It can be frustrating to run out of caulking when you’re almost through with the job. What you may not realize is that there’s usually a little more caulking left in the tube that the plunger on the caulking gun can’t quite push out.

cut a 2 long dowel or block of wood that will slide inside the tube

To squeeze out that last little bit, cut a 2” long dowel or block of wood that will slide inside the tube.

Take the caulking tube out of the gun and insert the dowel in the tube.

Take the caulking tube out of the gun and insert the dowel in the tube.

Put the tube back on the caulking gun and snug the plunger up against the dowel.

Put the tube back on the caulking gun and snug the plunger up against the dowel.

The wood acts to extend the plunger, forcing out just enough caulking to finish the job.

The wood acts to extend the plunger, forcing out just enough caulking to finish the job.

Watch the video above to find out more.

Editorial Contributors
avatar for Joe Truini

Joe Truini

Radio Show Co-Host

Joe Truini is a contractor, author, and the host of “Simple Solutions” on Today’s Homeowner TV and the weekly Today’s Homeowner radio show. He has worked on both large commercial projects and residential remodeling, and has written for national publications such as This Old House and Popular Mechanics. He has also written eight books, including three best-selling shed-building books. Joe lives in Connecticut with his family and enjoys hiking, traveling, and baseball in his spare time.

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