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Best caulking gun 2018 – [Buyer’s Guide]
Last Updated March 1, 2023
I’m Willow Brayden Diaz. My friends call me “stone” and it just kind of stuck. After 55 hours of research including speaking with consultants and experts, and plenty of parents and 23 hours spent testing 10 caulking gun, I believe that I found the best caulking gun of 2018.
Eventually, I found something that would suit my needs but it occurred to me that I wasn’t the only one who might be having the same problems I did. Without further-a-do, let’s take a look at the Top 3 list in 2018 which are available in the market.
Best caulking gun of 2018
The rating is based on multiple factors: The 3 metrics ‐ Design, Materials, Performance, and other indicators such as: Popularity, Opinions, Brand, Reputation and more. If you’re scouring the market for the best caulking gun, you’d better have the right info before spending your money. The table below summarizes features, and below you’ll find more detailed reviews of each good. Based on customer reviews and my own experience with the cowboy method I’ve found the best 3 caulking gun on the market.
Test Results and Ratings
| Rank | №1 | №2 | №3 |
| Product |  |
 |
 |
| Total | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
| Ease of use |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Size |
5 points
|
4 points
|
4 points
|
| Performance |
5 points
|
5 points
|
5 points
|
| Value |
4 points
|
5 points
|
4 points
|
| Awards |  |
||
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
|
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the caulking gun by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
№1 – Sashco Pre-Caulking Filler Rope Backer Rod 5/8-Inch x 50-Feet
| Total: |
4.8
|
Why did this caulking gun win the first place?
The product is very strong. Its material is stable and doesn’t crack. I don’t know anything about other models from this brand, but I am fully satisfied with this product. I was completely satisfied with the price. Its counterparts in this price range are way worse. I really enjoy the design. It is compact, comfortable and reliable. And it looks amazing!
5
|
5
|
5
|
4
|
№2 – Sashco Big Stretch Acrylic Latex High Performance Caulking Sealant
| Total: |
4.5
|
Why did this caulking gun come in second place?
I like this product. For such a low price, I didn’t even hope it to be any better. It’s decently made. I really liked it. It is amazing in every aspect. It did even exceed my expectations for a bit, considering the affordable price. The design quality is top notch and the color is nice. Seems that the material is good. It has a very beautiful color but I don’t really like the texture.
4
|
4
|
5
|
5
|
№3 – Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free Smooth Hex Rod Cradle Caulking Gun with Gator Trigger Comfort Grip
| Total: |
4.3
|
Why did this caulking gun take third place?
I hope that the good reputation of the manufacturer will guarantee a long-term work. I liked the design. We’ve been using it for 2 months and it still looks like brand new. It doesn’t squeaks nor bents. Looks great in my apartment. This price is appropriate since the product is very well built.
4
|
4
|
5
|
4
|
caulking gun Buyer’s Guide
Some Friendly Recommendations
When you have strong hands and grip, then you can always opt for the basic caulking guns. If you usually operate in small areas such as your home, then choose a professional-grade caulking gun.
If you want power and precision, then go with the battery-powered type. When you want a pneumatic tool as the newest member of arsenals, then pick the pneumatic caulking gun.
One thing to keep in mind is that bigger is not always better. There are some types of guns that can hold a large container of caulking, and they may seem to make sense since the larger containers of caulk typically cost less per ounce than the smaller ones. The cost difference will be offset, however, if you purchase a larger, more expensive gun. Plus, the heavier the container, the harder it will be to hold and control it for a long time.
DEWALT DC545B 18-Volt Cordless Adhesive Dispenser
If you are looking for an electric caulk gun, then you will find no better product than the DEWALT DC545B 18-Volt Cordless Adhesive Dispenser. This is a very efficient caulk gun because of its 360 degree rotatable adhesive dispenser.
Backed with a 650 lbs pushing force, you can work with most sealants and adhesives with this power caulk gun. There is speed control that helps to manage a consistent caulk bead flow rate. With an auto-reverse feature this dispenser reduces any wastage or need to clean up. Most users term it as an excellent value for money product.
Milwaukee 2441-2M1Caulk Gun
A truly efficient battery powered caulk gun is the one that is compact as well as cordless. The Milwaukee 2441-2M1Caulk Gun is one of the fastest caulk gun on the list which is also highly accurate. Provided with a variable speed trigger you can control the application speed invariably for a consistent adhesive flow. Not only this Milwaukee cordless caulking gun reliable but versatile as well. It has features like auto-reversing anti-drip and a a 360 degree Rotating collar. Also, its seal puncture tool makes it even more useful.
Ryobi P310G 18v Power Caulk and Adhesive Gun
This product is one of the battery powered caulk gun for many reasons. Accuracy is one of the top most reasons why DIY enthusiasts and professionals choose the Ryobi P310G 18v Power Caulk and Adhesive Gun. The gun has a push force of approximately 500 lbs. which is enough to squeeze out even the dense viscosity materials. As an advanced feature, there is a speed controller that allows you control the discharge rate of the caulk bead. This comes handly in many ways. To prevent any accidental start up there is also a switch lock.
