Filling the gun with sealant. How to use a sealant gun - learning a new tool

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 similar comparison 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.

Operating principle

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. Data mounting device must be used with extreme caution.

Instructions for use

This tool 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 ways of using this device 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 doing this 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 you need to take sharp knife and make a cut at a 45 degree angle. 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 is done as efficiently 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 he is on 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.

Modern sealants and adhesives used during installation are produced packaged in plastic tubes or soft bags. It can be assumed that during use the contents of the package must be squeezed out somehow. This is really true, but how to do it - maybe press something, for example, the handle of a hammer, onto the bottom of the tube? It is possible, of course, but how practical is it to ensure a high-quality and aesthetic seam?

For novice builders, it may be a discovery that there is no need to suffer so much at all, since there are many simple devices for these purposes - quite peaceful pistols. By the way, there are also pneumatic and even electric models. You just need to know how to use a caulk gun.

Pistol models

Such a device cannot in any way be considered complex. The principle of its operation is to squeeze the sealant out of the appropriate container. But, as in any business, there are subtleties here. Let's start with the fact that their range is so wide that everyone can choose one according to their financial capabilities, but how not to make a mistake.

Devices for sealing materials are divided according to the following indicators:
- type of compartments for tubes;
- design features;
- material supply system.
Based on the type of compartments, they are divided into sheet and frame, and the latter are more in demand, since they hold the tube much more tightly.

According to the sealant supply system, the gun comes in several types - each with its own pros and cons.

Mechanical manual

This model is the most affordable option for a tool, although, unfortunately, it is not very durable. They are great for doing household work when you only need a couple of cartridges. But imagine what it would be like to squeeze out masses using only the physical force of your hands on a large object.

Pneumatic

The gun works thanks to pressure compressed air(3–6 atm). This model is very common when performing medium-sized construction work, since using a gun of this type is quite simple. This is facilitated by various limiters and regulators that manufacturers equip them with. A pneumatic tool allows you to obtain an even seam of sealing compound of the required thickness. The tool is equipped with a special valve through which excess material is discharged, that is, there is virtually no loss of sealant. Another advantage is the ability to use it for different containers. Considering that these models operate on compressed air, their body is often made of metal.

Rechargeable

These models are distinguished by their autonomy, since they are equipped with a battery pack, usually lithium-ion. Squeeze out the sealing paste using a handle that is sufficiently sensitive to pressure. In fact, the speed and accuracy with which the sealant is applied is controlled by the force of pressing the same handle.

Electrical

The electric version and the previous one differ only in the power source - electric ones are powered from the mains. They provide speed and accuracy, high level savings. They are suitable for different types of containers. You must understand that these professional devices are not cheap, but for simple repairs, in fact, such a model is simply not needed.

Self-contained guns are equipped with a pressure regulator that allows you to regulate the flow of sealing material. Moreover, the “auto-reverse” function eliminates its residual extrusion: when the work is finished, the rod moves back and reduces the pressure.

And finally, according to the characteristics of the device, devices are divided into:
- semi-body - works with a tube volume of 310 ml, they have a simple mechanism of a rod and a stand for the cartridge, so they break down quite quickly - they are only enough for 2-3 tubes. This type of tool is not convenient enough to operate - it is difficult to hold in your hands;
- skeletal - designed for work with the same volume, but has a more complex mechanism, consisting of a rod and three stiffeners. They are more expensive than semi-hull ones, but also more durable;
- tubular (closed) – more versatile and suitable for working with different volumes of acrylic and silicone compositions, 600–1600 ml, so it needs to be refilled much less often. By design, it consists of a cylinder, which serves as a cartridge, and a rod.
How to use a caulk gun

The most important point counts proper preparation the spout of the tube - this determines how well the sealant will be applied. The cutting angle must be 45⁰, as for the width, it is chosen in accordance with the thickness of the seam.

For those taking their first steps in this field, it is recommended to start with a cut with the smallest diameter, and then increase it as necessary.

