Next, we tested each with an acrylic caulk to see how smooth, consistent, and easy they were to work with. We caulked a seam between two boards and then allowed the guns to rest to see how much they’d drip.

Also, consider the rod type of the caulking gun when you are making up your mind. You can get ratchet rods, which are serrated and ideally suited to more basic projects. These tend to be the cheaper option for those who are on the budget. There are also smooth rods that offer greater ease and enable easier release of pressure on the sealant. Price Application frequency - for infrequent, light-duty use, a cheaper, more basic gun is a good choice. While for heavy-duty, frequent applications, look for a good-quality caulking gun with added features. Some of the smaller ones are very lightweight and easy to handle, which is ideal for more basic jobs where you want speed and comfort. Do You Push or Pull when Caulking? Pneumatic: Air-powered caulking guns are among the most popular powered options for home workshops because there’s no battery to charge and they interchange with other air-power tools, but an air compressor is needed. In addition to the gun’s finger trigger, dispensing pressure can be regulated by adjusting the pressure on an air compressor. Choosing the best caulking gun might seem like a straightforward proposition, but there is actually quite a bit to know about these tools. From the type of rod, power vs. no power, thrust ratio, and more, it’s worth doing a bit of research. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when searching for the best caulking gun. Caulking Gun TypeYou can tell a great deal from ProDec’s description of this product as a “skeleton” caulking gun. I.e. it has none of the barrel sophistication of the other four products on test.

Features - additional features, such as padded triggers and 360° shaft rotation make application easier and more comfortable. We want to make it easy for you to shop our caulking gun range, so we've put together some basic information to help you choose the best product for you.This caulking gun features a 10:1 thrust ratio and easily dispenses light to light-medium viscosity caulk, making it well suited for latex and silicone. This gun’s smooth-pull hand trigger and dripless technology are a plus, and so is the fact that it comes with a built-in seal puncturing tool, a cutting tool, and a handy hook for hanging the gun on a ladder rung. Our shortlisted WorkPro model includes 9:1 and 18:1 thrust ratios from the same trigger, while the OX has an adjustable screw that lets you apply more or less pressure depending on what’s required. Note that this feature is not exclusive to pricier products – our most expensive contender (the Everbuild) doesn’t offer this functionality. Battery powered: This bad boy has removable batteries and a charger, so users can run a bead of caulk in locations where electricity isn’t available, typically running 2 to 3 hours per charge. If there is a lot of caulking to do, consider investing in an extra battery so the juice won’t run out before the job is done. Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.