The sealing gun is an excellent assistant in construction and repair work. It is required in various construction works, both internal and external. The name of this instrument comes from characteristic feature his actions. In this case, the sealant comes out of the gun after a person presses the trigger, which determines its resemblance to a weapon. However, it should be understood that such a comparison is not entirely correct. After pressing the trigger, the piston begins to move and squeezes out the sealant.
Types of sealant guns
Sealing mechanisms can be classified depending on their design features.
In this situation, several types can be distinguished.
- Tubular. The presented models were made to seal joints using viscous silicone or acrylic mass. Such a device is equipped with a rod and a cylinder with a void inside. This is where the sealant is poured. As a certain advantage of this mechanism, it is worth highlighting the lack of need for frequent refills.
- Skeletal models, the designs of which are focused on working with sealant in a standard cartridge. This mechanism is equipped with a rod and stiffeners. The advantage of this product is the ability to use the sealant only partially. There is no need to use the entire cartridge at once, but only a small amount can be used.
- Half-hull, which involve installing cartridges with a volume of less than 310 milliliters. Their design is very similar to the previous version, but the difference is the absence of a solid frame. It is replaced by a stand for installing the cartridge. This mechanism is very convenient to use, since the composition does not leak out during operation.
Sealant guns can also be classified according to other criteria. If we consider these mechanisms according to the principle of supplying the substance, we can distinguish several types of pistols.
- Mechanical. These are devices that have a universal design. This mechanism can be used by both professionals and beginners for domestic use. To squeeze the compound out of the gun, you need to press the rod with a certain force.
- Pneumatic option. It is usually used when the job does not require a large volume of sealing agent. In this situation, the composition is supplied automatically after lowering the handle.
- Rechargeable, which are commonly used by professional workers. Such models are used in cases where a large amount of work is expected. The pistol functions similarly to the previous version. The difference is the use of a battery in operation.
Principle of operation
Even a beginner can use a sealant gun. First you need to decide how the device in question works and how to open it. The sealant is extruded into a strip after pressure is applied to it. By controlling his strength, a person can control the amount of mixture squeezed out. The pressure is generated by a rod that begins to move after you pull the trigger.
It should be noted that in pneumatic pistols, air acts as a rod. Compositions for a pistol can be either in tubes or cylinders. This mounting device must be used with extreme caution.
Instructions for use
This tool is characterized by ease of use.
Beginners should read the step-by-step instructions before using this mechanism.
- First of all, you need to take care of protective measures. You need to wear gloves and cover objects and surfaces near the work area with film or cloth. This will protect them from getting sealant.
- In the future, you need to prepare everything in order to apply the composition. In this situation, you must be guided by what is written on back side cartridge. The only thing is that you first need to remove the previous coating from the surface, and this can be done with a sharp knife. To remove crumbs, you can use a brush or vacuum cleaner, but the surface must be degreased.
- It is then important to remove the limiters.
- Then you need to remove the rod from the device. To do this, you need to press the lever and remove the part. You need to install the cartridge in the free space and apply a few small pressures on the hook. This will allow the container to fit tightly into the gun. It is important to note that these instructions are provided for a skeletal view. Other uses of this device They differ only in the method of inserting the cartridge.
- Then you need to make a small hole in the container through which a straight line of sealant will come out. To do this, you need to make an incision into the existing cone.
Please note that the cut should be slightly smaller than what you need to do the job.
The method of using a tube-type gun should be separately considered.
- Initially, you need to create a hole in the pipe with sealant. If you choose a material that is packaged in bags, then one corner must be cut off as carefully as possible. Otherwise, the mixture will probably leak out.
- You need to squeeze the sealant into the tool itself, but before that you will need to remove the rod in the same way as described in the previous version.
- Typically, such pistols come with several different attachments, which are characterized by the presence of tips of different types. You should choose the appropriate option for the job and tighten the cylinder with it. If there is no hole on the tip, you can make it yourself. To do this, take a sharp knife and make a cut at an angle of 45 degrees. Please note that it is necessary to predict the size of the future hole. This is necessary so that the resulting seam has the required diameter. This will make it easier to apply the mixture.
Despite the instructions provided, manufacturers of such pistols indicate on the product how to use it and how to correctly insert a new one and remove the old one. It is worth familiarizing yourself with what information the manufacturer provides, since each type has its own specific characteristics and the device must be inserted with extreme caution.
If the tool in question was properly equipped, then there should be no difficulties in using it. If you manage to insert the cartridge into the device, then halfway has already been completed. All that remains to be done is to slowly press the “trigger” and squeeze the mixture onto the desired surface.
You should use a few tips to ensure the job goes as smoothly as possible.
- If you select a skeleton or half-body gun, it may take several presses for the sealant to begin to come out of the hole. Remember that the pressure should be smooth to ensure uniform squeezing of the product.
- If you are using a model powered by electricity or a battery, then by pressing the trigger you can control the intensity of the mixture.
- When working with this device for the first time, it is recommended to practice in inconspicuous places or on individual objects. To get the job done efficiently, you need to learn a little how to use the tool.
