What does a sealant gun look like? How to use a caulk gun - learning a new tool
The caulking gun is used for both interior and exterior repairs. This tool got its name because of the peculiarities of the workflow. The hermetic composition is brought out when a special trigger is pressed, in connection with this, the tool is compared with a conventional firearm.
In fact, such a comparison is considered conditional. In the process of impact on the trigger chemical composition squeezed out with a long piston. It begins to move only after pressing the trigger mechanism of the structure. Therefore, this way of delivering the substance is most likely similar to a conventional medical syringe.
Types of guns for sealant
Several types of construction are known. Each of them differs in the method of supplying the hermetic composition and in the structure of the mechanism. The following tool models are presented in specialized departments:
- manual;
- pneumatic;
- electrical;
- mechanical.
In addition, they differ in their appearance on the:
- Case. They are a single structure inside which there is a cylinder with a sealant. This option is not meant to be reusable. It is classified as a closed sealant gun. After use, it is disposed of.
- Semi-hulled. The model has a rigid body and replaceable cylinders with a chemical composition.
- Skeleton pistols. This variety is a metal structure in which a container with a hermetic composition is placed. This option is intended for multiple use. In addition to synthetic sealant, it can be used for mounting foam. The photo of the caulk gun shows a skeletal model of the tool.
- Mechanical pistols have a similar structure to the manual varieties. Here it is enough to press the trigger once, thereby stimulating the flow of the composition. The only drawback of this design is the rapid drying of the contents of the cylinders. This type of sealant is designed for places with high humidity. To prevent the appearance of mold fungi inside the sealed seam, chemical additives are added here that actively act with air. As a result, the solidification time of the composition is 3 minutes.
What is the best caulking gun?
Each model has both advantages and disadvantages. For example, manual views are considered a budget option. They are easy to use. To supply the sealant, it is necessary to press the piston with the trigger located on the inside of the housing.
The cardboard cartridge inside the device allows you to regulate the supply of the desired amount. In the process of pressing, it exerts a slight pressure on the contents inside the syringe.
Electric models allow you to reduce the applied energy. Inside the product there is a small electric motor that regulates the supply of a chemical component to the problem area. Such devices are powered by electricity or batteries.
Pneumatic products have a similar structure with electric models. Cordless guns are considered the best in the construction market. They work automatically. The sealant is applied using pressure force. The weaker it is, the less chemical composition is released.
Construction guide
How to use a caulk gun? For this we offer detailed instructions by use. It includes the following items:
- The first step is to properly fix the container with the chemical liquid. How to properly insert sealant into the gun? With one hand, they move the metal piston towards themselves, and with the other they insert a container with a sealed composition.
- Next, pull the trigger twice, thereby securing the container inside the structure. After that, a small hole is made at the end of the balloon. Now a cone-shaped nozzle is screwed on, which ensures uniform filling of microcracks.
- When all the subtleties are observed, you can proceed to the workflow. To do this, the cone nozzle is installed in the problem area. After that, by lightly pressing the trigger, a small amount of hermetic composition appears. They fill the joints of metal and wooden parts.
- After applying the solution, it is left for crystallization. This will take 1 to 5 minutes. The deeper the defect, the more the composition will dry.
Photo of using a caulking gun
The caulking gun is an essential tool for repair work. It is designed to accurately and evenly apply the sealant mixture. The work is easy and fast. Today, this tool is represented by various types, which allows you to choose the best option.
Peculiarities
The sealant gun got its name because it looks like it has a lot in common with this type of weapon. It is equipped with a comfortable handle, as well as a special mechanism with a trigger and a guide that imitates the barrel of this weapon.
Among the presented variety of pistols for the use of hermetic mixtures, silicone options are very popular. They are noticeable on the shelves of hardware stores, as they attract attention with special packaging.
The sealant gun is presented in a special tube or cylindrical containers. The peculiarity of the tool is that its bottom is characterized by mobility. It can easily move around the body of the product. A variety of nozzles can be put on the tip of the tube, which allow you to give the extruded mixture the desired shape. The movement of the bottom of the tube occurs due to the presence of a special piston, which begins to move when the trigger mechanism is pressed. The piston exerts pressure on the bottom of the container with sealant, and the mixture is already squeezed out through the spout of the product.
