Also, consider the rod type of the caulking gun when you are making up your mind. You can get ratchet rods, which are serrated and ideally suited to more basic projects. These tend to be the cheaper option for those who are on the budget. There are also smooth rods that offer greater ease and enable easier release of pressure on the sealant. Price The gun works with any type of caulk or sealant, but its main purpose is to dispense high-viscosity sealants, such as concrete epoxy. It also works for dispensing caulks, sealants, and adhesives at low temperatures, thanks to its high ratio. It features a smooth rod and a thumb release to prevent oozing and waste. Next, we tested each with an acrylic caulk to see how smooth, consistent, and easy they were to work with. We caulked a seam between two boards and then allowed the guns to rest to see how much they’d drip. There were quite a few things to like about the Newborn 188 during testing. For one, we appreciated the sturdy welded construction, as it felt like a quality piece despite its reasonable price tag. We also liked the built-in cutter and puncture tool, as they make getting to work faster and easier. The one downside we found was that this caulking gun was more difficult to squeeze than others. Lower thrust is required for latex caulk, while the ubiquitous silicon sealant should dispense freely at either ratio. That’s handy if you’ve got a specific job, like replacing bathroom sealant.

Testing the best caulking guns was pretty straightforward: load them up, test their power, see if they drip, and compare the results. But there was one twist: It was pretty cold in our shop. Temperatures were just under freezing when we tested the caulking guns, which meant we were really putting them through the ringer. Even with all those features, it was the tool’s grip that really stood out during testing. The two rubber over-molded grips were extremely comfortable and easy to squeeze, despite not having a tremendous thrust ratio. Also, we liked that we could cut the tips of our caulking tubes and puncture the seal with this caulking gun. The smooth rod was easy to adjust and release, too. The one thing we didn’t like about this caulking gun was that it’s not as “no drip” as it advertises. It definitely dripped a little for us. You can tell a great deal from ProDec’s description of this product as a “skeleton” caulking gun. I.e. it has none of the barrel sophistication of the other four products on test.As industry specialists, we have a wide selection of Silicone and Sealant Guns available here in our online store. Allowing you to apply silicone professionally and with ease, we have a number of different solutions from leading brands and at prices that fit within your budget. So, whether you're re-sealing your bathtub or caulking for use around windows, doors, and coving, you'll find an effective tool here today. With a 6:1 thrust ratio, this model is best for dispensing low-viscosity sealant, such as painter’s latex caulk. It comes with a built-in pin for puncturing the seal on the caulk tube and a built-in cutter to nip off the tip of the tube. Battery powered: This bad boy has removable batteries and a charger, so users can run a bead of caulk in locations where electricity isn’t available, typically running 2 to 3 hours per charge. If there is a lot of caulking to do, consider investing in an extra battery so the juice won’t run out before the job is done.

Our shortlisted WorkPro model includes 9:1 and 18:1 thrust ratios from the same trigger, while the OX has an adjustable screw that lets you apply more or less pressure depending on what’s required. Note that this feature is not exclusive to pricier products – our most expensive contender (the Everbuild) doesn’t offer this functionality. The Newborn 250 is built to last with a zinc alloy handle to reduce corrosion, and it features a hefty 18:1 thrust ratio to easily dispense medium-viscosity caulk, including butyl and acrylic. The tool also comes with a thumb release for dripless operation. Smooth rod: When applying caulk with a smooth rod caulking gun—often advertised as “dripless”—the user only needs to depress a thumb lever to release pressure on the sealant to stop the sealant from leaving the tube. We found the easiest caulking gun to use during testing was the Newborn 250 caulking gun. It had plenty of power, a comfortable grip, a swivel frame, and dripped less than most other models on the list. Q. Can I use caulk without a caulking gun?Higher thrust is generally required for denser materials like polyurethane and construction adhesive. One thing a lot of people are curious about is whether it is better to caulk or paint first. Well, there are some caulks that may need you to prime the surface first before you apply. Some manufacturers sell squeeze tubes of caulk, which are easier to use above cabinets or tight spaces, and they don’t require a gun. However, it can be very difficult to apply an even and consistent bead of caulk from a standard tube without a caulking gun. Q. Are there different sizes of caulking guns? It’s sometimes possible to adjust the rate at which pressure from a sealant gun is applied when you squeeze the trigger. These deceptively simple designs may last for many years with the proper care and maintenance. They often incorporate one or two welcome features, as well…

The price is another important factor that you need to consider, and the cost of some of the best caulking guns can vary considerably. You can get really low-priced ones that are ideal for home use and for some professionals to carry out basic tasks. Yes, caulking guns come in a range of designs and sizes, so think about the best type for your needs. Obviously, the larger ones are also heavier, so you need to ensure you are happy to work with a heavier tool. Repeatedly squeezing a trigger can lead to hand and wrist fatigue, which is why powered caulking guns are becoming more popular. When they first hit the market a few years ago, powered caulking guns were reserved for commercial and industrial projects. Today, DIYers are discovering the benefit of letting the gun dispense the sealant so they can focus on creating a smooth bead. With no hand trigger, thrust ratio does not apply. Instead, dispensing pressure is regulated via a light squeeze on the finger trigger. Take one look at a sealant gun, and you will see what you’re getting for your money. In truth, there’s usually not much to see because these are among the cheapest products you’ll ever throw into your tool bag. According to experts, it is better to pull the caulking gun toward you when in use so that the joint being sealed is behind the gun.First, we really liked that this electric caulk gun utilizes the same battery lineup that many DIYers already own. Next, we like that it produces even and consistent results without wearing out our hands. We also enjoyed the worklight and swiveling frame, as well as the adjustable speeds. We realize that it’s expensive, but anyone applying construction adhesive to floor joists will find that this caulking gun pays for itself in a day or two. Pneumatic: Air-powered caulking guns are among the most popular powered options for home workshops because there’s no battery to charge and they interchange with other air-power tools, but an air compressor is needed. In addition to the gun’s finger trigger, dispensing pressure can be regulated by adjusting the pressure on an air compressor.