The Ultimate Guide to Organising Silicone Tubes in Your Van or Workshop
- Mike Howard
- Aug 29
- 5 min read
If you’re a tradesperson, DIY enthusiast or simply someone who likes to keep their tools in order, you’ll know the frustration of rummaging through a messy van or workshop trying to find the right tube of silicone.
Whether it’s sealant, adhesive or caulk, those cartridges always seem to roll around, get lost, or end up squashed at the bottom of a toolbox.
The good news? There are plenty of storage solutions available to keep silicone tubes neat, tidy and easy to access.
In this guide, we’ll run through the main options which are clips, racks, dispensers and cases and we'll look at the pros and cons of each, and explain why CillyClip is one of the most flexible and space-saving systems on the market.
Why Bother Organising Silicone Tubes?
Before diving into the storage options, it’s worth asking: why does it matter?
Saves time – No more hunting around when you’re on a job.
Prevents waste – Tubes won’t get crushed, damaged or misplaced.
Looks professional – A tidy van or workshop makes a better impression on clients.
Improves safety – Loose items rolling around in a vehicle can be a hazar
The Main Storage Options
1. Silicone Tube Clips
These are small holders designed to grip individual tubes. You screw or fix them onto a surface - like a van panel, workbench, or garage wall - and the tubes simply click into place.
Pros:
Compact and easy to install.
You can place them wherever you need.
Affordable, especially if bought in sets.
Great for customising storage layouts.
Cons:
Standard clips are often fixed in size and position.
Some cheaper plastic clips can snap under heavy use.
Best For: Tradespeople who want flexibility and a tidy, low-cost option.
2. Silicone Tube Racks
Racks are larger units that hold multiple tubes in one go—often between 6 and 12. They’re usually made from steel or heavy-duty plastic and are designed for van racking systems or workshop walls.
Pros:
Can hold a lot of tubes in one place.
Built to last, especially steel versions.
Easy to see what stock you have at a glance.
Cons:
Fixed design—what you buy is what you get.
Take up more room than clips.
Heavy, especially metal racks.
Limited flexibility—you can’t easily move or resize them.
Best For: Large workshops or tradespeople who need to carry lots of tubes at once.
3. Silicone Tube Dispensers
Dispensers are wall-mounted units designed so tubes can be slotted in and taken out easily, almost like a vending machine. Some even have clear fronts so you can see how many are left.
Pros:
Very neat and organised.
Quick access to tubes.
Often designed for commercial or industrial use.
Cons:
Bulky and less suited to small vans.
More expensive than clips or racks.
Installation can be trickier.
Best For: Busy workshops where speed and organisation are key.
4. Silicone Tube Cases
These are portable boxes or carry cases designed to hold multiple tubes. They’re handy for transporting silicone to and from jobs and keeping everything in one place.
Pros:
Portable - easy to carry tubes between sites.
Protects tubes from dust, dirt and damage.
Stackable for easy storage.
Cons:
Limited to a set capacity.
Can be bulky to store when not in use.
You have to carry the whole case even if you only need one tube.
Best For: Window fitters, glaziers, or tradespeople who travel between jobs with a lot of silicone
Comparing the Options
Storage Type | Capacity | Flexibility | Material | Best For |
Clips | 1 tube per clip | High – arrange as you like | Plastic (varies in quality) | Custom storage in vans or workshops |
Racks | 6–12 tubes | Low – fixed design | Steel or heavy plastic | Large workshops, carrying bulk stock |
Dispensers | 6–12 tubes | Low – fixed design | Steel or PVC | Busy workshops needing speed |
Cases | 6–12 tubes | Medium – portable but fixed size | Plastic | Transporting silicone between jobs |
Why CillyClip Stands Out
While all of the above options have their place, CillyClip offers something different: a modular, space-saving system that gives you complete control over how you organise your silicone tubes.
Here’s why it works so well:
Modular design – Each clip is individual, so you can arrange them in a line, a grid, or even under a shelf. Need more space? Just add more clips.
Durable material – Made from tough ABS plastic, CillyClips are lightweight but built to last. They won’t bend or rust like steel, and they’re stronger than cheap PVC.
Flexible installation – Mount them anywhere: vans, workshops, garages, sheds—even inside cupboards or under workbenches.
Multi-purpose – They’re not just for silicone tubes. Pair them with CannyClip (for cans) or GunnyClip (for sealant guns) to create a full storage system.
Made in Britain – Supporting UK manufacturing and ensuring high-quality production.
Final Thoughts
Keeping silicone tubes organised doesn’t just make your van or workshop look better—it saves time, prevents waste, and helps you work more efficiently.
If you need bulk storage, a rack or case might be the answer.
If you want quick dispensing, a wall-mounted dispenser could suit.
But if you’re after flexibility, space-saving, and customisation, CillyClip is hard to beat.
It’s the modern solution for tradespeople who value order, efficiency and adaptability.
FAQs
What is the best way to store silicone tubes in a van?
The best way to store silicone tubes in a van is to use dedicated holders, such as clips or racks. Clips are space-saving and can be fixed to van panels, while racks are better for carrying larger quantities. Modular clips like CillyClip are ideal because you can customise the layout to suit your space.
How do I stop silicone tubes from rolling around?
Loose silicone tubes often roll around in vans or workshops, which can cause damage or waste. Installing clips or a small rack prevents this, keeping tubes secure and easy to grab when you need them.
Are silicone tube clips better than racks?
It depends on your needs. Racks are good for bulk storage, but they’re fixed in size and design. Clips offer more flexibility because you can install as many as you need, wherever you need them. That’s why modular systems like CillyClip are a popular choice for tradespeople.
Can I mount silicone tube clips under a shelf?
Yes. Clips can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or even under a shelf, which saves space and keeps your workshop or van tidy. This flexibility is one of the biggest benefits of using a modular system.
Do I need a case, rack or clips for silicone storage?
Clips – best for flexible, space-saving layouts.
Racks – best for storing larger quantities in one place.
Cases – best for transporting tubes between sites.
Dispensers – best for fast access in workshops.
Why choose CillyClip over other storage solutions?
CillyClip is modular, durable and designed to fit into tight spaces. Unlike fixed racks or bulky cases, you can create a layout that works for your van or workshop. Plus, it’s made in Britain from tough ABS plastic.
Comments