Sealant manufacturers use a uniform format, so the caulk gun is ideal for various kinds hermetic mixture.
Kinds
Modern manufacturers of equipment for construction work provide a huge range of guns for the application of hermetic mixtures. In such a variety, you can easily get confused, so before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the features of different models.
All guns for hermetic mixtures can be conditionally divided into two large groups.
Professional
This category includes high quality handguns that are designed for repeated use. They are distinguished by reliability, practicality and durability, and are also produced in accordance with GOST. Usually, professional tools are purchased for large industries where there is a need for sealing work.
A feature of professional tools is that they are ideal not only for working with sealants in the form of a tube. They are suitable for work even with bulk hermetic mixtures of sausage type. The undeniable advantage of such tools is great amount nozzles that are sold with them in the kit. The nozzle allows you to create seams of the required size. Such models can be used to work with glass sealant.
Professional options include pneumatic and cordless models. The air pistol has a slightly different mechanism of action compared to the mechanical version. The extrusion of the sealant is performed by air pressure, while mechanical pressure is not applied. This feature allows you to increase the duration of work with the tool, since fatigue is not felt in the hands.
Many caulk spray guns have pressure regulators. They allow you to set the required pressure so that the mixture is squeezed out in the required amount for convenient filling of a certain joint width. Models for a two-component sealant look interesting. Thanks to a well-thought-out design, working with such hermetic compounds is quite easy and simple.
Among professional tools, the most expensive are cordless. Due to their high cost, they are rarely purchased for domestic construction, since usually the seams are sealed one-time. A feature of battery models is that they have a pre-set extrusion speed. This improves the quality of the construction work carried out.
Battery guns can also be used for bulk formulas or tubes.
amateur
Amateur models are in demand due to their reasonable price and huge variety. On sale you can find several varieties of this group. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that all models are manual. They can be easily assembled even without instructions.
Depending on the type of case, there are several types of amateur pistols for hermetic mixtures.
- Skeleton pistol– perfect option for occasional sealing work. Compared to the half-shell model, it is more durable and costs a little more. It perfectly holds the sealant tube due to the presence of rigid construction ribs. The piston rod is characterized by a smooth running, without distortions. The skeleton model is made of high-quality steel, the thickness of which is only 1.5 mm. For the manufacture of the handle, steel with a width of 2 mm is used, and for the stem - a hexagonal steel rod with a cross section of 6 mm.
- Reinforced skeletal variant in terms of design, it is in no way different from the skeletal one. The difference lies in the use of more reliable and durable materials. Such a gun is characterized by a long service life. In the manufacture of the case, steel 2 mm thick is used, the handle is 3 mm and a stem with a cross section of 8 mm.
- Semi-hull view is the most affordable due to the low cost of the product. It is characterized by a short period of use. It is enough for about several packages of hermetic mixture. Due to the design features, the tube is prone to warping, and when squeezing out the mounting foam, a lot of effort should be applied. Such pistols are made of steel with a thickness of only 1 mm, and a rod with a cross section of only 6 mm. If the tool is thrown, it can be wrinkled and deteriorate.
- Pistol with a cylindrical body is the most sought after among amateur models. Characterized by high cost, it allows you to work even with bulk sealants. The design of the tool guarantees ease of use due to the smooth stroke of the stem. This option is ideal for working with silicone glue, as well as for tubes in the form of "sausage".
How to use?
The sealant can be applied even without a gun. This option is not very convenient, since you will need to use a hammer to knock out the product from the cartridge.
To make DIY repairs quick and easy, you should purchase a gun for spraying sealant. Before using the manual model, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer. Reinforced products are in great demand. They are convenient and simple, because they are easier to work with than using a screwdriver.
The instructions for using the hermetic mixture gun are simple and include several steps.
- First you need to think about personal protection. The use of gloves and goggles is recommended.
- The surface needs to be cleaned. To remove the previous coating, you can use a triangular scraper or a sharp knife. If crumbs remain after cleaning, they can be removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Be sure to degrease the base.
- All constraints must be removed. If you use the skeletal or semi-hull version, then this stage will not take much time. It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of a special bottom, since it is used as a limiter. It must be removed before using the tube.
