How to Choose and Use a Caulking Gun

You have probably heard that you should not play guns but caulking guns are a whole different animal. When it comes to caulking guns, though, contractors may play all day. Choosing the best or at least the more efficient one possible takes a little know how. A few tips will put you on the right track. You may think one caulking gun is just as good as another. Not all caulking guns are created equal. It is important to consider because it is the premiere way that caulking is spread. In fact caulking is sold in tubes especially made to fit into caulking guns.

Caulking itself can be a very messy applicant. When it is applied the gun dispenses it at a certain rate, determined by the trigger and plunger (the part that pushes the caulking through the tube). The pressure that is forced upon the tube continues to be exerted after the trigger is released. This gradually and yet diminishing flow of caulking overflows the targeted areas. Besides that, when the gun is placed down for a moment the caulking continues to flow out of the tube onto whatever surface upon which the gun is laid. The overuse of caulking is a waste time and money. It causes extra time in cleaning up excesses, including drops, and it also wastes money because you will have used more than necessary.

One reason why the pressure from caulking guns does not stop immediately after the trigger is released is due to the spring action of the plunger and the resistant force of the caulking. Usually the least expensive caulking guns ($10 or less) usually exert more pressure than is needed with each press of the trigger. This pressure needs to be minimized and released almost immediately for the best application.

There are caulking guns for household and industrial use. There are caulking guns for 10 oz. tubes and larger. There is even a power caulking gun on the market. To get the most out of your buck and caulking project buy the right caulking gun for the particular job. Household project only need a 10 oz. caulking gun. To test the quality of the gun pull the plunger all the way back and count how many presses of the trigger it takes for the plunger to reach the end. If it takes no more than 15-25 squeezes of the trigger, then look for another gun. Try to find one that allows you to press the trigger at least 30 times by the time the plunger reaches the end. The good gun should cost you at least $10. Also a couple of handy features would be a built in cutter (for cutting the tubes) and piercing tool (for piercing the top of the tube barrier through the cut open tip). An attached strap for hanging the caulking gun is a bonus but not essential feature.

Now that you have the ideal caulking gun you need to know a few things about how to use it. While the caulking tube is cut, pierced, and loaded with the plunger pulled all the way back, squeeze the trigger slightly until you see or know that the caulking has reached the beginning of the cone of the tube. When you stop applying pressure to caulking press the release tab at the back of the gun and pull the plunger back some. This is the trick to keeping the caulking in check. Doing this each and every time you spread caulking then you will save caulking and money. These simple tips for choosing and using a caulking gun can make your winterizing project that much more gratifying.