It's hard to believe this is even an issue for me - seems like one of those things that just shouldn't be so hard/complicated! BUT I have had endless problems keeping my superglue bottle tip clean and usable. It endlessly gunks up to the point where it hardens the last inch or so of the tip and becomes caked and thick and clogged, and I have to use pins and nails and drill bits to even open up the glue for business each use!

My normal method is:
1) open glue cap
2) apply glue to the parts
3) quickly hold parts together for a minute to set
4) wipe the glue bottle tip clean with a tissue or napkin
5) close glue

What am I doing wrong!?!?! It's been like this for years and I can't take it anymore My only thought is sometimes I'll save 3 or 4 glue jobs to do all at once, and so I repeat steps 1-3 a few times before getting to 4-5, so maybe too much air/oxidation in there?

I just use "normal" superglue brands like Loctite gel.

I have had the same problems professionally and in the customizing hobby. you can get $7 a bottle or 2 for $1 and it all gunks up.

if you have multiple pieces to glue, I would pool some super glue on a smooth plastic surface(like a Ziploc bag) immediately close the bottle then apply to the pieces from the pool. any amount of time allows the exposed tip to begin to clog.

I use super glue nearly every day as a jeweler. every pearl gets a bit plus other poorly set stones from the factory like opal, onyx, and most non gem quality stones.

for the home hobby use I use the dollar tree 2 pack

Yeah, thanks for the tip. Sounds like time/air exposure is the culprit. And glad to know I'm not the only one

Step 1, unclog with a pin. I use one from an old work badge so I have something to hold to wiggle around around and pull out.

Yeah, I know how that sounds but that is what I do. So, there it is.

Step 2, if the pin doesn't unclog your clog, cut the tip. Yes, I know how that sounds too. At this point I'm giving drbindy an aneurysm. But if the clog is bottle necked at the opening, make another opening. Although I do suggest cutting it at an angle because the hole will be bigger.

Step 3, if it continues to clog, find yourself a mixing stick to paint the glue on. I have a supply of coffee stir sticks that have come in handy for this. And because they're pretty much free with a cup of coffee, I don't mind throwing them away after a project or two. Worn out paint brushes also work very well for this purpose.

Step 4, buy new glue. It is ok. You did everything you could to use every last drop. But at this point, you have to come to the realization that there are other bottles of glue out there looking for a good home. Say farewell to your little friend and bring in a new friend.

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I have a volume of glue reaching back probably ten years that I've never ran out of due to having to transfer one caked-up bottle's leftovers into the replacement bottle, ad nauseum.

You're not doing anything wrong, per se; it's just the nature of the superglue beast to try literally gluing itself to the atmosphere.

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also super glue is all I use for cuts. several of the older jewelers I work with got me doing it. bandaids are not needed, or only to keep the cut clean if you are still working. when I worked as an electricians helper I learned that electrical tape works well for cuts too.

fixing jewelry I get cut,burnt,poked, and abrased daily

That's why I try to set up all my gluing projects into one or two dedicated days. Just yesterday, I had five heads needing hair and other appliances. The day before, I would be gluing micro bits to other micro bits. When I buy Loctite gel, I always get the small two-pack, or two of the control bottles. Just in case.

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I use the brush on Krazy glue and Loctite brands. Those have a quarter turn cap with the brush built in and seem to last longer before gunking up.

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My technique, it works for me.
I've had your problems too, but now I can use the super glue until it really is empty!