- You need to pull out the stem. To do this, press the lever to remove the part. In the free place where the rod was located, you need to put the cartridge. Make a few pressures on the hook with a little force, which will strengthen the container.
- It is necessary to make a special hole in the container through which the substance will be supplied to the cone. The creation of a smooth and uniform line depends on the hole. Usually the cones are soldered, in this case, the end of the cone should be cut off to create a seam of the required diameter. Note that the cut must be smaller in diameter than the desired extrusion size.
Working with a syringe or tubular pistol is carried out a little differently.
- First you need to make a hole in the tube. If packaged material in the form of a “sausage” is used for work, then you need to carefully cut off one end, which will allow the sealant to easily exit the container.
- The prepared container with sealant should be placed in the gun, while the cut end should enter the tip of the tool, because it is through it that the mixture will be squeezed out. But before that, be sure to remove the stem, as described in step by step instructions when working with the skeletal version.
- Typically, guns for hermetic mixtures have several nozzles in the complex, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. It is necessary to screw the selected nozzle onto the tool cylinder.
- If the tip does not have a hole, then using a clerical knife it is necessary to cut the tip, while the angle of the medium should be 45 degrees. Of course, you also need to guess the size of the hole to create a seam of the required diameter. To fix the tool, it is worth using a clamp.
If you have purchased an electric or battery-powered caulking option, then first you need to practice in inconspicuous places. Pressing the trigger is responsible for regulating the flow of material. If you need to fill a gap with sealant or trim already created seams, then it is recommended to slightly moisten the surface with soapy water. It is this solution that prevents the foam from sticking to the hands, which will allow you to quickly remove excess sealant from the surface.
Remember that the caulking gun must be thoroughly cleaned after use. The best solution is to rinse the instrument with warm water.
Manufacturers
Today in the construction market you can find a huge selection of pistols for the use of hermetic mixtures for every taste. If we talk about the rating of the best manufacturers of construction equipment, then you should definitely pay attention to products from a German company Kraftool.
Tool Kraftool Super-Max characterized by excellent quality, unique mechanism and durability. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the return movement of the piston is carried out without the use of force. This unique development is a patented company. This version of the gun is equipped with plastic panels to protect against dust. It is a great solution among professional models.
Famous brand Hilti is a manufacturer of high quality equipment and materials for construction works. The company presents a huge variety of guns for working with sealants for both amateurs and professionals. Long service life is an indisputable advantage of brand products.
Chinese company Hammer also enjoys respect among professionals in the construction industry. The manufacturer offers high-quality pistols according to affordable prices. They are made of high quality metal, are easy to use, and will last for many years with careful use.
German brand wolfcraft is a popular manufacturer of high quality construction equipment, among which mechanical and electronic caulking guns are in great demand. The company guarantees its products for 5 years. The guns are distinguished by the presence of an ergonomic handle, have the function of an automatic drip stop system, and are also equipped with a special system for quick cartridge change.
Many professional builders prefer to use a tool from a Japanese company. Makita. For example, the DCG180RHE caulking gun is an excellent choice because it is cordless. This tool works great with 300ml or 600ml cartridges as well as bulk mixes. It is characterized by lightness, compactness and high efficiency. Additionally, the device is equipped with an adjustable sealant extrusion speed, as well as an anti-drip function.
Another German manufacturer of construction equipment of excellent quality is the company stayer. It offers great solutions for real professionals. Chinese brand Sparta provides a one-year warranty on all products. Caulking guns have a reinforced body structure, which is equipped with four transverse stiffeners.
Reading time ≈ 3 minutes
Surprisingly, but the question: how to use a sealant gun sometimes, but still arises, this question is especially of concern to novice craftsmen. And although this tool does not differ in the complexity of the design, but for some people who pick it up for the first time, it can even enter into a stupor.
Sealant gun - what is it?
If you look at the photos provided, how to use the sealant gun, you can generally understand what kind of tool it is and how the sealant should be inserted into it. But the very principle of its operation can present a certain complexity. After all, even its name causes bewilderment in a non-specialist. In fact, if you watch the video instruction on how to use the caulk gun, you can understand why this tool is called that. It also has another name - a syringe.