Refilling a plastic cartridge

How to fill sealing compound in soft packaging

Refilling soft packaging is almost the same as refilling plastic packaging. Note a few different points.
- Unscrew the fixing nut from the top of the instrument tube and remove the spout. If the tool has already been used, it may need to be cleaned.
Especially large selection than to delete silicone sealant in a dried state, no. This can only be decided mechanically, and this is done quite simply.

Nowadays the market building materials so diverse that everyone will find what they need, both in quality and price. One of the most used materials in construction is sealant. With its help, you can protect the joints between materials from moisture, as well as eliminate some defects. The only problem with the sealant is the difficulty in removing it from the tube without a special tool. In this article we will tell you how to use a caulk gun. Using this tool will increase your work speed and make it more enjoyable.

Design and principle of operation

Regardless of what type of pistol, the basic structure is the same for all. It has a body, a rod, with the help of which the sealant is squeezed out, a trigger and a latch that holds the rod. The task of the work is to squeeze the contents out of the package. This process is very simple: you pull the trigger, which, in turn, sets the rod in motion. Next, the rod is pressed onto the bottom of the sealant package, which serves as a piston, and it comes out with ease.

Types and classification of pistols

Sealant guns are divided according to several parameters: appearance, the complexity of the body structure, the method of supplying the hermetic substance.

By design features
	Semi-hulled - they are not designed for long-term use. Such guns are suitable for small household work, are not very durable in use and are relatively inexpensive.
	Skeleton pistols, like half-body pistols, can cope with the same amount of work. They differ from each other in that the skeleton pistol is more convenient to use. It consists of two ribs and a rod, which allows the tube with sealant to be more firmly fixed in it, resulting in better quality of work. The cost of a skeleton pistol is higher than that of a half-body pistol, but it will also last longer.
	Case pistols are intended for those who do repair or construction work quite often. They are distinguished by their versatility; they can be used both for sealant in hard tubes and for sealant in soft packaging. Their cost is higher than all others, but due to the fact that the consumption of sealant with a housing gun is minimal, it is considered more profitable.
According to the method of applying sealant
	Mechanical is the most affordable option. The supply of sealant in such guns occurs only due to the physical strength of the hands. Mechanical pistols are purchased for small household purposes.
	Pneumatic - used for medium-sized work. The principle of its operation is such that the sealant is released due to the pressure of compressed air. This type of gun has a special valve that allows you to discharge excess sealant and minimize its losses.
	Electric - allow you to make a more even seam and reduce the time required to complete the work. But appropriate experience is required to use them. In addition, the cost of such a pistol, compared to mechanical and pneumatic ones, is much higher.

When choosing which pistol to buy, you need to consider how often you plan to use it and what your financial capabilities are.

Directions for use: instructions

Regardless of which type of caulking gun you choose, the instructions for use are similar for all. So, how to properly prepare a pistol for use? Let's look at each stage in turn:

Using a stationery knife, carefully cut off the spout of the tube at an angle of approximately 45°. The width of the hole should be selected depending on the width of the intended seam.
Having unscrewed the plastic cap with the cut off spout, pierce the protective valve on the package, and then screw the cap back along the thread.
In order to insert the sealant package into the gun, you need to free up its internal space. By pressing the latch, push the rod back until it stops.
The tube with sealant is installed into the gun body until it stops. The piston is pushed in until it comes into contact with the bottom of the package.
To supply the sealant, pull the trigger of the gun. The speed of the extruded composition depends on the force of pressing.

When using sealant in soft packaging, only case guns are selected. The usage diagram is simple:

Unscrew the applicator with the spout on the front end of the gun.
Free up space in the gun in the same way as when using sealants in a tube.
Using wire cutters, carefully cut off the metal bracket on one side of the package.
Insert the package so that the cut end is in front.
Screw the applicator back.

