How to use a caulk gun - learning a new tool. Caulk gun - how to use a simple gun at home How to open a silicone gun

If during the repair it is necessary to seal several cracks or joints, then you can carry out these steps yourself using a sealant. As everyone knows, the sealant is mainly sold in packages with a long spout, but it is impossible to get the mass out of there without a special construction gun.

Seeing such a gun for the first time, not everyone will understand how to use it. But this article will tell in detail and show that this unit is not so complicated to use, but the repair process simplifies a lot.

Types of guns for sealant

The construction gun is a device for effectively squeezing out sealant and is not very complex in design. But, it would seem, such a simple thing is divided into types in accordance with the type of compartments for the sealant, the structural features and the supply of the composition.

According to the first criterion, devices are divided into sheet and frame. The second type is more common, as it has a better and more secure hold of the cartridge. According to the method of supplying the sealant, battery, electrical and mechanical units can be distinguished. Each type has pros and cons, so this can not be said:

According to the device, the devices can be divided into skeletal, tubular and semi-case. The first type is designed to work with 310 ml cartridges. Semi-body versions of pistols are not very durable and inconvenient to use. They also use 310 ml cartridges. The tubular type gun is suitable for professional work. You need to refuel it less often, since absolutely any cartridge options are suitable for it.

Working with a gun

Using a construction gun for sealant is a simple matter. Having familiarized yourself with the main nuances, you can safely get to work and be sure of a clear result.

The principle of operation of such a device is not at all complicated. The gun works by exerting pressure on a tube of sealant. As a result of such an impact, a strip of material comes out of the container, which is mechanically leveled and placed in the right place. The pressure appears due to the rod, which is driven by the trigger. The main problems occur before the sealant is inserted into the gun.

Important! Pneumatic tools use air instead of a rod.

Algorithm for using the tool

Remove restraints. When working with a skeletal or half-body caulk gun, there will be no problem removing the stops. In addition to removing the limiting elements on the tool itself, you need to remove them on the container with the composition itself, if any.
Pull out the stem. To retract the stem, press the lever all the way and pull out the stem. A place is freed up in which a container with sealant is installed. After that, you need to pull the trigger a few more so that the tube is securely strengthened.
Release sealant. In the cartridge itself, we cut a hole that allows the composition to pass to the nozzle. Usually, the nozzles also come in one piece, so it is also necessary to cut off the upper part to get a hole of the same diameter as the thickness of the seam needed.

If a tubular or syringe type gun is used, then the refueling algorithm is slightly different. First of all, in this case, a hole is made in the container with the composition and laying it with the cut side towards the hole through which the sealant will exit.

Important! Before inserting the sealant container, the stem is removed. This is done in the same way as in the previous case.

As a rule, a set of tips is included with the gun. If the selected nozzle does not have a hole for the sealant to exit, then it can be done by cutting off a small part of the tip. This should be done at an angle of 45 degrees.

Each individual caulking gun can be equipped with additional features and specific features to help with the job. That is why it is not superfluous to study the instructions that come with the purchased pistol model.

Conclusion

Sealant is a substance that is used everywhere and not only for major repairs, but also for small finishing works. Therefore, knowing the algorithm for using a gun to supply the composition is very important, since the final result and the appearance of the seam depend on the correct actions.

As you know, a device designed to work with sealant is called an applicator and has an appearance similar to a gun or syringe. All instruments are divided into amateur and professional. In any case, despite the intensity of their use, it is either a mechanical device or its pneumatic modification.

Household pistols for home use are exclusively mechanical, and their design is different, as this affects the life of the tool. For sealant packed in foil, a cylindrical gun is used. If the sealant is located in the cartridge, then it can be applied using a pressure gun, which is structurally made like a large syringe. If you purchased sealant in a bucket, then you do not need a gun, it is enough to have a spatula or trowel for work.

There are several types of pistols:

Manual with a cylindrical body;

Manual with a cylindrical body is the cheapest and short-lived, breaks after using one or two tubes. It is extremely inconvenient to work - the rod moves poorly, the cartridge tries to "escape".

