Caulking Guns

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What features should I look for when buying a caulking gun?

A ladder hanging hook can be very useful if you'll be working off the ground. No-drip features are useful for reducing cleanup, and common on electric caulking guns.

Are there different types of caulking guns?

There are four main types:

Standard caulking guns are easy to operate and lightweight, and very simple in design and construction.

Heavy-duty caulking guns feature a more durable ratchet and apply more force with each squeeze of the trigger, making them good for working with thicker caulks.

Dripless caulking guns have a mechanism which causes the ratchet to pull back after each use, creating negative pressure so that caulk won't leak from the tip.

Electric caulking guns drive the ratchet with a motor and can greatly speed up caulking jobs, plus deliver a lot of force to stubborn and plugged tubes.

Are caulking guns universal?

Caulk guns and caulk cartridges are universal and generally interchangeable. Some light-duty caulk guns may not be able to apply enough force for particularly dense types of caulk and tube adhesive, but the tubes will fit.

Do I need to buy a caulk gun for applying caulk?

You will need a caulk gun to apply any tube caulk. For smaller jobs, a hand-squeezable tube of sealant is an easy alternative.

How do I use a caulk gun?

Caulk guns are easy to use. Just depress the trigger to unlock the ratchet, then pull it back, insert a tube, slide it forward until it fits snugly, then cut the tube tip if needed and you're ready to apply caulk with the gun. Check out our helpful guides on How to Apply Exterior Caulking and How to Apply Interior Caulking for more tips.