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Projects Substitute for dum dum..?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Tom Noller, Apr 8, 2016.

  1. Tom Noller
    Joined: Nov 14, 2015
    Posts: 55

    Tom Noller
    Member
    from Iowa

    Would rope caulk be adequate in place of the old pliable stuff they used 50+ years ago? I'm removing stainless trim for eventual painting underneath and have been scraping away the old black goo. Wouldn't want to use something that might degrade the paint later. Thanks!
     
  2. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    What I remember from the late '50s and up being called "dum dum" was rope caulk. It was gray in color and was on waxed paper in flat strips that were sort of semi-sliced so you cut pull loose one strip or more to apply. I do not believe it ever did any 'damage' to paint surfaces, other than mask if from fading. In other words, I think it is safe for what you propose doing with it.

    edit: I gotta use fewer words and/or type faster :D

    Ray
     
    WDobos and lothiandon1940 like this.
  3. funk 49
    Joined: Nov 14, 2010
    Posts: 242

    funk 49
    Member

    Eastwood carries a strip caulk that worked well for me.
    Funk 49
     

  4. Stu D Baker
    Joined: Mar 4, 2005
    Posts: 2,755

    Stu D Baker
    Member
    from Illinois

  5. KoolKat-57
    Joined: Feb 22, 2010
    Posts: 3,073

    KoolKat-57
    Member
    from Dublin, OH

    The rope caulk from the hardware store worked fine on a project I did years ago.
    I don't see why it wouldn't be just as good today.
    Be sure to look for one that is non hardening though.
    KK
     
  6. 3m I bought last time was different than it used to be. It was junk. Sticky and not easy to use as before.
     
  7. I got a roll of windshield sealer I've been using for years, a 3M product and still pliable even though I've had it for 20 years.
     
  8. john worden
    Joined: Nov 14, 2007
    Posts: 1,827

    john worden
    Member
    from iowa

    The 3M rope caulk is sticky so it will stay in place. Handle it with a piece of wax paper.
     
  9. theHIGHLANDER
    Joined: Jun 3, 2005
    Posts: 10,244

    theHIGHLANDER
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Put me in the 3M line too. I did happen upon a box of gray stuff with a Ford part number on it. Couldn't imagine the price, I found it in an old tool box I was given along with 2 cans of Ford teflon grease. It's easier to manage than the 3M but I prefer the 3M over anything else.
     
  10. This what I use.It also holds screws in place if you put a tad in top of the screw head while trying to steady the screw driver while screwing it in place, and it doesn't harden up.Bruce 002.JPG .
     
  11. cavman
    Joined: Mar 23, 2005
    Posts: 669

    cavman
    Member

    I have used what's called "Duct Seal" available at the local hardware or electrical supply. Also on the auction site for $12-$15 for 5 or 6 pounds. It comes in 1 lb bricks and resembles C-4 but doesn't explode when you hit it with a hammer.... :)
     
  12. my wife read the headline and said; "the pool boy".........i am not sure what she meant.
     
  13. Torkwrench
    Joined: Jan 28, 2005
    Posts: 2,713

    Torkwrench
    Member

  14. WordSmith
    Joined: Apr 23, 2012
    Posts: 70

    WordSmith
    Member

    I find that "dum-dum" (the old strip caulk) tends to dry out and crack. I use 3M 08621 Window-Weld. It's stickier and won't dry out or crack.
     
  15. mtkawboy
    Joined: Feb 12, 2007
    Posts: 1,213

    mtkawboy
    Member

    Duct seal, find it the plumbing section of a hardware store, tear off a piece and mold it however you want it. Will harden in time
     
  16. indyjps
    Joined: Feb 21, 2007
    Posts: 5,377

    indyjps
    Member

  17. You do not want to know what she meant....
     
    kidcampbell71 likes this.
  18. Dufus, Dipstick, Jackwagon, Ignatz...
     

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