what does anyone recommend for clear silicone adhesive these days ?
my local ACE hardware has just about everything you could possibly need, however, the only stuff they have is just clear silicone. not silicone "adhesive".
a big TIA in advance for any assistance in this quest.

What are you trying to adhere together. therein will lie the correct answer

I stopped using silicone. Switched to this. Great results. And it is paintable

i have used this stuff for a multitude of uses, from "gluing" [?] on those plastic window shields [that allow you to open the window a crack when it's raining] to sealing up the drain plugs in the back yard decorative fountain.
the "adhesive" stuff works way better than the stuff labeled "clear silicon".
and yes, surface preparation is paramount to any use of material such as this.
the stuff i had been using was an "off brand" [made by Dow chemical for industrial use] and was in what i call a "cheeze whizz" container, one that you push sideways to make the stuff come out of the tube.
as i had previously used the google to try to find more, for some reason, all that would come up was just "clear silicone" or "clear silicone sealant", with out the "adhesive" on the container.
thus my quest here to see what was being used by you fellows, with the emphasis being on "adhesive".

Once the tube is opened how long does it last?
one of the best adhesives I have found is windshield urethane. that stuff is nasty and sticks to near anything but they only offer it in the caulk gun tubes and once it's opened it doesn't last long no matter what I've tried.

i think i found it !

https://rainbowtech.net/products/clear-rtv-silicone-sealant/

as i didn't have any left to get a picture of, [i tossed the last empty tube] i was trying to remember what the name of the company was that made it. and FINALLY, i remembered !
as you can see, it says "adhesive/sealant" on the label, [even though the link just says sealant] and it's in a "cheeze whizz" container. [or at least that's what i call it]
we used this stuff at work in the maintenance department, and it was used for everything under the sun. worked great !
before i started this thread, i called up the maintenance boss, but as he is new, he said they didn't have or don't use, anything like that.
in my search locally at the ACE hardware, the only thing they had was "sealer" without the adhesive wording on the label, and it was in a toothpaste type of tube.
at least now you guys can see i'm only half crazy.
and Stanton, that 3m link looks like good stuff i'l have to try.

use what you need, and done. when it cures in the nozzle, it leaves a small section of dried material at the tip. if one lets about 1/8" or so out of the tip, all you need to do is pull it out and you are good to go again.
i'm not sure if it is available in any other packaging, as i thought this was a good all around way to dispense it, so i didn't bother to see if any other method was available.