Caulking Gun
A Must Have Painting Tool

A caulking gun is a basic painting tool and should be used annually to repair spit caulking joints. Air infiltration and water vapor can damage your walls and increase utility bills.

If this isn't enough, often a good seal of caulk is all that is keeping your home from peeling and requiring new paint. Split caulking will allow water to penetrate into your walls. This is the number reason for paint failures.

Choosing a good gun is as important as choosing a good caulk for your project. Professional contractor grade models are built to last and with features the inexpensive alternatives just don't have. The cost difference between cheap difficult to use models and a good contractor grade gun is only a few dollars. Don't skimp on quality when so much is riding on a good caulking job.

Features of a Professional Contractor Grade Caulking Gun

• Dripless Design - When the trigger is released the caulking stops flowing. You don't have to twist the plunger rod or push a button to release the pressure.
• Seal Punch - Built-in punch tool for caulking products that have an inner foil seal.
• Cutter - Easily trim the cartridge tip to any desired opening size.
• Ladder hook - Convenient hook for hanging the caulking gun on a ladder.
• Open Frame - Less weight without the need for a cradle to hold the tube.
• Higher Ratio - When the trigger is pulled more thrust is transferred to the shaft. This will produce less hand and wrist fatigue.

The price range for a caulking gun is from $5 - $15 or more. An inexpensive model has the tendency to jam and clog easily. Also, it will take more effort to squeeze the trigger and force the caulk out of the tube.

Inexpensive guns are more difficult to use and do not provide steady pressure for the fluid motion needed to lay down a smooth bead of caulk.

Cordless versions are much more expensive with a price range from $50 - $200. The power comes from a rechargeable battery and motor attached to the push rod. The greatest benefit is ease of use, helpful if you have arthritis, requiring only finger pressure to dispense the material.

You can apply caulk all day long and not get tired.

This style of gun can dispense a variety of thick materials including construction glues and commercial one part polyurethane caulks. The better cordless caulking guns will have variable speed control to vary the amount of material applied. The drawbacks are heavier weight, when compared to a standard version and cost.

A good, dependable caulking gun is inexpensive when compared to the amount of labor involved and will provide better results with less effort. In the end you won't regret buying a better tool. It is worth every penny.

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