Video: how to insert sealant into a skeleton gun

Video: features of using a frame pistol

There are several rules for using a sealant gun:

Before applying the sealant, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the area where it is applied: remove dirt, remove dust and degrease with alcohol.
You can stick masking tape on both sides of the gap. Its function is such that when applying sealant, all excess will fall on it and you will not have to wipe off the excess. Peel off the tape immediately after finishing work. The seams are clean and even.
For good and durable adhesion of the sealant, the surface is treated with an acrylic primer.

After finishing the work, the spout of the package is cleaned of residual sealant and closed with a special cap. This will protect the sealant from drying out. The sealant can remain closed for about three months without losing its properties. The gun itself is also wiped. If this is not done, the gun can quickly become unusable. The metal case is cleaned with a special metal solvent. Plastic surfaces are wiped with soapy water.

Do not forget to ventilate the room well where you are carrying out repair work.

Video: How to Optimize a Casing Gun for Sealant

Don't call a professional if you need to seal several cracks! It’s easier and cheaper to buy a completely “peaceful” gun, sealant and process everything yourself. And we’ll tell you how to use a sealant gun!

Features and types

Such a gun cannot be called a complex device - in fact, it is a design for squeezing a sealing compound out of the container in which it is located. However, there are nuances in any matter, even in such a seemingly simple one. And based on these nuances, manufacturers offer tools for every wallet and for any purpose. Sealant guns can be divided into several categories according to the type of cartridge compartments, the features of the device and the method of supplying the sealant.

So, according to the type of compartments for cartridges (containers with sealant), these “peaceful” pistols can be divided into frame and sheet. First among consumers to use great success, because they hold the cartridge more tightly. Depending on the extrusion method, you will find cordless, pneumatic, electric and mechanical tools in stores. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you need to choose depending on your goals.

What's good about cordless pistols is their autonomy– from the name it is clear that they operate from a battery pack, most often a lithium-ion one. Using a sensitive handle, the material is extruded, while the extrusion speed and feed accuracy can be adjusted using the same handle - the stronger the pressure, the more intense the work.

An electric gun differs from its battery-powered counterpart in by and large only by the absence of a battery - the device operates from the network. They apply sealant quickly and accurately, with a high degree of economy. Most often, such pistols are adopted by construction professionals, because, in addition to convenience and autonomy, such pistols work with different types cartridges. It is clear that such pleasure is not cheap, and for ordinary home use, for example, small, it is simply not advisable to buy this type.

Due to air pressure, a pneumatic type gun extrudes the material by pressing the handle. The design of such tools is often very ergonomic; manufacturers equip the tools with various stops and regulators, thanks to which you can obtain an even strip of sealant of the required thickness. Another good thing about the tool is the ability to work with different containers. It is advisable to use this type in medium and small construction, when the speed of work is not so important.

The most affordable and short-lived type of sealant guns is mechanical or manual. If we talk about everyday use, when you need to squeeze out 1-2 cartridges of material, this option is the most practical. But it will be difficult to work on large objects with such a tool, since squeezing out the mass is possible due to the physical effort of the hands, which reduces the accuracy and speed of work.

According to their design, pistols are divided into skeletal, semi-body and tubular. Skeletal ones are adapted for 310 ml cartridges. Semi-body instruments also work only with this volume, but have a simpler mechanism. Do not expect a long service life for such a tool - it is enough for 2-3 cartridges. And it will be quite uncomfortable to work with it - the rod squeezing out the mixture is quite tight, and besides, the tool tends to slip out of your hands every now and then.

It’s better to buy skeleton pistols - they are not much more expensive, but much more durable. The tubular type is capable of working with completely different cartridges with volumes from 600 to 1600 ml. Undoubtedly, such a tool will have to be refueled much less often.

Construction gun for sealant - selection instructions

Of course, the main factor in choosing a tool should be the amount of work to be done. Let's say, if all you need to do is process only a couple of joints at , then a skeleton tool will be enough. If the task is more complex, for example, to carry out repairs in an entire apartment or house, then it is better to purchase a tubular pneumatic gun.

