Got gaps to fill? Then you need caulk. But when you want that caulk out of the tube, you can’t go past caulking guns for convenience. A caulking gun will fire a consistent-sized bead of product for easy and convenient sealing of gaps and cracks between two surfaces. Where your shower screen meets the tile, tap meets the sink, or windows meet the frame, you’ll find caulk keeping that junction watertight.
Caulking Gun FAQ
How to choose a caulking gun
Caulking guns come in a range of different sizes and types, but there are a few things to look out for when choosing the right one:
- Choose a caulking gun that accommodates the size of the tubes of silicone, acrylic or latex caulk you’ll be using. If adhesive sausages are what you’ll be loading, then a tubular sealant gun is the gear for you.
- Basic open-frame caulking guns are great for shorter tasks, like sealing gaps between tiles in a bath or shower, so they’re great for DIY.
- For more heavy-duty tasks, a dripless caulking gun with ergonomic handle like the Tajima caulking gun will offer better control and reduced hand fatigue.
- Lastly, check the gun's thrust ratio—higher ratios are better for thicker
sealants, so look for a bigger number.
Do I really need a caulk gun?
Sure, you could get stuck into caulking the old-fashioned way, but a caulking gun saves you time, money, and makes precise, even application a piece of cake. Traditionally, caulk was applied by squeezing and shaping the caulk by hand, then using a spatula or putty knife to push it into the joints before smoothing it with a cloth for a neat finish. It was a messy job that took a lot longer than it does with a caulking gun, and resulted in a lot more caulk wastage.
Does caulking gun size matter?
Size definitely does matter when it comes to caulking guns—it's not a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. The majority of general purpose caulks like silicone and acrylic come in a standard sized 310ml tube. So most caulking guns are designed to work with these. But this sized caulk gun won’t suit all jobs or caulk types and sizes. When tackling big beefy jobs like flooring or industrial sealing, higher-capacity cartridges or sausages are used to reduce how often the gun needs to be reloaded. These industrial-sized caulk capacity tubes/sausages require a larger gun size.
How to use a caulking gun
Once you have your caulking gun, there’s a few things you’ll need to do to seal the deal. To use it, follow these simple steps:
- First up, figure out how far below the tip you need to cut to get a caulk bead the same width as the gap you’ll be filling.
- Next, cut off the tip of the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle. This allows for better application.
- Puncture the inner seal and load the tube into the gun.
- Squeeze the trigger to prime it, once the caulk reaches the opening you’re ready to roll.
- Apply steady pressure as you move the gun smoothly along the gap, once you’ve filled the gap run a damp finger or finishing tool along the caulk line to smooth it over before it sets. Wipe excess with a cloth for a flawless result.
Drop into Tool Kit Depot or
shop online for all your paint, plaster and adhesive needs.