Makita XGC01Z LXT Caulk and Adhesive Gun
For those of you who are looking for professional caulking solutions, the Makita XGC01Z LXT Caulk and Adhesive Gun is one of the best cordless and battery powered caulking guns. This powerful caulking gun is very fast and saves hours of work and energy. With a powerful dispensing force of 1,100 pounds this gun also features speed settings so that you can control the flow rate of this dispenser easily.
Limited range
Solid construction and effective performance is what the Albion Engineering E12S20 Cordless Sausage Caulk Gun is known for. Whether you need a tool for your DIY tool or a professional gear this battery powered caulking gun is ideal.
Smooth caulk flow with adjustable controls, you will like this sausage design caulk gun. The front nozzle of the dispenser is something to look for. The pointed face of the guns makes applying adhesive and glue very accurate. If you want to make things easier when you are caulking this powerful and affordable Albion Engineering E12S20 Cordless Sausage Caulk Gun is definitely a worthwhile consideration. The only problem is that the trigger is not positioned in the right place.
The trigger has problems
A truly professional-grade caulking gun is the one that comes with additional features that make it versatile. Some of the features to look for are a seal punch, hook, cutter, variable speed control and high thrust ratio. Battery powered caulk guns are incredibly powerful and high grade professional tools that anyone can use. Also, they come with a lot of additional features that vary depending on the product brand.
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A trip to the home center for a tube of can be a befuddling experience. Water-base caulks boast performance capabilities once available only in silicone. Silicone caulks advertise paintability and water cleanup. And new synthetic-rubber and modified-silicone polymers claim to do it all, adding to the confusion.
Kitchen and bathroom caulks.
Next, consider location. If you are sealing around a sink, you want a mildew-resistant product. Kitchen and bathroom caulks resist water and mildew. Most caulks are mildew resistant, which means that mildew will not degrade the product.
Mold and mildew, though, can stain cured caulk. So in the kitchen and bathroom where water and mildew are common, a product with an added biocide is a good idea. If you need to fill a gap between vinyl windows and wood clapboards, you need a product that bonds well to both materials, is flexible, and is weather resistant.
Also consider when you are going to apply the product. Temperature, humidity, and moisture can affect application. Water-base caulks can stand up to harsh weather once they cure, but they require a few days of ideal weather to set up. In cold weather, when polyurethanes become viscous and difficult to apply, most silicones work just fine.
Water-base caulks are the easiest to work with
With a smooth, thin consistency, latex (latex products include vinyl and acrylic) caulks are easy to apply and tool. They clean up with water, have little odor, and are nontoxic. Water-base caulks adhere well to most common building materials, and cured water-base caulks are paintable.
Synthetic-rubber caulks.
Solvent-base synthetic-rubber products adhere well to most substrates, can be applied in wet and cold weather, and resist mildew. But the qualities that set these caulks and sealants apart from the rest are the ease with which they stretch, their ability to stretch without breaking, and their ability to recover.
These products have a low modulus, which means that they require only slight pressure to begin stretching. Because they stretch so easily, there is less chance that the bond or the substrate will break during joint movement. Synthetic rubber also is said to have memory; when it is stretched even to extreme lengths, it returns to its original cured size and shape. All told, these qualities make solvent-base rubber caulks and sealants the best products for use on log homes, on wood siding and roofs, and in other joints that encounter frequent movement.
Synthetic-rubber caulks and sealants are paintable with water-base paints and come in clear formulas that cure more transparent than any other caulk. Be careful, though, because they are also flammable until they cure, shrink significantly, and have a high percentage of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). In fact, in some parts of the country, some synthetic-rubber caulks do not meet current VOC regulations. For this reason, solvent-base rubber caulks should not be used indoors.
Modified-silicone polymers.
Modified-silicone polymers like DAP’s Side Winder and OSI’s Advantage represent the newest type of sealant available. They are difficult to classify because they combine the chemistry and benefits of water-base, silicone, and polyurethane products into one sealant. They are expensive but worth the money for sealing important outdoor areas like windows, doors, and vents. Like latex and acrylic products, modified-silicone polymers are easy to gun. Like silicones, they can be applied in extreme temperatures and can withstand rain almost immediately. Like polyurethanes, they are incredibly durable and adhere well to almost all substrate material. They are flexible, paintable with water-base paints (use a latex primer before coating with oil-base paints), have a lower VOC content than solvent-base synthetic-rubber products, cure quickly, and don’t shrink.
The combined weatherability, durability, and flexibility of these new hybrids may make them the best product for sealing around exterior penetrations like windows, doors, and vents. At this point, the only known downfalls of modified-silicone polymers are that they are expensive and new. Although the manufacturers put all their products through rigorous testing, modified-silicone polymers have been on the market for only a few years, not long enough to prove their worth to demanding builders and homeowners.
Application Tools
Though most caulk is sold in tubes that require a caulking gun, it’s also available in handy squeeze tubes for smaller projects and pressurized cans which can be used for large gaps such as around door frames and windows.
Dripless: The flow stops when the trigger is released without having to manually disengage the plunger.