He got such a name because of his device and the principle of operation. The composition of the sealant is released from a plastic tube by pressing a kind of trigger, so such an association arose with one of the types of firearms. There are several types of such tools and they can be divided into the following categories:
- according to the type of compartments where the cartridge is inserted;
- according to the features of the device;
- by the silicone feeding method.
If you look at the pictures, you can see that such a tool can be of several types:
- battery;
- pneumatic;
- electric;
- mechanical.
Each gun is designed to be used to seal hard-to-reach gaps. The most common are mechanical tools, as they belong to the budget option.
How to use a silicone syringe?
It is worth watching a video on how to use a sealant gun, and everything will become clear:
- Before inserting the cartridge from the syringe, the metal pin must be pulled out. To do this, you will need to use two hands, since the pin itself will not stretch, because it is held by a special latch. When the trigger is pressed with one hand, the latch releases the piston and can be pulled out. But you need to pull it out to the very end.
- Now you can insert the cartridge into the gun and fix it with a few pulls of the trigger. But do not pinch it hard, because first you need to prepare the tip of the cartridge.
- When the cartridge is fixed, the tip is cut off from it and a cone is wound through which the silicone will be squeezed out. Cones come with both pre-drilled holes (one for threading, and the second smaller one for sealant outlet), and without one hole. If there is no smaller hole, you need to carefully make an incision on the cone with a knife.
- In order to see how the caulk gun works, pull the trigger several times until the piston is fully seated in the cartridge. The tool is ready and you can get to work.
The cone of the cartridge must be pointed at the place that needs to be sealed. After that, you can pull the trigger, activating the pusher, which will evenly squeeze out the sealant sausage of the required thickness. When the pusher moves, the latch will also work at the same time so that the piston does not weaken its pressure on the bottom of the cartridge. To remove a used cartridge, pull the trigger to loosen the latch, pull out the pusher with your other hand and the cartridge will be released.
Sealant is very often used in construction, everyday life, when repairing cars and in other areas. But by itself, it is sold in uncomfortable cardboard cases or plastic packaging. You can get sealant from there, but it's not easy to apply beautifully. The caulk gun allows you to simply and accurately apply this substance even to the most inaccessible places. This article describes what kind of pistols they are, what varieties exist and how to use them in general.
Construction gun for sealant
The sealant gun has such components as a guide, a trigger device associated with a piston system, a handle. This mechanism itself is empty and is of no practical use without sealant. The latter is purchased separately and inserted into the gun. Only then is it used for its intended purpose.
Using a caulking gun is simple and cost effective. The composition is consumed less and more efficiently, it is easier to lay it, pour it into the cracks, so in construction and in many other areas you cannot do without this mechanism. Sealant, depending on the type of apparatus, can be used in both hard and soft tubes. And some designs also allow you to fill mixtures prepared by yourself.
Photo of construction guns for sealant
Types of pistols
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There are many types of caulking guns on the market. Their principle of operation is approximately the same - the sealant is squeezed out due to the applied force, pressure from the rod end or under the action of air.
According to the type of design, pistols are divided into:
- closed (case);
- semi-hull;
- skeletal.
In addition, they are often distinguished by the method of supplying the sealing mixture. Exist:
- mechanical (manual);
- electrical;
- pneumatic;
- battery pistols.
Despite the fact that caulking guns are special mechanisms for construction, both professional lines and types for amateurs (home needs) are made. Their main difference is in cost and reliability. Household varieties break down much faster, but they are cheaper. And those that are produced for professional use are always focused on durability.
Skeleton type pistol
The most elementary and cheapest type of dispenser is skeletal. Such pistols are always manual (mechanical), easy to use, but their use requires the application of certain physical efforts. Designed exclusively for sealants in solid tubes with a movable bottom. The movement of the sealant occurs through the pressure of the advancing rod.
A skeleton pistol is made of steel. This indicates its reliability and long service life. There are simple and reinforced skeletal structures. In terms of components, they are identical. The only difference is that in the reinforced model, the parts have a significant thickness of steel, which means they break less often.
Important! Reinforced skeletal caulk gun requires more palm grip force during operation, therefore not suitable for everyone. Before buying, you should try it in the store!
Working with a skeletal caulk gun
Half body caulk gun
Cylindrical or half-body caulk guns have a solid bottom (where the tube is inserted). Thus, the tube with the mixture is located more reliably, it does not warp even during operation, and the rod never sticks when the piston moves.