A manual skeleton gun costs a little more, it is more comfortable to use and more durable, and the movement of the rod goes smoothly without distortions. The most reliable and convenient is the tubular gun (syringe). In it, the sealant is ideally located inside, there is no movement, and the stem moves easily and freely. This design can work with sealants in bags.

Pistols are divided according to the type of compartments for the cartridge, and they are classified into sheet and frame. It should be noted here that leaf guns fix the cartridge body worse than frame guns. Before buying, it is important to decide how easy and comfortable the gun is in your hand. It is advisable to perform a few pulls on the trigger, to feel whether the brushes are comfortable in operation. Separately, it is worth paying attention to reliability, as experience shows, models with handles and a starting lever made of molded aluminum are light and strong enough.

The pressure screw is the simplest device for extruding sealant.

Pressure pistols without reverse stroke are most often used professionally. It is more convenient to work with this tool, because the piston moves only in one direction forward until the sealant runs out. But when you know in advance that a small amount of sealant will be required or you know about a break in work, then you need to use a gun with a reverse stroke, which allows you to stop squeezing the sealant at a certain stage of work. In this case, after completing a little work, the cartridge is removed from the compartment, the tip is closed and stored until the next use. You should also pay attention to the expiration date of the material, often expired sealants cause leakage of the filled joint.

Professional pistols include pneumatic and cordless tools. The time between failures of these devices is large and amounts to several years. Pneumatic pistols are powered by compressed air and are driven by a trigger. Many models are equipped with a pressure regulator. The most expensive gun is a battery gun that has the ability to adjust both pressure and sealant flow rate. It is very easy to use this model, you just need to release the handle and the sealant begins to flow immediately. It is universal suitable for both tubes and bags.

Not many of our compatriots know how to use this tool. Let's learn how to properly use a caulking gun. To begin with, it is enough to have a cylinder or cartridge, as well as the gun itself, which consists of three main parts: a frame, a pusher and a trigger. So, the sequence of actions is as follows:

1. pull out the pusher as far as it will go;

2. take the sealant, cut off the plastic tip, on which the markings are indicated;

3. pierce the membrane, which is located under the plastic cap, with a suitable object;

4. securely insert the tip into the intended hole;

5. press the latch, pushing the plunger all the way into the hole in the bottom of the cylinder.

Using a "syringe" gun, you need to unscrew the ring into which the spout is inserted, then you should remove the inner insert and place the spout in the required place. By pressing the compensation lever, we pull out the stem as much as possible. After that, we cut off the metal ring from the bag and wind the ring with a spout. Upon completion of work with the gun, it must be washed with warm water.

And finally, a few nuances in working with a pistol.

1. To properly apply the sealant, the application area must be free of dust, dirt, oil, old paint, rust, and loose particles.

2. Widen the narrow crack a little and clean it with a brush.

3. Prepare a spatula, masking tape, alcohol.

4. Degrease the surface to be sealed with alcohol.

5. Then the work surface should be treated with an acrylic primer for good adhesion of the sealant.

In order for the seam to be even, you should use the following recommendations. Cutting off the top of the cap of the sealant tube is best done with a clerical knife at an angle of 45 °, and so that the diameter of the hole obtained matches the actual size of the seam. Next, lightly press the trigger so that droplets of silicone appear from the hole in the tube. To apply sealant evenly, hold the gun at the same distance from the wall. Filling should not be fast, so as not to get interrupted strips with air bubbles inside. A beautiful seam is created thanks to masking tape glued on both sides of the gap, which is removed immediately after applying the sealant along with its excess.

There is another way to make a high-quality, especially fillet weld. To do this, gently moisten the side surfaces with soapy water. In advance, it is necessary to prepare a wooden or plastic stick, one side of which is cut off in such a way as to set the shape of the future seam. In this case, the final formation of the upper part of the seam is created not by the nose of the tube, but by the passage of the above stick along it. If it so happened that you squeezed out the excess sealant, then this is not at all scary, after drying the seam with a hairdryer, you can remove all the remnants of the sealant from the side surface with the same stick washed in soapy water.

