Anyone else have this problem? I open a new tube of Aquaseal and use what I need. Put the cap back on and next time I need to use it, it’s half hardened and won’t squeeze from the tube. I don"t think I have even come close to using a whole tube without it being useless after a while. Whats the secret?
Immediately after you use it, put it in the freezer to store it and it will last a lot longer. I think the key is to not let it stiffen up before freezing it.
I have had the same problem. Talk about built-in obsolescence! One tackle shop I know used to sell a package of two small tubes instead of one big one. It makes more sense that way, otherwise you end up buying a big tube that gets used only once.
Tried the freezing bit and that didn?t work either. It slowed the process a mite but it still hardened in the tube.
gadabout…
If you ever come across the small tubes again, how about posting where you got them. They sure make a great idea. This stuff is the best around for patching, but it?s a one time use only as far as I have seen.
This won’t solve the problem but if you know the solvent for Aquaseal you can salvage that semihardend tube and use it for head cement…actually if it’s like goop you can still use it for wader repair.
I have found that if I clean out the lid and threads really carefully after using it the first time it lasts longer. I think the stuff in the treads allows air to leak into the tube and lets the stuff volatilize. That being said, once you open the tube you’ve got 6 months at best before it turns into a toxic popsicle in a metal wrapper. If the stuff wasn’t so good I’d never buy it for this reason.
Best,
-John
Simms has a wader repair kit that I think sells for around 6 bucks. It comes with a small tube of Aquaseal and 2 patches. I just had to use mine for the first time so I would be interested if anyone knows where to get the small tubes, if it is worth the differece in price.
Well I did some research and found the manufacturer’s web site ( [url=http://www.mcnett.com/page.cfm?pageID=571:711ba]http://www.mcnett.com/page.cfm?pageID=571[/url:711ba] ).
I also sent them an email about this problem. Let’s see what happens.
[This message has been edited by gadabout (edited 17 April 2005).]
I agree with John. I take a paper towel and really clean out the spout and cap, and then squeeze the tube on opposite sides to suck the contents back in.
I get about 6 months that way too. That’s only about 10 bucks a year. It’s not epoxy after all and the container is not going to keep all air out. Maybe put some plastic wrap over the tip before putting on the cap? I’m gonna try that. I’ll report in 6 mos. 
Big Brown i have frozen it as well but i placed the tube i a ziplock bag ant try to get all the air out before placing in the freezer. i’m not sure how long it was in before i used it but Quite a wile
. When i took it from the freezer i placed it in warm water fore a couple of monutes and it worked fore me. Chuck
I’ll have to try the freezing. Nothing to lose.
What they should to is put it into those little packets that you tear and squeeze. 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" One time use. Maybe sell it in bag of ten or something. Cost of packaging would go up but as it is right now, one time use is expensive anyway.
Maybe I will email them and suggest it.
What are you guys using that much aquaseal for?
Jude
Small flies work best. Elephants eat peanuts.
www.customflys.com
Riverdancer, that’s just it. I normally don’t use that much at once, so the cost per ounce is high. About the size of a dime and the cap goes back on, often wasting 95% of the tube.
How about Loon’s UV wader repair? I’ve heard great things about it, and it cures in seconds in direct sunlight.
I think I’m spoiled and lucky. I’ve put 500 days on my Simms Guide Weights without a leak, EVER.
Jude
Small flies work best. Elephants eat peanuts.
www.customflys.com
That’s the problem with these type of single stage products - once they are opened and exposed to the air, the “clock” is ticking. To get the most out of a tube of Aquaseal, after use, I clean the tube and cap as best I can (as already described); then place into a freezer bag and roll up the bag with a corner loose to let as much air out as possible and then close the bag. Next, into the refrigetator … I can’t seem to get any more mileage out of the freezer that I can for just the back of the frig … same goes for super glue.
If longer term use is important, then the two part epoxy has it hands down. Scientific Angler’s “UltraFlex” does a great job on wader repair, too. Just got to mix Part A with an equal part of Part B and you have about 6 minutes to do what your going to do with it. (or else!)
Both products work well. I use the AquaSeal at home and keep the epoxy in my tackle box … and it will last a season or two (not mixed), providing it’s not exposed to too much heat.
Dale
By the way, I got an email response from the Aquaseal people. Here is is:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=“1” face=“Verdana”>quote:</font><HR>
Thank you for your e-mail. It was interesting to read the thread about Aquaseal on your online discussion board.
As you know, Aquaseal is a unique urethane compound which has outstanding flexibility and waterproofing capabilities. However, as with most moisture or air-cured products, some amount of curing takes place once the container is opened. Hence, the tube hardens. To change our formula to avoid this natural chemical reaction, would compromise the unique qualities that make Aquaseal so well loved.
As a general rule after using our product, always wipe the tube threads, advance the contents to the tube neck, tighten the cap securely, and store in a cool dry place such as the freezer. It may also be beneficial to lubricate the tube neck, before replacing the cap, with Vaseline. This provides the most air tight seal possible and may also prevent cracking. If you find that a tube has hardened, however is not completely hard, try to soak it in warm water. This should loosen the material somewhat.
We do make an Aquaseal Wader Repair Kit that includes a ? oz tube of Aquaseal instead of a 1 oz tube. The Wader Repair Kit also comes with an application brush and two Tenacious Tape patches. The patches can be used to cover the repair while the Aquaseal is drying, allowing for instant use. The suggested retail value for Wader Repair Kits is $5.99. You can purchase the kit from the following online and mail order retailers:
Tie Fast: [url=http://www.tie-fast.com:30950]www.tie-fast.com[/url:30950]
Hunters Angling Supplies: (800)331-8558, [url=http://www.huntersangling.com:30950]www.huntersangling.com[/url:30950]
L.L. Bean: (800)441-5713, [url=http://www.llbean.com:30950]www.llbean.com[/url:30950]
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
For neoprene a cheap alternative to Aquaseal is Stik’n Seal…a waterproof adhesive by Locktite. Durability wise it may not be on par with Aquaseal…but havn’t notice a difference on my old…hard used…duck hunting waders.
The tube I have now was opened about 2 yrs ago. Since then it has been subjected to +90 to -30 temperatures and the consistency is unchanged. At less then $3 a 1 FL.OZ. tube…a bargain.
[This message has been edited by namekagon (edited 21 April 2005).]
From the response it seems to me they should learn to think outside the box. It’s not the formula that needs reengineering, The formula works. The container on the other hand apparently leaks air. Seems to me that is what needs to be looked at. Otherwise they should provide some vasaline for the threads when purchased.
The whole thing is a scam!
They design it not to last in the tube
once you open it. Now you have to go buy more. How else will they stay in buisness?
It is the same with super glue. Never buy
the big tube, or the bulk pack. It just wont
last even if the tube is un-opened. Buy the smallest and least expensive, and use right away.
MW
I use Marine Goop.
I’m pretty messy when I work and the stuff gets all around the threads. I screw the cap right down onto the goop/threads.
You need a pair of pliers to reopen the tube the next time, but the Goop seems to seal the threads and tube well.
I’ve had a tube laying around for 2 years and I still use it now and again for wader repairs.
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
[url=http://www3.sympatico.ca/chris_chin/:a9d99]http://www3.sympatico.ca/chris_chin/[/url:a9d99]