This device is recommended for home use. It is simple, rarely breaks, and much easier to use than a skeletal one. It is more comfortable to hold, easier to pull the trigger. And if you purchase a good quality model, then the service life will be unlimited.
Photo of semi-body guns for sealant
Closed caulk gun
If the composition is made independently for work, and not bought separately in tubes, then a closed sealant gun is used. Such mechanisms are professional and semi-professional. They are equipped with a special pipe, where the prepared mixture is poured. Then the pipe is closed and used for its intended purpose.
Pneumatic sealant gun
On sale, it is the pneumatic gun for sealant that is in greatest demand. The main advantage is ease of use. To use this gun does not require much physical effort.
Important! Pneumatic sealant gun can be with body. Such types are made for refueling compounds diluted independently.
The body of this design is usually metal, which ensures reliability. A tube with a sealing mixture is inserted into it, while both plastic and soft tubes can be inserted into this type of gun - the functionality does not change.
The principle of operation is based on the displacement of compressed air. And due to the pressure and flow regulator, you can control the amount of extruded mixture during operation.
Battery gun
The cordless caulking gun is designed more for professional activity. In everyday life, it is rarely used due to the high price and some features in operation. The fact is that in such models it is possible to build the operation parameters (quantity, speed of the supplied mixture) in order to make it easier to use the device. However, in everyday life this is not particularly required and only raises additional questions, delays work, and for construction it is the other way around, expanding opportunities.
This gun is powered by a battery that can be recharged. The design has a comfortable handle, trigger mechanism. The base is iron, but the handle, for example, may have a plastic case. The cordless gun is suitable for sealant in hard and soft tubes or for refilling a diluted mixture on its own. The kit may include several nozzles (if not, they can be purchased separately), there is also a battery, a recharging device, instructions.
Professional Devices
Electric caulking guns are professional machines that are not easy to find on the market. They are purchased by builders for long-term operation for their intended purpose. It can be immediately noted that in terms of reliability they have no equal. They are powered by electricity, but otherwise they are similar to the battery type.
How to insert sealant into the gun?
Before using a construction gun for a sealant for its intended purpose, it is necessary to put a sealant in this simple design. So, how to insert sealant into the gun? The full instructions are listed below.
- Sealant preparation.
Cut off the top with a knife safety valve(threaded) at the front of the cylinder. Then the applicator is screwed along the thread (it is always attached to the packaging of the sealant).
On a case-by-case basis, the sealant may need to come out in a thin or thick bead. This moment is easy to adjust. The tip of the pipe tip is simply cut off above (where the thin part is) or below (where the pipe is expanding). Cut it always at an angle of 45 degrees!
- Pistol preparation.
In order for the sealant to become in the gun, you need to make room for it. The rod with the piston is simply pulled up, pressing on the fuse (spring plate).
- Sealant installation.
When the gun is prepared, then the sealant is installed in it. For many, this causes difficulties the first time, because the pipe with the sealant is larger (if you take into account the tip) than the place allotted for it in the gun. But there is one trick - the sealant is always installed with the spout forward. In other words, the plastic packaging is sent to the hole in the end of the gun body. Thus, the entire barrel is completely placed in the gun without much effort.
If a body gun is used, then the sealant package is simply placed inside and fixed with a threaded tip. Soft pack sealant is used in much the same way. One of the wire plugs is cut off and placed in the body gun. Then the applicator is screwed on and used for its intended purpose. If the composition is made independently, then it is necessary to pour it into the body of a closed sealant gun and screw the nozzle.
How to use a caulk gun?
To use a professional caulking gun or a simple one, you must first press the safety catch to move the stem until the valve stops against the movable bottom of the sealant. By pressing a couple of times on the trigger of the gun, you can see that the working composition is moving and compacting in the barrel.
Now you need to direct the nozzle of the sealant to where you want to lay the composition. The amount of sealant that will come out of the spout is controlled by how hard you pull the trigger.
Interesting! Beginners who have not used such devices before should first experiment on any surface.
To understand how much pressure and speed is needed to make a thin or thick straight line of sealant, how much is needed to fill certain cracks, you need to practice. In addition, to different types guns take some getting used to. Depending on the species, more or less effort is needed to use the mechanism, so practice is never superfluous.
