How to choose a sealant gun?

The sealant gun is an essential tool when carrying out repair work. It is designed to accurately and evenly apply the sealant mixture. The work is quick and easy. Today, this tool is presented in various types, which allows you to choose the best option.

The sealant pistol got this name, because outwardly it has a lot in common with this type of weapon. It is equipped with a comfortable grip, as well as a special mechanism with a trigger and a guide that simulates the barrel of this weapon.

Among the presented variety of guns for using hermetic mixtures, silicone options are very popular. They are noticeable on the shelves of hardware stores, as they attract attention with their special packaging.

The sealant gun is presented in a special tube or cylindrical containers. The peculiarity of the instrument is that its bottom is characterized by mobility. It can easily move around the body of the product. A variety of attachments can be put on the tip of the tube, which allow you to give the squeezed mixture the desired shape. The movement of the bottom of the tube is due to the presence of a special piston, which begins to move when the trigger mechanism is pressed. The piston puts pressure on the bottom of the container with the sealant, and the mixture is already squeezed out through the spout of the product.

The sealant manufacturers use a uniform format, so the sealant gun is ideal for different types of sealant.

Today's construction equipment manufacturers provide a huge range of hermetic mix guns. In such a variety, you can easily get confused, so before buying, you should familiarize yourself with the features of different models.

All pistols for hermetic mixtures can be conditionally divided into two large groups.

This category includes high quality pistols that are designed for multiple use. They are distinguished by their reliability, practicality and durability, and are also manufactured in accordance with GOST. Usually, professional tools are purchased for large industries where there is a need to carry out sealing work.

The peculiarity of professional tools is that they are ideal not only for working with sealants in the form of a tube. They are suitable for work even with bulk hermetic sausage-type mixtures. The indisputable advantage of such tools is the huge number of attachments that are sold with them in a set. The nozzle allows you to create seams of the required size. Such models can be used to work with glass sealant.

Professional options include pneumatic and battery models. The air pistol has a slightly different mechanism of action compared to the mechanical version. The sealant is squeezed out by air pressure, no mechanical pressure is applied. This feature allows you to increase the duration of the work with the tool, since no fatigue is felt in the hands.

Many sealant spray guns have pressure regulators. They allow you to set the required pressure so that the mixture is squeezed out in the required amount for convenient filling of a certain joint width. Models for two-component sealant look interesting. Thanks to the well thought-out design, working with such sealed compounds is quite easy and simple.

The most expensive professional tools are cordless. Due to their high cost, they are rarely purchased for domestic construction, since usually the seams are sealed once. The peculiarity of the cordless models is that they have a presetting of the extrusion speed. This improves the quality of the construction work carried out.

Amateur models are in demand due to their affordable price and huge variety. Several varieties of this group can be found on sale. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that all models are manual. They can be easily assembled even without instructions.

Depending on the type of body, there are several types of amateur pistols for hermetic mixtures.

• Skeleton pistol - ideal for one-time sealing work. If you compare it with the semi-case model, then it is more durable, but it costs a little more. It perfectly holds the tube with the sealant due to the presence of rigid design ribs. The piston rod is characterized by a smooth stroke, without distortions. The skeleton model is made of high quality steel, which is only 1.5 mm thick. For the manufacture of the handle, steel is used with a width of 2 mm, and for the stem - a hexagonal rod made of steel with a section of 6 mm.

• Reinforced skeletal variant in design, it does not differ in any way from the skeletal. The difference lies in the use of more reliable and durable materials. Such a pistol is characterized by a long service life. In the manufacture of the case, steel is used with a thickness of 2 mm, the handle is 3 mm and a stem with a section of 8 mm.

• Half-hull view is the most affordable due to the low cost of the product. It is characterized by a short service life. It is enough for about a few packs of hermetic mixture. Due to the peculiarities of the design, the tube has a slope to bend, and when squeezing out the polyurethane foam, a lot of effort should be applied. These pistols are made from steel with a thickness of only 1 mm, and a stem with a section of only 6 mm. If the instrument is thrown, it can wrinkle and deteriorate.

• Cylindrical pistol is the most popular among amateur models. With its high cost, it allows you to work even with bulk sealants. The design of the tool guarantees ease of use due to the smooth stroke of the stem. This option is ideal for working with silicone glue, as well as for sausage tubes.

The sealant can be applied even without a gun. This option is not very convenient, since you will need to use a hammer to knock the product out of the cartridge.

To make DIY repair work quick and easy, you should purchase a spray sealant gun. Before using the manual model, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer. Reinforced products are in great demand. They are convenient and simple, since they are easier to work with than using a screwdriver.

Instructions for using a gun for hermetic mixtures are simple and include several stages.

• You need to think about personal protection first. Gloves and safety goggles are recommended.
• It is necessary to clean the surface. A triangular scraper or sharp knife can be used to remove the previous coating.If crumbs remain after cleaning, they can be removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. It is imperative to degrease the base.

