roll up the tube to keep it easy squeezing, then POP DAMNED, the side of the tube has busted open!

... so now I am applying the silicone with my fingers!...and wasted over half the tube(can't seal it, will cure)

I know they make RTV silicone in the caulking gun tubes, that is what I'll get next time. But for now what are some tips to apply the RTV without creating waste or hurting your hands?

 

[lil red]

roll the botom edge of the tube, if you understand what i mean
that uses it all too, so it wont go to waste
and slow down a little when your putting it on, and it shoouldnt pop

o and the first one, they make a tube roller for toothpaste tubes that should work

 

[Mark_88]

Those toothpaste tube rollers work great...but so would an old fashioned clothes peg...the kind that are split in the middle...but they may break under too much pressure...

If the tube busted, take it back to the store if you have the receipt...it's supposed to withstand that kind of pressure...mine have popped a few times, but only because I reuse it and don't want to cut the nipple any shorter to get too wide a bead...then you have to squeeze harder to get it to pass the dried out stuff at the end...

 

[lil red]

never thought of a close peg, you learn something new everyday