Clogged Spray Can Tool

**nova_robotics** · Jul 16, 2021, 02:39 AM

This is a stupid tool I made to get the shmoo out of a clogged spray can. Enjoy.

**DIYer** · Jul 16, 2021, 06:14 AM

Thanks nova_robotics! We've added your Spray Can Declogger to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: nova_robotics's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Spray Can Declogger by nova_robotics

tags: spray can

**metric_taper** · Jul 16, 2021, 06:42 PM

Darn, I was hoping you had a way to unplug the existing dip tube, as it seems that's where gravity has settled out the thick paint, and it then plugs the tube when the spray valve is depressed. But it would probably take knowing what the exact propellant is, and back feed the same (all assuming it is procurable) down the tube to clear it.
I've tried shaking the can. Even bought a shaking tool that gets inserted into a sawlzall type hand held saw. Seems once they are plugged there's no fixing them.
I guess you can't leave paint cans laying around for 30 years, even if unused, they are scrap.

**nova_robotics** · Jul 16, 2021, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by metric_taper

Darn, I was hoping you had a way to unplug the existing dip tube, as it seems that's where gravity has settled out the thick paint, and it then plugs the tube when the spray valve is depressed. But it would probably take knowing what the exact propellant is, and back feed the same (all assuming it is procurable) down the tube to clear it.
I've tried shaking the can. Even bought a shaking tool that gets inserted into a sawlzall type hand held saw. Seems once they are plugged there's no fixing them.
I guess you can't leave paint cans laying around for 30 years, even if unused, they are scrap.

I've tried everything. I even made a little needle type thing to inject air compressor air back down the straw. Nope. This thing works awesome though. I was just using it to spray stuff 10 minutes ago. On paint or some other product it would probably not be that great with the open 1/8" copper tube, but with the thick silicone spray it works amazingly well. Much better than the spray nozzle.

**Hans Pearson** · Jul 19, 2021, 10:42 AM

I store my spray paint cans horizontally and have never had that problem, except when the cans are really old, and then they spray in splutters. One needs to invert the can and spray a short burst to clear the tubes of course.

**nova_robotics** · Jul 19, 2021, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Hans Pearson

I store my spray paint cans horizontally and have never had that problem, except when the cans are really old, and then they spray in splutters. One needs to invert the can and spray a short burst to clear the tubes of course.

These particular cans come pre-clogged right from the store.