• All constraints need to be removed. If you use a skeletal or semi-hull version, then this stage will not take much time. It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of a special bottom, since it is used as a limiter. It must be removed before using the tube.
• You need to pull out the stem. To do this, push the lever to remove the part. In the free space where the stem was located, you need to put the cartridge. Apply some pressure on the hook with light force, which will strengthen the container.
• It is necessary to make a special hole in the container through which the substance will be supplied to the cone. The hole determines the creation of a straight and uniform line. Usually the cones are sealed, in which case the end of the cone should be cut off to create a seam of the required diameter. Note that the cut must be of a smaller diameter than the required extrusion size.

Working with a syringe or tubular gun is a little different.

• First you need to make a hole in the tube. If you use prepackaged material in the form of a "sausage" for work, then you need to carefully cut off one end, which will allow the sealant to easily come out of the container.

• The prepared container with the sealant should be put into the gun, while the cut end should go into the tip of the tool, because it is through it that the mixture will be squeezed out. But before that, it is imperative to eliminate the stem, as described in the step-by-step instructions when working with the skeletal version.
• Usually, pistols for hermetic mixtures have several nozzles in the complex, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. It is necessary to screw the selected bit onto the tool barrel.
• If the tip does not have a hole, then using a clerical knife, it is necessary to cut the tip, while the angle of the medium should be 45 degrees. Of course, you also need to guess the size of the hole to create a seam of the required diameter. To fix the tool, it is worth using a clamp.

If you have purchased an electric or battery version to work with the sealant, then first you need to practice in inconspicuous places. The trigger pull is responsible for regulating the material flow. If you need to fill a gap with a sealant or smooth out already created joints, then it is recommended to slightly moisten the surface with soapy water. It is this solution that prevents the foam from sticking to the hands, which will allow you to quickly remove excess sealant from the surface.

Today on the construction market you can find a huge selection of guns for using hermetic mixtures for every taste. If we talk about the rating of the best manufacturers of construction equipment, then you should definitely pay attention to the products from the German company Kraftool.

Tool Kraftool Super-Max characterized by excellent quality, unique mechanism and durability. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the reciprocating movement of the piston is carried out without the use of force. This unique development is a patented company. This version of the gun is equipped with plastic panels to protect it from dust. It is the perfect solution for professional models.

Famous brand Hilti is a manufacturer of high quality equipment and materials for construction work. The company presents a huge variety of guns for working with sealants for both amateurs and professionals. Long service life is an indisputable advantage of the brand's products.

Chinese company Hammer is also respected by construction professionals. The manufacturer offers quality pistols at affordable prices. They are made of high-quality metal, are easy to use, and will last for many years with careful use.

German brand Wolfcraft is a popular manufacturer of high quality construction equipment, among which mechanical and electronic sealant guns are in great demand. The company gives a 5-year warranty for its products. The pistols are distinguished by the presence of an ergonomic handle, have an automatic drip stop system, and are also equipped with a special system for quick cartridge change.

Many professional builders prefer to use a tool from a Japanese company Makita... For example, the DCG180RHE sealant gun is an excellent choice as it is cordless. This tool works well with 300 ml or 600 ml cartridges and bulk mixes. It is characterized by lightness, compactness and high working efficiency. Additionally, the device is equipped with an adjustable speed of squeezing out the sealant, as well as an anti-drip function.

Another German manufacturer of excellent quality construction equipment is the company Stayer... It offers great solutions for true professionals. Chinese brand Sparta provides one year warranty for all products. Sealant guns have a reinforced body structure that is equipped with four transverse stiffeners.

Spanish company Armero manufactures high-quality tools, including pistols for hermetic mixtures. Excellent quality, wide range and durability are the strengths of construction tools.

Among Russian manufacturers, it is worth noting the company "Zubr"... Many models are made of durable metal with a chrome finish to prevent corrosion. A comfortable grip, a well thought-out design and a guarantee of up to 5 years make Zubr pistols popular and in demand.

Among the huge assortment of sealant guns from various manufacturers, it is very difficult to make a choice.

It is necessary to pay attention to some of the nuances.

• The tool should hold well in the hand. Squeezing the trigger should be comfortable, and there should be no effort.
• When buying an inexpensive model, you should pay attention to the quality. The riveted parts of the tool must be securely fixed.
• It is better to choose an aluminum handle, as this material is characterized by excellent quality and durability.
• Devices from well-known manufacturers are distinguished by a long service life, but you should be careful not to fall for a fake. It is better to buy the tool at specialized points.

There are some tips for cleaning your gun after use.

• Always clean the instrument after use. It is necessary to remove the remnants of the sealant from the barrel, stem and nozzle.
• If you do not clean the gun in time, the foam will harden inside, then there is no way to work with it again.
• For further work with polyurethane sealant, it is necessary to remove the spout with a dried composition and use a new nozzle.

• White spirit will help to remove fresh bituminous sealant, and the frozen composition can only be dealt with mechanically.
• If there are difficulties in removing the dried tube from the case, then it is better to contact the repair.
• Work with the sealant should not be performed in high humidity, as well as in direct sunlight. This can lead to prolonged or very rapid curing of the sealant, which negatively affects its performance.

For information on how to choose a sealant gun, see the next video.