- If during work you need to trim any area or apply sealant into a narrow gap, you can do this with your fingers. The only thing is that you definitely need to wet them with soapy water. It will help the sealant not stick to your hands.
- Please note that the sealant does not require additional drying. If it is left in the fresh air, it will gain the necessary strength within a few hours.
- As soon as you finish working with the sealant gun, be sure to rinse the mechanism thoroughly under warm soapy water.
- To get a beautiful seam, it is best to use masking tape. They need to cover the surface on both sides, leaving free only the area that should be covered with sealant. It will need to be removed immediately after applying the layer.
- To get a beautiful corner seam of excellent quality, you must first wet the sides with soapy water. You should find a stick made of plastic or wood in advance. On one side it must be cut so that it can be used to set the shape of the seam. This is a very simple and convenient technique, thanks to which you can get a beautiful seam. There is no need to look for special attachments for this, since a regular stick will save the situation.
Reading time ≈ 3 minutes
Surprising as it may seem, the question: how to use a sealant gun sometimes still arises; this question especially concerns novice craftsmen. And although this instrument is not particularly complex in design, some people who pick it up for the first time may even be stunned by it.
Sealant gun - what is it?
If you look at the photos provided on how to use a 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 confusion among a non-specialist. In fact, if you watch the video instructions on using a caulk gun, you can understand why this tool is called that. It also has another name - a syringe.
It got this name because of its structure and operating principle. The sealant composition is released from the plastic tube by pressing a kind of trigger, so this association arose with one of the types firearms. There are several types of such tools and they can be divided into the following categories:
- by the type of compartments where the cartridge is inserted;
- according to the characteristics of the device;
- using the silicone supply method.
If you look at the pictures, you will notice that such a tool can be of several types:
- battery;
- pneumatic;
- electric;
- mechanical.
Each gun is designed to be able to seal hard-to-reach gaps. The most common are mechanical tools, as they are a budget option.
How to use a syringe to squeeze out silicone?
It’s worth watching a video on how to use a sealant gun, and everything will become clear:
- Before inserting the cartridge from the syringe, you must pull out the metal pin. To do this, you will need to use two hands, since the pin itself will not extend, because it is held in place by a special clamp. When you pull the trigger with one hand, the lock releases the piston and it 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 lock it with a few pulls of the trigger. But do not clamp it too hard, because first you need to prepare the tip of the cartridge.
- When the cartridge is fixed, the tip is cut off and a cone is screwed on, through which the silicone will be squeezed out. Cones come with ready-made holes (one for threads, and a second smaller one for sealant outlet) and without one hole. If there is no smaller hole, you need to carefully make a cut on the cone with a knife.
- In order to see how the sealant gun works, you should pull the trigger several times until the piston fully stops in the cartridge. The tool is ready and you can start working.
The cartridge cone must be placed at the place that needs sealing. After this, you can pull the trigger, activating the pusher, which will evenly squeeze out a sausage of sealant of the required thickness. When the pusher moves, the latch will also be activated 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 the other hand and the cartridge will be released.
With the help of sealant you can not only treat all the cracks between the logs in the log house wooden house or seal window frames, sometimes it is enough to seal a few cracks. Even a person who is far from repair work can cope with such work. To do this, just buy a special gun for sealant, and half the job is done.
Of course, you can often do without special tools, but it will be a little difficult for a beginner. In addition, this tool should be at hand in the home of every man who does not really like to call specialists on every issue. After all, with the help of a sealant gun, you can handle the necessary work yourself extremely easily and quickly.
Types of pistols
There are several types of caulk guns, each with its own advantages or some disadvantages.
- Mechanical.
Most often used in everyday life. A mechanical pistol is one of the most inexpensive and easiest to use. Its disadvantage is that it is short-lived: this pistol only lasts for several cartridges.
- Rechargeable.
The process of squeezing out the sealant occurs due to the batteries installed on the gun. You can adjust the feed speed using the handle, which has increased pressure sensitivity.
- Pneumatic.
As the name suggests, the gun operates using compressed air. The tool is in demand among specialists for large volumes of work. It is easy to handle, and the seam is smooth and of the required thickness. One of the main advantages of an air gun is that it fits containers of different sizes. Thus, your choice of cartridges is almost unlimited, at least in terms of volume.
- Electric.
The operating principle is similar to a battery-powered one, with only one difference: the electric one runs on mains power. Economical to use, an electric gun produces an even seam. It is used in a professional environment for large volumes of work, since its cost is a bit intimidating to ordinary people.
You can choose a gun based on your needs: if you only need to seal a few seams, then there is no point in spending money, a mechanical one will do. If you are going to treat a room or the whole house yourself, you may want to think about buying a pneumatic or battery-powered one.
Refilling a pistol from plastic packaging
Few people have problems refilling a pistol from a plastic package, unless, of course, they are using a three-year-old skeleton pistol as a pistol. A prerequisite is to cut the “nose” of the package at 45 degrees. The thickness of the sealant varies depending on the work being performed.