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power tool

Hand tool

Sealant is a universal and simply indispensable tool in everyday life, which can be used to insulate seams and joints, provide water, moisture, heat and even soundproofing. In order for the sealant from the cylinder to be evenly distributed and applied carefully, it is necessary to use a special gun. If you know how to use the caulk gun correctly, you can even ensure economical use of the substance. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with all stages of the operation of the tool in more detail.

Both beginners and professionals have to work with a sealant gun. Therefore, the features of using this tool are always an urgent issue for those who carry out repairs. Difficulties in operation should not arise. It is only necessary to familiarize yourself in advance with the main nuances and varieties of existing pistols. There are household models equipped with manual mechanisms, as well as professional sealant guns, divided into pneumatic and battery.

In mechanical pistols, the principle of operation is quite simple. To obtain a substance from a tube, it is necessary to provide pressure on the container mechanically. You can use these guns not only with sealants, but also with other substances that come in special containers and have a thick consistency. The material is extruded in the form of a strip, which is conveniently placed in the prepared seam. The pressure is provided by the stem part. He starts to move, thanks to the pull of the trigger.

If we consider pneumatic tools, in them the rod replaces the air supplied under pressure. Craftsmen, in general, may find it difficult to install a container of material into a tool. But manufacturers make this task easier, as they adhere to uniform production standards. Therefore, the principle of using all pistols will be the same.

How to work with a gun: a step by step diagram

To get started with a special caulk gun, you need to make sure that the can is inserted into it. The tube must be inserted into the gun and tightly fixed. For work at home, repairs at home, it is worth choosing tubular and syringe types of pistols. Before work, it is necessary to make sure that the packaging is tightly sealed. There are three main steps to follow in the process:

Remove delimiters. The design of the tube has a special cone, which is usually sold in sealed form. The seal must be removed from the tip of the spout. It is necessary to make such a cut that it is slightly smaller than the width of the seam. It is convenient to carry out this procedure with a clerical knife. To make a correct and even cut, it must be done at an angle of 45 °. After that, the sealant container is placed in the gun, the cut part is placed in the tip.
Stock removal. This stage is performed by the usual pressure on the lever. In the place that has been vacated, you must install a pre-prepared cartridge. In order for the container to fall into place, you need to make several pressures on the lever. After these simple manipulations, the gun will be ready for use.
Sealant release. It is necessary to gently press on the lever, ensuring the supply of sealant. It remains for the master to regulate the force of pressure in order to control the release of the substance.

After completion of the work, the empty container from the sealant is pulled out of the gun, and the tool itself is well washed from the remnants of the substance. According to the instructions, it is enough to use ordinary warm water to clean the tool.

When using a rechargeable version of the gun, the circuit will look a little different. To do this, the balloon is charged with mounting glue, and the feed is also regulated by the trigger.

If, after completion of work, there is still some part of the sealant in the tube, it can be used in the future. To do this, put a tip on the cone and close it tightly, place the structure in a vertical position with the spout up.

How to use a caulk gun: a beginner's guide

Beginners and masters who picked up a sealant gun for the first time, following the instructions described above, can easily prepare the tool for starting work. You need to purchase a complete gun and, according to the recommendations, install a tube in them. Otherwise, you need to learn how to control your hand so that the pressing occurs smoothly, and the material succumbs evenly and metered.

When using semi-body and skeletal pistols, a few pressures must be performed at the beginning so that the substance enters the cap from the inside. Then ensure a smooth press when the sealant is already coming out.

When using battery and electric guns, pulling the trigger is a regulator of the flow rate of the composition. For beginners, for the first work, it is necessary to choose places invisible to the eye: in the far corner, behind furniture, under plumbing, and so on. After the hands get used to working with such a tool, you can already move to prominent places.

If the sealant does not fit well into the seams or it needs to be leveled, it is necessary to wet your fingers in water and eliminate the imperfections with a smooth movement. The substance has a sticky consistency and can remain on the hands, stick to the fingers. The material does not need additional drying, if fresh air is supplied, then in a few hours it will have time to harden.