Applying Caulk
Be sure to use only fresh caulk. When in doubt squeeze a little out and let it dry overnight to see if it hardens properly. Caulking is an acquired skill that takes a bit of practice to master, so practice on scrap until you get the hang of it.
Start by cutting the nozzle at a 4degree angle equal in width to the gap you plan to fill. Cutting too wide a hole not only wastes caulk but makes the bead more noticeable and harder to smooth out.
Puncture the seal on the tube using the punch on the caulking gun or a nail.
Place the tube in the gun and push the plunger up snug. Squeeze the trigger until caulk starts to come out of the nozzle. Put the nozzle in the gap and pull the gun slowly toward you at a 4degree angle while pushing the trigger. The bead should contact both sides of the joint and fill the gap.
Use a clean wet finger, damp rag, or special caulk smoothing tool to even out the bead before it skims over.
Wear disposable gloves to keep your hands clean when using silicone and other solvent based caulks.
Gareth Branwyn
Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. And he has a new best-of writing collection and “lazy man’s memoir,” called Borg Like Me.
Preparation
Remove old caulk using a utility knife or caulk-removal tool. The best way to remove caulk tends to be by using the best caulk remover from 3M and then a caulk-removal tool. The same applies when looking for the best way to remove silicone caulk.
Having a clean surface is a must to ensure a tight bond. Not only should all the caulk be removed, but it is also critical that there is no paint, rust, mold, moisture, dirt or rust in the area.
For indoor projects, you can wipe the area with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant.
Apply touch-up paint to areas that were damaged when you removed the caulk. Then, put painter’s tape around the area that you are caulking. This will result in a cleaner look on completion.
It can be used indoors or outdoors.
The cured sealant is also mildew resistant and is safe for incidental food contact.
Some people have labeled it the best caulk for the bathtub making this the all-around choice for best bathroom caulk.
Dap offers a variety of colors to choose from, perfect for any project you are working on.
I think you will agree this is the best silicone caulk for the shower.
Sashco Inc 130Pack 10.oz. Lexel Adhesive Caulk
The Lexel Adhesive Caulk is referred to as the duct tape of all caulks.
That’s because it is super-elastic and provides super adhesion.
In addition, it is paintable so you can use it anywhere.
Lexel is 1times clearer than silicone plus it doesn’t yellow or clouds up over time.
This caulk adheres easily to aluminum, brass, copper, silver, steel, ABS, vinyl, PVS, fiberglass, nylon, lexan, plexiglass and polycarbonate.
Dripless Inc. ETS2000 Ergo Composite Caulk Gun
This lightweight composite frame weighs up to 40% less than other models.
It offers a frame for 10-ounce cartridges and has a thrust ratio of 12:when using latex, silicone or acrylic.
The Dripless gun offers a revolving frame with allows the cartridge to rotate for proper bead orientation around corners.
In addition, the engineered ergonomic grip allows you to keep your wrist in a natural and balanced position at all times.
Use this gun with your best exterior paintable caulk for a superior finish.
Campbell Hausfeld Air Powered Caulk Gun
This powered caulk gun can be used with your air compressor for a powerful approach.
It dispenses 10.1-ounce containers and is easy to operate.
There is shut-off valve and the caulk gun will stop material when the trigger is released.
The gun weighs less than pounds for less stress on your body.
Its smooth dispense design is ideal for caulk, adhesives, and sealants.
The Campbell Hausfeld gun comes with a 1-year warranty and is ideal for sealing windows, showers, tubs and more. You can get the job done faster for just a little more money than a regular caulk gun.
You can get the job done faster for just a little more money than a regular caulk gun.
Dripless 10oz Cradle Hex Rod Caulk Gun
When you need a no-frills caulk gun, this steel half-barrel frame is right for you. It holds 10-ounce cartridges and has a thrust ratio of 10:Use this for latex, silicone or acrylic.
The smooth pressure rod will require less force and tends to be quieter than the ratchet-style pressure rod.
This Dripless gun is suitable for use with most sealants and caulks that are currently on the market.
Weighing just over a pound, you’ll find this gun is lightweight and easy to use on all projects.
For any caulking job, you need only a handful of basic items, all of which are available at any home center, hardware store or paint store.
How to save up to 86%? Here is little trick.
You must visit the page of sales. Here is the link. If you don’t care about which brand is better, then you can choose the caulking gun by the price and buy from the one who will offer the greatest discount.
Final Word
First of all thanks for reading my article to the end! I hope you find my reviews listed here useful and that it allows you to make a proper comparison of what is best to fit your needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to try more than one product if your first pick doesn’t do the trick.
Most important, have fun and choose your caulking gun wisely! Good luck!
So, TOP3 of caulking gun
- №1 — Sashco Pre-Caulking Filler Rope Backer Rod 5/8-Inch x 50-Feet
- №2 — Sashco Big Stretch Acrylic Latex High Performance Caulking Sealant
- №3 — Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free Smooth Hex Rod Cradle Caulking Gun with Gator Trigger Comfort Grip
Questions? Leave a comment below!
Chatting about caulking gun is my passion! Leave me a question in the comments, I answer each and every one and would love to get to know you better!