The rod of the device is extended all the way (to do this, you need to press the latch), the plastic packaging is inserted into the gun, the sealant is pressed all the way - the tool is ready for use. You must hold the latch while refueling.
Refilling the gun from soft packaging
Many professional builders use a special device to ensure quick and clean refueling. It consists of a lid with a removable handle and allows you to fill the sealing agent into the gun without much difficulty. To do this, just put the device in a bucket and insert the gun exactly into its center. Carefully pull out the piston while filling the gun with sealant. That's it, the device is ready for use.
Filling a pistol from a soft packaging is a little more difficult, although it’s not all that scary. Pull the gun rod all the way, make a cut on the soft packaging, insert the packaging into the gun and secure the nut and spout in the desired position.
If during the repair you need to seal several cracks or joints, you can carry out these actions yourself using sealant. As everyone knows, sealant is mostly 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 you in detail and show that this unit is not so difficult to use, but it simplifies the repair process much.
Types of sealant guns
A construction gun is a device for effectively squeezing out sealant and is not very different complex design. But it would seem like this simple thing divided into types in accordance with the type of compartments for sealant, structural features and composition supply.
According to the first criterion, devices are divided into sheet and frame. The second type is more common, as it has better and more reliable retention of the cartridge. Based on the method of supplying sealant, battery-powered, electric and mechanical units can be distinguished. Each type has pros and cons, so we can’t help but say:
Based on their design, devices can be divided into skeletal, tubular and semi-hulled. The first type is designed to work with 310 ml cartridges. Half-body versions of pistols are not very durable and are inconvenient to use. They also use 310 ml cartridges. The tubular type gun is suitable for professional work. It needs to be refilled less often, since absolutely any cartridge options are suitable for it.
Working with a gun
Using a caulking gun is not difficult. Having familiarized yourself with the main nuances, you can safely get to work and be confident in a clear result.
The operating principle of such a device is not at all complicated. The gun works by applying pressure to a tube of sealant. As a result of this effect, a strip of material comes out of the container, which is mechanically aligned and placed in the right place. The pressure comes from a rod that is driven by a trigger. The main problems occur before the sealant is inserted into the gun.
Important! A pneumatic tool uses air instead of a rod.
Algorithm for using the tool
- Remove the restraints. When working with a skeleton or half-body caulking gun, there will be no problems with removing the stops. In addition to removing the limiting elements on the tool itself, you need to remove them on the container itself with the composition, if there are any on it.
- Pull out the rod. To move the rod, you need to press the lever all the way and pull out the rod. This frees up space into which a container with sealant is installed. Afterwards you need to press the trigger a few more times so that the tube is firmly secured.
- Release the sealant. We cut a hole in the cartridge itself that will allow the composition to pass to the nozzle. Usually the nozzles come in one piece, so it is also necessary to cut off the top part to create a hole of the same diameter as the thickness of the seam needed.
If a tubular or syringe type gun is used, the filling algorithm is slightly different. First of all, in this case, a hole is made in the container with the compound and its cut side is laid towards the hole through which the sealant will come out.
Important! Before inserting the container with sealant, the rod 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, you can make one by cutting off a small part of the tip. This should be done at an angle of 45 degrees.
Each individual caulk gun can be equipped with additional functions and certain elements that help during operation. That is why it is a good idea 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, knowledge of the algorithm for using a pistol to supply the composition is very important, since the final result and appearance seam
Not many novice remodelers know how to use a caulk gun.
And for some, this tool may seem like a very complex device.
But it does not require any special knowledge and is quite simple to operate.
To start working with sealant, you only need to have a container with the appropriate material and a gun.
The design of the pistol itself is simple. It has a trigger, a frame and a metal pusher. To insert a bottle of sealant into the tool, you must perform the following steps.
If you look at the pusher, you can see a metal retainer (plate with a spring) on the trigger side.
You need to press this lock, and then pull the pusher out to the maximum possible distance.
Then you need to take a bottle of sealant and cut off the tip from it, taking into account the markings. You also need to pierce the membrane under the plastic cap.
When inserting a balloon into the gun, you first need to insert the tip into the hole on it. Then you need to press the latch again and push the pusher into the hole at the bottom of the cylinder until it stops.
Actually, all this must be done to start using the tool. To squeeze out the sealant, you must gently press the trigger of the gun.
In construction stores there are now quite big choice sealant guns. First of all, the price of this type of tool depends on its functionality.
What types of sealant guns are there?
Sealant guns come in closed and open types. They all have a piston for extrusion and are made to fit different tube diameters.
All kinds of sealants are very common in modern construction. They are used almost everywhere and are made from various substances.
The scope of application of sealants is not limited only to hydro-, noise-, and thermal insulation.
Sealants, depending on the composition, are used to seal seams between logs, in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Sealants are also used to seal the seams between panels used to construct residential and non-residential buildings.
The sealant is usually packaged in a special metal or plastic tube (cartridge). In tubes, the sealing compound may be under pressure.
When there is no excess pressure in the housing, the sealant is squeezed out of the tube by the piston.