On video: Rules for using a caulk gun

Experienced craftsmen adhere to a certain strategy in their work. But they, as well as beginners, will benefit from some tips:

For one-time work, you can pick up more affordable varieties of pistols, such as semi-body and skeletal.

You need to know that high-quality and reliable tools are heavier. Since it will not be possible to check the operability of the tool in advance, it is necessary to pay attention to this aspect.
Case models are considered universal options, which are also well suited for permanent use.

In pistols, sealants purchased in soft packaging can be fixed. You need to remove the fixing nut from them and remove the upper nose, then place it in the device case, cut the upper part with a knife, and then return the removed parts to their place.

Usually, the manufacturer producing sealants in tubes marks the optimal place for cutting on the spout, you can use the suggested directions.

To reduce the consumption of the substance, you must follow these recommendations:

Pre-prepare the seam to be processed, clean it from dirt, moisture and degrease.

The remaining areas of the surface that do not need to be processed can be isolated with construction tape.

It is necessary to try to squeeze out the substance in such a way that the seam line on the surface is not interrupted.

It is necessary to wait until the substance has completely solidified, only then remove the auxiliary stickers in the form of adhesive tape or masking tapes.

The gun is an indispensable attribute for applying sealant during repair and construction work. It provides convenience, and sometimes ease, uniformity, economy of applying the substance. Therefore, it is very important to understand the algorithm for working with a sealant gun before starting work.

Sealant gun, use it correctly (2 videos)

Types of guns for sealant (15 photos)

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 the used cartridge, pull the trigger to loosen the latch, pull out the pusher with the other hand and the cartridge will be released.

A device called a gun can be used to distribute the sealant evenly and accurately. The correct use of the mounting gun not only increases the possibilities, but also the economy of the material consumption. We will analyze in the article the question of the correct use of a sealant gun.

Peculiarities

The sealant gun got its name because of the similar principle of operation with the prototype. In addition, outwardly this tool looks like a real gun. The guide imitates the barrel of a weapon. There is also a special device called a trigger. There is also a comfortable handle.

The tool is focused on the possibility of squeezing the silicone substance out of the tube, which usually comes in a cylindrical shape, or other packaging. The main difference with other mounting guns in its design. For example, a power mechanism is not necessarily present. Sealant tools are varied, but those that have a manual mechanism are no less effective than automated devices. Automated models are considered professional. For household use, they are more convenient when you need to close up a lot of small seams.

The design of the sealant tool is divided into types. However, a pusher, a compartment for a tube, a holder are present in any products. Let us consider in more detail the features of household models that are equipped with manual mechanisms.

Since substances are sold mainly in tubes, the manual caulking gun is designed in such a way that this particular packaging option is suitable. A feature of the tool is a movable bottom. It easily moves around the body of the product. The tip of the mechanism is universal, it allows you to place a variety of nozzles inside. These parts give the extruded substance the desired shape.

The bottom of the gun moves due to the operation of the piston. This mechanism is set in motion when the trigger is released. The pusher exerts pressure on the bottom of the container, due to which the substance moves and is squeezed out through the nozzle. This pistol format is considered universal, and therefore it can be used with different substances.

Types of pistols

The variety of sealant tools is great.

As mentioned above, it is easiest to divide products into two broad categories:

professional;
amateur.

The main feature of professional devices is versatility. Numerous nozzles are included with professional pistols. They allow the use of various types of sealants.

Amateur models are distinguished by a variety of types and reasonable prices. This group includes many varieties. The products are easy to use. Let us examine in more detail the types of pistols included in the first and second groups.

The group of professional models includes pneumatic and battery types. Pneumatic version of the closed type, which works in the presence of a source of compressed oxygen, such as a compressor. Through the supply of oxygen and by pulling the trigger, the desired pressure is obtained. The mechanism contributes to the smoothness and continuity of the incoming material. Pneumatic tools are characterized by high performance and continuous supply of consumables.