Trademarks and cost
A construction gun for sealant can have a different cost. It depends on the type, brand, country of manufacture, so there are many options.
- « Makita " is a Japanese brand. Semi-professional version of the battery, closed type will cost 350-365 dollars. Its weight is approximately 2.3 kg, the volume of mixtures is 600 ml.
- « soudal ”- a professional pistol of a closed type will cost 150-167 dollars. It is also designed for volumes up to 600 ml.
- « PC-COX » is an English brand. Her pistol, called the Powerflow Comb, has a 600 ml capacity and a clear barrel for convenience, and is priced between $45-$55. However, all attachments for it and some other accessories must be purchased separately. If you sum up with these details, then the total price will reach 150-160 dollars.
But all these are professional and semi-professional models. For domestic needs, you can purchase budget, simple options.
- « SPARTA » is used for tubes up to 310 ml. The price is 1.2-1.5 dollars.
- « Hilti "- a company from Liechtenstein. Makes professional, semi-professional and household models. A half-box DSC for the CP 620 costs up to $100. HDM line from $35 to $100. And case CFS-DISP about 50 dollars.
- « bison » - a simple but well-known brand, produces good 310 ml half-body caulk guns for up to $ 3.
- « BIBER ” - a skeletal version that costs about $ 3.5. A semi-body model will cost $ 5.5.
- « wolfcraft " is a German brand. There are a lot of options for their products, but for example, a semi-body, mechanical pistol with a volume of 310 ml will cost up to $ 15.
The brands "KRAFTOOL", "HAMMER" and "STAYER" are expensive caulking guns used for domestic use. Their main advantage is the strength and durability of the structure. But such a tool will cost 10-20 dollars.
Do not call the master if you need to close up several cracks! It is easier and cheaper to purchase a completely “peaceful” gun, sealant and process everything yourself. And how to use a sealant gun, we will tell you!
Features and types
Such a gun cannot be called a complex device - in fact, it is a design for squeezing a sealing compound from a container in which it is located. However, there are nuances in any business, even in such a seemingly simple one. And already based on these nuances, manufacturers offer tools for every wallet and for any purpose. Sealant guns can be divided into several categories according to the type of chambers for cartridges, according to the features of the device and according to the method of applying the sealant.
So, according to the type of compartments for cartridges (tanks with sealant), these “peaceful” pistols can be divided into frame and sheet ones. The first among consumers enjoy great success, because they hold the cartridge tighter. By the method of extrusion in stores, you will find cordless, pneumatic, electric and mechanical tools. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose depending on your goals.
What is good about battery pistols is their autonomy- from the name it is clear that they work from a battery pack, most often a lithium-ion one. With the help of a sensitive knob, the extrusion of the material is ensured, while adjusting the extrusion speed and feed accuracy can be done using the same knob - the stronger the pressure, the more intense the work.
An electric pistol differs from its battery counterpart by and large only in the absence of a battery - the device is powered by a network. They apply sealant quickly and accurately, with a high degree of economy. Most often, such “armaments” are taken by construction professionals, because, in addition to convenience and autonomy, such pistols work with different types of cartridges. It is clear that such a pleasure is not cheap, and for ordinary home use, for example, a small one, it is simply not advisable to buy this type.
Due to air pressure, by pressing the handle, the material is squeezed out by a pneumatic type gun. The design of such tools is often very ergonomic, manufacturers equip the tools with various limiters and regulators, thanks to which you can get an even strip of sealant of the desired thickness. What else is good about the tool is the ability to work with different capacities. It is advisable to use this in medium and small construction, when the speed of work is not so important.
The most affordable and short-lived type of caulk gun is mechanical or manual. If we talk about the use in everyday life, when you need to squeeze out 1-2 cartridges with material, this option is the most practical. But it will be difficult to work on large objects with such a tool, since mass extrusion is possible due to the physical effort of the hands, which reduces the accuracy and speed of work.
According to their structure, pistols are divided into skeletal, semi-body and tubular. Skeleton are adapted for 310 ml cartridges. Semi-hollow tools also work only with such a volume, but differ in a simpler mechanism. Do not count on a long service life of such a tool - it will be enough for 2-3 cartridges. Yes, and it will be quite uncomfortable to work with it - the rod that squeezes out the mixture is quite tight, besides, the tool continually strives to slip out of your hands.
