A device for getting the most from a tube

@JudyEv (381739)
Rockingham, Australia
November 18, 2023 3:23am CST
MyLotter, Patricia Ocampo (@iKONICNoona), recently wrote about cutting off the empty part of a tube, allowing you to get the very last remnants of the product. In the photo, you can see a little device I bought online which is also useful although it still leaves a small amount in the very top. I bought a pack of three at the time and they were quite cheap. The device has a slot that you fit on the bottom of the tube, then you wind the 'key' to force the contents towards the opening. I am always intrigued with what people come up with to solve problems.
12 people like this
10 responses
Fleur
@Fleura (34927)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov 23
I always resort to just cutting off the end of the toothpaste tube. Those might be useful for tomato puree though, as the tubes are metal.
3 people like this
Jim Bauer
@porwest (112717)
• United States
18 Nov 23
I do the same thing. I cut off the end and then cut up through the opening and scoop out every last bit of it before I throw the tube away. Glad to know I am not the only one who does that. I typically get about another 3-5 days out of the tube, and that's with both my wife and I using it. Most people would be amazed how much toothpaste is actually left inside when they think it's empty.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov 23
@porwest I can believe that you get so much more out of a tube by cutting off the end. I'll be doing that in future.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
18 Nov 23
I always run water into an 'empty' shampoo container. It's always amazing how many more washes you can get by doing this.
2 people like this
Max Crisp
@Orson_Kart (8250)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov 23
Our tubes are made of a soft plastic, so it’s easy to squeeze out every last drop of paste. It’s important to get as much out as possible, isn’t it.
2 people like this
Max Crisp
@Orson_Kart (8250)
• United Kingdom
19 Nov 23
@JudyEv Some people (not me) squeeze from the middle of the tube, urgo only extracting a maximum of half of the contents. Now that is a waste!
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
I think it is. If I was flat out busy all the time maybe I wouldn't bother but it's more of a challenge I guess to not waste anything.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
20 Nov 23
@Orson_Kart That's a terrible waste. I always start squeezing from the bottom.
1 person likes this
snowy
@snowy22315 (208746)
• United States
18 Nov 23
Sis might go for that, but as for me, I am not that frugal. Glad you enjoy it though..
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
What appeals to one doesn't appeal to another. I find it cute too - winding up the little key. Small minds and all that.
1 person likes this
Always smiling
@allknowing (153544)
• India
18 Nov 23
I think I am pretty good at it without using any device
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
That's great. Good for you.
1 person likes this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
18 Nov 23
I have a very similar one, I use for toothpaste, but also for the tube of mayo.
2 people like this
Anna
@LadyDuck (502148)
• Italy
19 Nov 23
@JudyEv - Cutting the tube works with plastic tubes, the metal tubes (like those of mayo) get too sharp and dangerous.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
I used to fold up the bottom of the tube and secure it with a bulldog clip but this works better. In future though, I'll also cut of the tube when I get near the top.
2 people like this
Jim Bauer
@porwest (112717)
• United States
18 Nov 23
Believe it or not, but it is absolutely true. I cut open the tubes and scoop out every last bit of toothpaste inside. I am not kidding.
2 people like this
Fleur
@Fleura (34927)
• United Kingdom
18 Nov 23
Me too - and the really surprising thing is that it lasts for about another two weeks!
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
I believe it. I'll be doing that in future too.
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
@Fleura Even with this, you can't get that last little bit out. I'll be using scissors too in future.
2 people like this
OceanTiara
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
18 Nov 23
Oh good idea..our toothpaste is rather expensive so this will work ..thanks Judy.
1 person likes this
OceanTiara
@RebeccasFarm (91299)
• United States
19 Nov 23
@JudyEv Yes just cutting the tube thanks for that too
1 person likes this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
Others cut the tube to get at the last bits. That's a good idea too.
1 person likes this
Juliaacv
@Juliaacv (56195)
• Canada
18 Nov 23
Now that the toothpaste is in the different tubes, there isn't an edge that is stiff enough to hold the fold in the tube. I am going to start using a heavy paper clamp on mine, otherwise there is just too much waste and that adds up.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
This key has a slot to take the edge so I think it would probably work. I used to use a paper clamp too until I discovered these and in future I'll cut off the empty part so I can get every last bit. I regard it as a challenge to get it all.
2 people like this
Eva James
@wolfgirl569 (135583)
• Marion, Ohio
18 Nov 23
I just roll the tube from the bottom.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
I did that too but this works well and they were very cheap.
2 people like this
LindaOH
@LindaOHio (222222)
• United States
18 Nov 23
I've seen this device before. I'm glad it works for you. Have a great weekend.
2 people like this
Judy Evans
@JudyEv (381739)
• Rockingham, Australia
19 Nov 23
I was pleased when I came across it.
2 people like this