Continuity is provided by an oxygen pressure regulator. You need to work quickly with an air gun. Therefore, without proper skill, its use is unlikely to be convenient. However, the tool is reliable, as it is most often equipped with a metal case that fits various containers. The closed version does not need to be refueled, the finished container should simply be replaced with a new one.

The device has positive and negative characteristics.

Positive:

multitasking;
comfortable;
aesthetics and accuracy of the applied sealant;
duration of the operating period.

The main disadvantage of an air gun is attachment to the compressor.

The cordless caulking tool is a specialized power tool. The tool is characterized by high performance, safety and efficiency. The principle of operation of the tool is similar to piston types. The only difference is that the force on the piston is generated by an electric motor. The piston presses on a container or cartridge with a sealant. The optimal speed of the device is selected by the switch, and the force develops sufficient to squeeze out the right amount of the mixture.

The main advantage of guns is the automatic variation of the amount of sealant supplied. Possible change of speed - up to 7 modes.

The main advantages of an automatic tool:

seam uniformity;
dosed supply of the mixture;
saving the efforts of the operator who performs the work;
independence from additional stationary devices.

Such advantages make it possible to carry out work in any hard-to-reach places with a minimum consumption of mixtures. If the battery of the device is powerful, the working time will be enough for a long time.

The negative quality is that it is important to choose the right adhesive sealant. For example, some substances are toxic or combustible, and therefore may ignite, which is unsafe for the operator.

The cost of battery pistols is quite high. There is a possibility of saving if you purchase products in online stores. Here are various models of many companies.

Acceptable cost differ models included in the amateur group of devices. For example, an ideal option for various types of mixtures is a skeleton pistol. The model is durable and inexpensive. The sealant tube fits perfectly into the rigid rib construction. The piston rod provides a smooth metered supply of the substance.

The skeleton of the product is made of thin, but high-quality steel. The rod is a faceted rod, which is also made of steel.

The skeletal version on sale is represented by a reinforced view, the design of which is similar to the prototype. The difference is only in more durable and reliable materials.

On sale you can find semi-body pistols. They are inexpensive but unreliable. Virtually disposable design for one tube of mixture. The tool often deteriorates from small efforts.

The gun with a cylindrical body is convenient to use. In conjunction with the tool, bulk sealants can be used. And also the option is ideal if silicone sealants in tubes are used. Any tool needs preliminary preparation. This stage, however, as well as production, requires knowledge and skills. We will analyze the features of using various types of pistols in more detail.

How to use?

To properly apply glue with a gun, the substance must be suitable for the tool used. For domestic purposes, a syringe or tubular pistol is more often used for substances sold in a tube.

The material is packed in tightly sealed packages, so one end must be carefully cut off from the container. The tube is equipped with a special cone, but it is usually sealed. This soldering from the tip of the cone must be opened. The cut should be slightly smaller than the desired seam size. It is convenient to remove the soldering with a clerical knife. The cut will be correct if it is made at an angle of 45 degrees.

The prepared container must be inserted into the gun, and the cut part must be filled into the tip of the gun. Remove the stem by pressing on the lever. In the vacated space, you need to install the prepared cartridge. In order to put the container in place in the skeleton, make a few pressures on the lever. Everything - the gun can be used. After work, the used tube must be pulled out of the tool, and the gun itself should be rinsed well. The instruction assumes the use of ordinary warm water for these purposes.

The cordless tool works a little differently than the manual version. It is enough to charge the balloon with the available assembly adhesive. You can adjust the feed by pressing the trigger.

You need to insert the cone of the cartridge exactly at the place where the glue is applied. Pull the trigger to activate the piston. Installation with an acrylic substance involves the uniform application of a “sausage” of the required thickness to the treated area. The surface to be treated must be free of grease, do not forget to wear gloves before starting work.

If sealant remains in the tube after work is completed, it can be reused, you just need to put on the tip and close the package tightly. If during the work the sealant sticks to the finger, you need to put your finger in a container with soapy water and apply the same solution to the seam.