Household Item Reviewer
06-28-2005, 08:41 PM
For any sealing job that requires more caulk than a little squeeze tube, you'll need a caulking gun. Here's what to look for when you buy one.
Steps:
1. Look for caulking guns at home improvement stores, hardware stores and painting supply shops.
2. Expect to pay between $3 and $12 for a caulking gun, depending on how heavy-duty your needs are.
3. Consider the most basic and inexpensive model if you don't plan on using a caulking gun often. A low-end model looks like a little tub that snuggly holds the tube of caulk or adhesive. These tend to jam and get clogged more easily than the more "professional" models.
4. Consider the next level in quality if dealing with clogs and other hassles will make you crazy. This type is almost entirely open in the middle, with just two rods of steel above and below the push-plate. This design makes the caulking gun easier to clean.
5. Look for features that make the job easier. Many models have a little swing-out piece of steel underneath that punctures the inside seal where the spout meets the tube (though this seal is usually only in cardboard tubes; plastic tubes typically don't have a seal). Look closely and you may also see a little cutter - typically inside the handle grip - which is convenient for snipping off the end of the spout.
6. Satisfy your fanatic side (or make your life much easier if you have a lot of caulking to do) by buying a caulking gun powered by an air compressor or small electric motor. These are nice units, but for delicate work, nothing beats the human hand.
Tips:
You don't have to spend a lot of money to buy an effective caulking gun - although you certainly can if you want to.
If you have a tremendous amount of work to do - such as gluing down sub-flooring - the more common types of caulk or adhesive come in very large tubes, and have caulking guns made just for them. Expect to pay up to $20 for these.
Use your caulking gun for both sealing with caulk and applying adhesive.
Steps:
1. Look for caulking guns at home improvement stores, hardware stores and painting supply shops.
2. Expect to pay between $3 and $12 for a caulking gun, depending on how heavy-duty your needs are.
3. Consider the most basic and inexpensive model if you don't plan on using a caulking gun often. A low-end model looks like a little tub that snuggly holds the tube of caulk or adhesive. These tend to jam and get clogged more easily than the more "professional" models.
4. Consider the next level in quality if dealing with clogs and other hassles will make you crazy. This type is almost entirely open in the middle, with just two rods of steel above and below the push-plate. This design makes the caulking gun easier to clean.
5. Look for features that make the job easier. Many models have a little swing-out piece of steel underneath that punctures the inside seal where the spout meets the tube (though this seal is usually only in cardboard tubes; plastic tubes typically don't have a seal). Look closely and you may also see a little cutter - typically inside the handle grip - which is convenient for snipping off the end of the spout.
6. Satisfy your fanatic side (or make your life much easier if you have a lot of caulking to do) by buying a caulking gun powered by an air compressor or small electric motor. These are nice units, but for delicate work, nothing beats the human hand.
Tips:
You don't have to spend a lot of money to buy an effective caulking gun - although you certainly can if you want to.
If you have a tremendous amount of work to do - such as gluing down sub-flooring - the more common types of caulk or adhesive come in very large tubes, and have caulking guns made just for them. Expect to pay up to $20 for these.
Use your caulking gun for both sealing with caulk and applying adhesive.