A solid caulking gun is essential if you are going to work on large-scale construction projects such as weatherproofing or waterproofing. A caulk gun can make any job easier and faster, no matter how large or small.
Caulking is a fast job so you don’t want it to take too much time. You also need to make sure that the job is done correctly the first time. This will avoid having to redo it.
This is actually one of the easiest tools you will need. There are very few moving parts, and you can do it all by yourself. You can choose which caulk gun is best for you and how you use it.
Standard 283gm. This caulking gun can handle standard 283 gm caulk. It is constructed with a heavy duty chrome plating for increased durability and long-term use. The gun also features a puncher and cutter to make sure your tube is ready for use when you need it. Additionally, a rod can be used to remove any obstructions.
You can lock the shaft to prevent drips. The contractor-grade quality makes it easy to use for any purpose and ensures it will get the job done. You get a lifetime money-back guarantee.
This gun is lightweight and simple to use. It features a half-barrel design, a serrated groove shaft and an ergonomic handle. The quick change rod is a great tool for changing out caulk. It provides excellent security and ease of removal.
The plunger’s size is perfect to allow you to dispense without having to reach into the tube. The wrist strap protects you from the tool falling while you are working.
Things We Love:
- For easy holding, use a wrist strap
- Lifetime guarantee
- Puncher and cutter built-in
- Multi-use
Things We Don’t Like:
- Metal finger guard is made of sharpened edged metal and may not be comfortable without gloves
- A little heavier than other models
Newborn Brothers 930 GTD Caulking Gun
This is a half-barrel that’s made of steel and designed for average caulk tubes. The thrust ratio is 10:1, which makes it ideal for low viscosity material. Additionally, the smooth pressure rod means that you will need less force and make less noise.
You can retract the rod after you pull the trigger. The trigger padding and comfort design handle are designed to keep your hands and wrists comfortable for longer work hours.
The ladder hook makes it simple to set up your gun and have it ready for you when you are. However, you can also use it to hold it while you’re climbing or doing other work. The gun is lightweight so you can carry the cutter and seal puncture tools you need. You will also have a secure grip with the welded plate at its back. This caulk gun is made by a well-known company in the industry. It makes the whole process much easier.
Things We Love:
- Thrust ratio of 10 to 1
- Comfortable and ergonomic handle
- Includes puncher and cutter
Things We Don’t Like:
- Only made to fit standard caulk tubs
- More prone to drip
The red and black combination make this caulking gun look sleek and is of the highest quality. It has a thrust ratio 18:1, which means it can be used with very low viscosity products.
It works with acrylics, adhesives and cement. This system also features a rotating frame that rotates the cartridge, so your beads stay where they are needed.
The smooth pressure rod, zinc alloy trigger and handle are made to resist corrosion and keep you as efficient as possible. The gun has a ladder hook to ensure it is always at your fingertips when you need it, but not out of reach when you don’t.
Things We Love:
- For lower viscosity products, the thrust ratio is 18:1 which is one of its highest in class
- Rotating frame design
- Smooth pressure rod
- Zinc alloy trigger and handle
Things We Don’t Like:
- Higher than other designs
- Long-term heavy use
The lightweight gun is made from a composite material, which helps to keep its weight down even more than standard calk guns. The gun is half-barrel in design and can hold standard caulk tubes. However, it also has a thrust ratio that is 12:1, which is higher than the standard design.
The gun also features a cutter that opens your tube. It is contractor-quality and heavy-duty. The gun can be stored anywhere you want it to by attaching a ladder hook.
The cleanout rod is longer that average. This allows you to reach further into the tube, and makes it easier to clean. It can also snap off when it’s not in use. The barrel rotates to ensure your bead is moving in the correct direction when working in corners. Additionally, the ergonomic grip makes sure your hand and wrist stay in a comfortable position throughout your workday.
Things We Love:
- Latex, acrylic, silicone, and silicone: 12 to 1 thrust ratio
- 40% lighter than other designs
- Extra-long clean rod
- Perfect for small household jobs
Things We Don’t Like:
- It feels lighter and more durable for heavy work because it is lighter.
- For thicker caulks, it is not recommended
The gun is slightly more expensive than other options, but it weighs in at 567g instead of 10. This gun has a 12 to 1 thrust ratio for high viscosity products such as silicone, latex, acrylic, and latex. It is also considered a manual-drive sausage-style gun due to the canister that holds the caulk.
The aluminum barrel is lightweight, but durable and resistant to corrosion. The rotating handle ensures that the caulk stays in place.
To ensure that you are focusing on the correct direction, two additional nozzles have been added. This system can reach tighter areas because it has a nozzle and reach. The gun can mix and disperse 2K products at once and can also hold larger quantities. The gun comes with a ladder hook to help you hold it in place until you need it.
Things We Love:
- Keep it close by with a ladder hook
- Mix 2K products and dispense
- Ratio 12:1
- Size total: 567 grams
Things We Don’t Like:
- Caulking guns are pricier
- This is not the best choice for small projects or infrequent ones.
Take A Look At These Features
Understanding the options available to you is the first step in making a decision. A majority of people have used a basic caulk guns before. However, it is not sufficient for all purposes. Some people prefer something more sophisticated that requires more effort.
Pneumatic Vs Battery-Powered Caulking Guns
The caulk is held in the same manner by a battery-powered caulk gun, but you can adjust the flow of the caulk by pushing down on the trigger. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to adjust the flow or speed as you go. Some battery options do not have a variable speed setting, but they all work the same. You can adjust your speed up or down until you stop.
The entire caulk bottle can be held in the sleeve by pneumatic caulk guns. Pull the trigger, and air flows through the hose attached the the sleeve pushing out the caulk. The trigger stops pushing air through the hose and releases pressure.
Smooth Vs. Ratcheted Plunger Rods
These two features are essential for a basic caulk gun. Smooth rods will allow you to have more control and be able stop whenever and wherever you like. These rods make it much easier to stop caulk from flowing.
The most common ratchet rods you will find in your local home improvement store are however the ratchet rods. To stop the caulk from flowing, you must stop at certain ratchet stops.
Consider how easy it will be to use the caulk gun with each of these rods. Smooth rods are easier to squeeze out the caulk. This can be a great advantage if you’re doing a lot or just don’t have the strength. To ensure that the caulk is released, the ratchet rod requires a bit more effort.
Easy Open
A gun should be able to open your caulk seal quickly and easily. To ensure this happens, there are many things that can be found on the gun. A seal punch is a tool that punches through the foil seal inside the caulk. You may also find a cutter that can be used to trim the tip to the exact size you need. An open rod may be found through the tip you have cut in your caulk. This will ensure that it is clear and ready for use.
Open Frame
One way to reduce the weight of a caulk gun’s open frame design is to make it lighter. It has only a few rods that hold the caulk in its place, rather than a full sleeves. This means that you can carry less weight while working, which can be a good thing as even a small amount of weight can add up. You will be more comfortable at work if you carry less.
Material
Caulk guns, the basic type, were traditionally made from lightweight metal. But that is no longer true. Plastic is being used to make some of these guns, which are lighter and more versatile than metal. They are usually the cheapest option and tend to be of higher quality, but they don’t last as long as metal options. Only you will know which option is best for you, and which design offers the best price, weight, durability, and both.
Take a bow
A simple caulk gun is the best choice for anyone who needs to caulk around their home. You might want something bigger and more user-friendly if you are using it for professional purposes or if you will be doing a lot. You can’t go wrong with any one of these options. They are all reasonably priced and will not break the bank.
The Travol 3-in-1 caulking gun is our favorite. You can find out more about it here.
