Shelf life

[Ray Ussery]

One of the things that bothers me, is the shelf life of varying products.
LMII's PVA white will definitely "Spoil". I have tried, (Unsuccessfully) to find out what the code is for Titebond and LMII and how to KNOW how long it's been on the shelves in the big box stores.
I've opened a container "IN the BACK" to try to get at the freshest available. but who know how long the volume buyer has had it...or how long it has been stored at the factory...I fear adhesive that is "On sale" and maybe that's foolishness, but is it on sale because it's getting OLD? Who knows...
Any insight on this question?
Thanks, Ray :)

[Dave Bagwill]

Here is how you decode the stamps (if you have an older format, toss your glue)

The first digit represents A for America (made in), the second digit is the last digit of the year of manufacture, the third and fourth digits
represent the month, the fifth and sixth digits represent the day of the month and the last four digits represent the lot number.

Thus: code "A108080090". This bottle was manufactured in America on Aug(08) 08, 2011 and has a lot# of 0090

[Ray Ussery]

Here is how you decode the stamps (if you have an older format, toss your glue)

The first digit represents A for America (made in), the second digit is the last digit of the year of manufacture, the third and fourth digits
represent the month, the fifth and sixth digits represent the day of the month and the last four digits represent the lot number.

Thus: code "A108080090". This bottle was manufactured in America on Aug(08) 08, 2011 and has a lot# of 0090

Well, there ya go...ask and thou shalt receive! Very cool Dave, thanks Bud! WhoooHoooo Now I KNOW Watch out Home Depot I got your number NOW! :)

[hikermike]

This is a BIG help!

[peter havriluk]

A long time ago I bought a gallon of Titebond and I've been using it as needed over the years. Now it's down about half. Still liquid. Older than dirt, too, like 25+ years. Should this stuff get anywhere near a guitar construction project. I've seen folks discussing batch numbers and birth dates of Titebond, but does such have a bearing on how good it is to use so long as it's liquid? I have no discomfort buying a new bottle per project just to be sure it's factory fresh, but does it matter so long's the stuff still liquid?

Thanks, folks.

[ken cierp]

Throw it away!

[peter havriluk]

Well, there's not much ambiguity in that answer. I'll take the advice.