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Seal gaps in your walls and prevent moisture and bugs from invading your space.
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Kristin Kempa
This is crucial for adhesion, aesthetics, and cleanups.
It doesnt include a spout cutter.
It works best with a 10-ounce cartridge.
Credit: Amazon
There is more clean-up involved because it isnt drip-free.
Ratchet caulk guns also tend to be some of the cheapest on the market.
It includes a puncture pin for bursting caulk tubes open and an integrated spout cutter to open tube tips.
Credit: Amazon
This tool is made to fit caulking tubes that are at least 28 ounces.
Just be aware that it doesnt include any drip-free mechanisms, so its bound to be messier.
The battery and charger are sold separately.
Credit: Amazon
It is equipped with a variable trigger and speed dial, which helps control the thickness of the caulk.
Its anti-drip feature ensures there is no mess by automatically retracting the plunging rod once caulking is done.
The tray is designed for large silicone casings and can accommodate tubes up to 29 ounces.
Credit: Amazon
But if you need something smaller, youll want to buy extra trays to fit the caulking gun.
it’s possible for you to only use 10-ounce caulk cartridges with it.
It is designed to be zero-drip: once you release the trigger, the sealant will stop flowing.
Credit: Amazon
Note that it only works with industry-standard 10-ounce cartridges.
The caulk gun comes with features such as an extra-long puncture rod and hook for storage.
This greatly lessens hand fatigue, so you’ve got the option to cover more area.
Credit: Amazon
A revolving frame guarantees even caulking throughout.
It is the preferred key in if you are planning to place caulking materials in tight corners.
There is also a handy hook located at the back to hang it up for storage.
Weighing around one pound, the Dripless is lightweight.
You cannot twist the caulking tube in the gun if you want to change angles.
Its compact size makes it a great choice for sealing cracks under the sink or repairing orreplacing a toilet.
It also has a built-in hanging hook for storage.
Our only criticism is that you cant twist the tube in the gun to change the spout angle.
Its only compatible with 10-ounce cartridges.
Its an extremely durable option because its designed with a heavy-duty metal handle, metal carriages, and rod.
This tool can be used with 10-ounce caulking tubes.
Although there is a built-in puncture rod, you wont find a spout cutter for opening caulk tubes.
We recommend that you keep a knife nearby.
They are also typically more expensive compared to hand-powered options.
The other main pop in of caulk gun is pneumatic.
Because they are commonly used byprofessional contractorsrather than average users, we did not include them on our list.
Caulks also differ in terms of durability, water resistance, and paintability.
Acrylic latex caulks are water-based (not water-proof) and typically used for indoor applications like sealing drywall.
They are known to be smooth and easy to work with.
it’s possible for you to also easily clean them up with water and a cloth.
It’s often the best sealant for metal, glass, and tile.
Hybrid caulking combines the properties of silicone and acrylic latex caulks.
They are better at waterproofing and can safely be used on interior and exterior surfaces.
Frame key in
Caulk guns come in two frame types: open-framed and closed-framed.
The open-framed caulk guns are lighter weight and less durable, Holte says.
The close-framed caulk gun will have a heavier weighted frame and feel more sturdy.
Ratcheting style caulk guns have notches on the rod which stick to the caulk tube, Holte says.
But, it makes it harder to control the flow.
Many professionals prefer dripless models because they are faster and less messy.
Once the trigger has been released the flow will stop.
The most common ratio for silicone and acrylic sealants is 12:1 .
For thicker caulks likefloor adhesives and epoxiesyoull need an 18:1 or above thrust ratio.
When you use a thicker caulk or are in colder temperatures you will need a higher thrust ratio.
Also, youll usually find that the higher quality guns have a higher thrust ratio, Palla says.
Questions for Your Questions, Answered
Is a caulk gun required for caulking?
While you could apply caulk without a caulk gun, you may not necessarily achieve the best results.
How much should I pay for a caulk gun?
Expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $200 for a caulk gun.
However, Holte says that a quality caulk gun will usually cost around $45.
How long do caulk guns last?
This will depend on the care given to the caulk gun, says Holte.
How can I make a caulk gun last longer?
Dont forget to clean the piercing rod too.
It will be much easier to clean the caulk gun before the sealant has cured, he says.
Who We Are
Nor’Adila Hepburnis a contributing writer for Better Homes & Gardens.
She specializes in home and lifestyle niches.
