Replies

1. 
   Wingdoctor | May 27, 2009 01:24am | #1

   I do not know the new code, but I just went to the Titebond website to look. I did find some interesting words on this page.

   "What does the term shelf life mean in regard to Titebond Wood Glues?
   Shelf life is a conservative estimate of the minimum time period that we would expect a given product to remain usable, when stored as directed. This concept might also be called "useable service life" or "storage life", and it necessarily refers to both the physical handling properties and the ability of the product to perform properly. When used in reference to wood glues, reaching the stated shelf life does not mean that a product will "expire" or become unusable. Instead, we view the stated shelf life of most of our glues merely as a guideline to avoid potential aging concerns. In reality, as long as products like Titebond Original, Titebond II and Titebond III remain fluid, without drastic change in appearance, they will continue to perform as intended.

   What is the shelf life of Titebond Wood Glues?
   Our literature states the shelf life of all of our glues as one year. Titebond Liquid Hide Glue includes an expiration date on the bottle, because it can progressively lose its ability to dry hard, and this change is not visually obvious. Titebond Polyurethane Glue has a one year shelf life in an unopened container, but is useable as long as the glue remains fluid. Polyurethanes, however, are designed to react when exposed to moisture and can sometimes begin to cure after the bottle has been opened, and solidify.

   Most of our yellow and white glues, including Titebond Original and Titebond II, remain usable beyond two years. Should Titebond Original become thick and stringy, or Titebond II turns into an orange colored gel, these changes signify that the glue is no longer usable. The minimum shelf life of Titebond III is stated as one year, when stored appropriately at room temperature. Titebond III is expected to last beyond its stated shelf life. If thickened, shake vigorously by firmly tapping bottle on a hard surface until product is restored to original form."

   I changed the text to bold in the last sentence of paragraph one to emphasize the wording. It seems that the shelf life may be longer than what we have commonly believed it to be.

   Just an observation.

   Bruce

   "A man's got to know his limitations." Dirty Harry Calahan
1. 
   doorboy | May 28, 2009 08:55pm | #2

   Thanks for the info, Wingdoctor.
   I trust and believe what the Titebond folks are saying about shelf life, but my concern is about the chain of distribution. How long did it sit in their warehouse before delivery to the Lowes distributor? Then how long in the Lowes warehouse, then how long in the Lowes storage area, then how long on the shelf before it was purchased?
   If I'm paying $25 for wood glue, I'd like to know the 'freshness' of the product.
   If I'm buying milk, I reach to the back to get the fresher product.

1. 
   HowardAcheson | May 29, 2009 12:46am | #3

   I guess you could contact Titebond Product Support. They may give the the info. Go to http://www.titebond.com Either call them or use their e mail location.Post their answer here so we all can know it.

   Edited 5/28/2009 5:47 pm ET by HowardAcheson