When time and precision of work are valued, it is necessary to provide yourself with an electric or battery-powered tool. When purchasing, pay attention to how comfortable such a device is for you, how it feels in your hand, and whether its elements interfere with operation. Please pay special attention on the trigger, how tightly it is held and what material it is made of. It would be better if it was aluminum. As for brands, of course, it is better to pay attention first of all to trusted manufacturers who have earned the trust of consumers.

How to operate a pistol - simple steps

How to work with a pistol - this question is relevant not only for novice craftsmen, but also for any person who first encountered this tool. In fact, there are no difficulties - just a few nuances, after studying which all questions will disappear.

So, the principle of operation of sealant guns is quite simple - due to mechanical pressure on a container with sealant (or other material, for example, liquid nails), the material is extruded in the form of a strip, by directing which we achieve the desired effect. The pressure is provided by the rod, which is set in motion by pressing the trigger - apparently, this is why the tool got such a militant name. In pneumatic tools, instead of a rod, the pressure is exerted by air. Basically, difficulties arise when you need to equip the tool with the material itself, the same sealant. Fortunately, manufacturers try to adhere to the same standards, which makes our task much easier.

How to work with a pistol - step-by-step diagram

Step 1: Remove the limiters

If we are dealing with a skeletal or semi-corpus instrument, the procedure will not take much time. First of all, you need to check whether the tube with the material is equipped with a special restrictive bottom. If it is present, it must be removed.

Step 2: Pull out the stem

In the gun we need to pull out the rod, for which we press the lever all the way and remove the part. We insert the cartridge into the vacant space and lightly press the trigger several times to strengthen the cartridge.

Step 3: Release the sealant

We make a hole in the cartridge through which the sealant will flow to the cone, giving us an even line of equal thickness. Cones often come sealed, that is, we need to cut off the tip of the cone to get the required diameter of the sealant seam, but the cut should be slightly smaller than the diameter we need.

If you decide to use a “syringe” or tubular gun, then the principle of filling it is somewhat different. To begin, make a hole in the cartridge with the material, or, if it is sealant or “sausage” packaged in bags, carefully cut off one corner or end so that the sealant can freely come out of the bag. You need to place the prepared container into the “syringe” itself in such a way that the cut end of the container is directed towards the tip through which the strip of sealant will come out. Of course, before inserting, remove the rod - this is done in the same way as in the case of the skeletal apparatus.

Usually the gun comes with several nozzles with tips, one of which we use to tighten the cylinder. If there is no hole in the tip, cut a small piece with a regular utility knife at a 45° angle. Of course, try to guess the diameter of the resulting hole. In any case, if there is a construction gun for sealant, there should also be instructions from the manufacturer. It’s not a sin to study it, because manufacturers can supply pistols with their own special developments and innovations that are not provided in standard versions.

How to use a sealant gun - instructions for a beginner

Actually, you shouldn’t have any difficulties with a properly equipped pistol. If you followed the cartridge installation instructions above, you've already done everything you need to get started. So all that remains is to smoothly pull the trigger and move the sealant along the seam. If you use a skeletal or semi-body instrument, the first presses may be several to squeeze out the required amount of sealant to fill the void in the cap itself, then the presses should be done smoothly and unhurriedly.

With electric or cordless tools, pulling the trigger controls the rate at which the caulk is applied, so if this is your first time using such a tool, start in inconspicuous areas, such as caulking a seam in the far corner of a room. Once you get the hang of it, start working on prominent places. If you need to trim or press caulk into a gap, wet your fingers with water and run it across the surface in one smooth motion. There is no additional need to dry the material - in the open air it acquires the desired hardness within a few hours.

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

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 has a not particularly 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 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 better and more reliable retention of the cartridge. Based on the method of supplying sealant, battery, 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 begin 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 with the composition itself, 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 top part, so that you get a hole of the same diameter as the thickness of the seam you need.

If a tubular or syringe type gun is used, then 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 work. 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 gun to supply the composition is very important, since the final result and appearance of the seam depend on the correct actions.