Method and apparatus for applying a sealant to exposed fasteners

A method of applying a sealant to cover the portion of a fastener exposed above a panel to which the fastener is attached and the point of engagement of the fastener with the panel comprising:

• depositing an amount of uncured sealant in a cavity formed in a rigid sealant-retaining shell, applying the shell and sealant over the exposed portion of the fastener and bringing the reatining shell into contact with the panel such that the uncured sealant is entrapped between the exposed portion of the fastener and panel and the shell thereby covering the exposed portion of the fastener and the point of engagement of the fastener with the panel with sealant and allowing the sealant to cure, said applying including gripping a flange extending radially from said shell and spaced from shell portions defining a mouth.

A sealant applicator for applying a sealant to the portion of a fastener exposed above a panel to which the fastener is attached comprising:

• a molding shell having a surface for engagement with the panel adjacent the exposed portion of the fastener, said surface defining the mouth of an interior cavity within the shell, said cavity corresponding to the desired configuration for the sealant to cover to be applied to the exposed fastener;
• and a head portion attached to said shell comprising means for gripping said shell, said shell and spaced from a portion of said shell defining said mouth, said head portion having a concave or a flat top configuration.