It is better to buy skeleton pistols - they are not much more expensive, but much more durable. The tubular type is able to work with completely different cartridges, from 600 to 1600 ml. Undoubtedly, such a tool will have to be refueled much less often.
Construction gun for sealant - instructions for choosing
Of course, the main factor in choosing a tool should be the amount of work to be done. Let's say if all you need to do is process only a couple of joints at , then a skeletal tool will suffice. If the task is more complicated, for example, to make repairs in the entire apartment or house, then it is better to purchase a tubular pneumatic gun.
When time and accuracy are valued, you need to provide yourself with an electric or cordless tool. When buying, pay attention to how comfortable such a device is for you, how it feels in your hand, and whether its elements interfere with work. Pay special attention to the trigger, how tight it holds and what material it is made of. Better if it is aluminum. As for brands, of course, it is better to pay attention first of all to trusted manufacturers who have earned the trust of consumers.
How to work with a gun - simple steps
How to work with a pistol - this question is relevant not only for beginners, but also for any person who first encountered this tool. In fact, there are no difficulties - only a few nuances, after studying which all questions will disappear.
So, the principle of operation of sealant guns is quite simple - due to mechanical pressure on a container with sealant (or other material, such as liquid nails), the material is squeezed out in the form of a strip, by directing which we achieve the desired effect. The pressure is provided by the stem, which is set in motion by pulling the trigger - apparently, because of it, the tool got such a militant name. In pneumatic tools, instead of a stem, air exerts pressure. Basically, difficulties arise when it is necessary to equip the tool with the material itself, the same sealant. Fortunately, manufacturers try to adhere to the same standards, which makes our task much easier.
How to work with a pistol - step by step diagram
Step 1: Remove Limiters
If we are dealing with a skeletal or semi-hollow tool, the procedure will not take much time. First of all, you need to check if the tube with the material is equipped with a special restrictive bottom. If it is present, it must be removed.
Step 2: Pull out the stem
In the gun, we need to pull out the stock, for which we press the lever all the way and take out the part. We insert the cartridge into the vacated place and lightly press the trigger several times in order to strengthen the cartridge.
Step 3: Release the sealant
We pierce a hole in the cartridge through which the sealant will flow to the cone, giving us a smooth line of the same thickness. The cones often come soldered, that is, we need to cut off the tip of the cone to get the desired diameter of the sealant seam, only the cut should be slightly smaller than the diameter we need.
If you decide to use a "syringe" or tubular gun, then the principle of filling it is somewhat different. First, make a hole in the material cartridge, or, if it is a sealant or "sausage" packaged in bags, carefully cut off one corner or end so that the sealant can freely exit the bag. It is necessary to lay the prepared container in the "syringe" itself in such a way that exactly the cut end of the container is directed to the tip through which the sealant strip will come out. Of course, before laying, remove the stem - this is done in the same way as in the case of the skeletal apparatus.
Usually, a pistol comes with several nozzles with tips, one of which we twist the cylinder. If the tip does not have a hole, cut off a small piece with a regular utility knife at a 45° angle. Of course, try to guess with the diameter of the resulting hole. In any case, if there is a construction gun for sealant, there should be instructions from the manufacturer. It is not a sin to study it, because manufacturers can supply pistols with their own special developments and innovations that are not provided for in standard versions.
How to use a caulk gun - a beginner's guide
Actually, you should not have any difficulties with a properly equipped pistol. If you followed the cartridge installation instructions above, you've already done everything you need to get started. So it remains only to gently pull the trigger and guide the sealant along the seam. If you are using a skeletal or semi-hollow tool, there may be several first clicks to squeeze out the right amount of sealant to fill the void in the cap itself, then the clicks should be made smooth and unhurried.
With electric or cordless tools, pulling the trigger controls the rate of caulk, so if this is your first time using such a tool, start in an inconspicuous area, such as sealing a seam in the far corner of the room. Having got the hang of it, start working with prominent places. If you need to trim or press the sealant into the gap, dip your fingers in water and run it over the surface in one smooth motion. It is not necessary to dry the material additionally - in the open air it acquires the desired hardness within a few hours.