Caulking guns are a tool used to apply sealants, including caulk and adhesive. Caulking guns come in manual and pneumatic forms, both of which serve the same purpose of applying material to a joint or crack.
Manual caulking guns are the most common type available and are relatively inexpensive. They are used by pressing on a release lever or trigger that releases the material from tubes or cartridges. This type of gun is best for small-scale applications where straight lines and even coverage of the sealant is not as important as with larger jobs.
Pneumatic caulking guns are powered by compressed air and require additional components, such as an air compressor, to operate. These guns are best for large scale projects, where precise control and accuracy is required. The pneumatic gun uses a smoother plunger action to apply the material in a controlled, even manner.
When choosing the right caulking gun for your application, you should consider the size and shape of the job, the release system that is being used, the type of sealant being used and the area in which it is being applied.
For smaller jobs, hand-operated guns are typically the more economical choice; they are easy to use and typically require no additional equipment. However, if you need to apply sealant over a large surface area, a pneumatic caulking gun with an air compressor is often a better choice.
No matter what type of caulking gun you choose, make sure to read the instructions thoroughly before beginning any project. Improper use of a caulking gun can lead to uneven application of material, which can result in a poor seal that will not last as long or perform as well as desired.