Here comes the long-awaited annual leave- It’s time for the ‘busy bee’ to walk around the home and see if everything is in the right condition.
You walk into the kitchen and as you pay close attention to the sink, you notice that it is already beginning to show signs of coming out of the counter.
Nothing serious, you say to yourself. But that’s not all; a few minutes later you realize that the seals on your windows are showing some signs of giving up; they are dry and are already beginning to crack.
Now, as a responsible homeowner, you will definitely know that something is not right. And yes, it is under such conditions that caulking guns turn extremely handy.
A caulking gun allows one to reseal the cracks on windows and fill up any cracks around the home. However, unless you get the high-quality caulking guns, you may reseal the cracks only for them to end up breaking days or at most weeks after applying.
With this in mind, we consulted seven experts with over 25 years of experience and asked for their recommendations. Out of the 28 recommendations they gave, we went further to examine customer experiences before testing each of the models.
After all this, we ended up with 11 options on our list that we will be presenting to you today.
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11 Best Caulking Guns
#1 Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free Smooth Hex Rod Cradle Caulking Gun
No products found.By checking at the price, it was easy for us to doubt whether this could be among the markets top options as recommended. However, after using it in several projects, we were amazed by the level of performance. Actually, it performs better than some of the expensive models in the market, rendering it a good option for those that want a caulking gun that will get the job done without having to operate outside the threshold of their small budget.
We like that the gun features a rod that retracts slightly after releasing the trigger. This feature makes it dripless which renders is an ideal option for the homeowners or who have zero tolerance to mess. Although the bar retracts, this option delivers a consistent distribution of the caulk. However, for us to maintain a uniform pressure, we were forced to apply a bit more strength.
The caulking gun also comes with an ergonomic grip that makes it more comfortable to use for an extended period. The thrust ratio of 10:1 may not be the best you will get in the market but at least it’s fairly standard to handle most home projects. The weight of 2.47lbs means that it is light for use and will not give operator fatigue when used for long.
What we liked:
- It is very affordable.
- It is very user-friendly.
- The dripless design is a plus.
What we didn’t like:
- It requires some strength to maintain consistent pressure.
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#2 Albion Engineering B26 B-Line Manual Cartridge Caulking Gun
No products found.Our second selection comes from Albion Engineering Company. What we liked first about this caulking gun is the construction. The barrel of this tool is of premium-grade aluminum material. This construction is not only durable but also offers high resistance to corrosion. Actually, the innovative Albion’s Double-Gripping Plate Technology together with the steel trigger means that it won’t break even when dropped. This feature also gives it double life, making it a good deal for anyone in the lookout for a quality caulking gun that will last for years.
Although the gun may be quite heavier than others, it only weighs 20 ounces which is still light enough to allow for hours of minimal operator fatigue. Unlike the preceding model that has a pressure of 10:1, this gun gives a thrust ratio of 12:1, which is quite higher than the standard ratio. With this ratio, you can use it for dispensing high viscosity materials. In fact, we used it for latex, silicone, and acrylic and performed great.
The full-sized handle is ergonomically designed to ensure hand comfort. The advanced pump efficiency ensures minimum wastage and gets the job done quicker and neater while the unique design allows for caulking in the hard-to-reach areas.
What we liked:
- The durability is impressive.
- The thrust ratio suits most projects.
- It gets into confined spaces.
What we didn’t like:
- May not be the most ideal for small projects.
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#3 CJGQ Sausage Caulking Gun 600ml Manual Drive
No products found.This gun is also aesthetically appealing. We like the fact that it comes in three colors; blue, gold, and silver. We chose the silver color because we wanted something cool and elegant. However, this doesn’t mean that the other colors aren’t great; it’s only that we had to choose the majority’s favorite.
The gun features a greater thrusting ratio of 18:1 which means that it can nearly be used with different types of caulks. The construction of the gun was another point of attraction since it is commercial-grade aluminum alloy while the trigger features steel construction. The aluminum construction minimizes the overall weight of the gun without compromising on durability while the steel trigger stands up to everyday depression in a busy workstation.
The steel handles employ an ergonomic design to ensure that they provide the user with perfect grip when applying force while the 360-degree rotation ability makes it an ideal option for tackling hidden places. The gun comes with a plastic hook that makes it easy to hang on to a nail so that it doesn’t have to take your floor space.
What we liked:
- The gun can be used with high viscosity materials.
- It is available in three color varieties.
- The construction is very durable.
What we didn’t like:
- It is quite inconsistent.
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#4 Newborn Pro Super Ratchet Rod Caulk Gun
No products found.Just like the earlier sibling, this caulking gun from Newborn Brothers comes at a very affordable price that suits any homeowner’s budget. Although it is very affordable, it has rugged construction that makes it among the market’s most durable options. We like that the gun comes with an ergonomic handle that gives the user a comfortable grip when using.
The tool employs a lightweight design that gives minimum operator fatigue. In other words, the ergonomic grip together with the lightweight design makes it an ideal option for anyone in the lookout for an option that he can use in long projects. The ladder hook together with the spout cutter steps up the user comfort.
However, this caulking gun has a low thrust ratio of 6:1. Although this may be enough for some projects, we found it not ideal for use with high viscosity materials.
What we liked:
- It is very affordable.
- Has a convenient ladder hook.
- Has a welded back cap.
What we didn’t like:
- The thrust ratio is below the standard ratio.
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#5 Albion Engineering B12S20 B-Line Manual Sausage Caulking Gun
No products found.When it comes to innovation and design excellence, you can always count on Albion Engineering Company. And yes, this is among the many products that justify this statement. Albion Engineering B12S20 Caulking gun comes with an advanced design that allows the user to reach far spaces and tighter spaces that cannot be achieved when using most of the other caulking guns in the market.
Just like the before sibling, this tool delivers a thrust ratio of 12:1 that works effectively even with the high viscosity materials. The handle of the gun comes with ergonomics in mind to ensure it interacts nicely with the palm for long hours of comfortable use. Albion Engineering B12S20 Caulking Gun comes with a premium-grade aluminum construction that combines with the unique double gripping plate technology to ensure prolonged service life.
The triggers of this model are also of rugged steel material that can stand up to everyday use. Both the aluminum and the steel materials will not catch rust making the unit a great tool for use in the outdoor space.
What we liked:
- It can hold large volumes.
- It is ideal for use with thick products.
- Has a rotating swivel barrel.
What we didn’t like:
- It is slightly costly.
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#6 DEWALT DC545K 18-Volt 310-ml Adhesive and Caulk Gun
No products found.If you are not new to hand tools and power tools, there are higher chances that you know there is always something common about Dewalt products. And yes, it’s the quality. Since the establishment, Dewalt has entertained the customers with consistency in producing quality products. When we talk about Dewalt DC545K Caulk Gun, it’s totally the same story.
This caulking gun features a cartridge holder that holds cartridges of different sizes. The holder is 360-degree rotatable to allow for user convenience. What stirred our interest in this option is the massive pushing force of 650 pounds. With this force, you can use the gun for the thickest adhesives and sealants that cannot work with other guns with a low thrust force.
Furthermore, we noticed that this gun features an auto-reverse functionality to minimize drips and ensure efficiency in operations. This feature also helps save time since you won’t need to spend time to clean the mess after work. The battery-powered gun boasts rugged construction that can withstand everyday use by a dedicated professional. However, the cost is an indication that it is not made for everyone. The variable speed delivers uniform flow rates and is pretty straightforward to set.
What we liked:
- It’s good for professional applications.
- It has an auto-reverse feature.
- The cartridge rotates 360-degrees.
What we didn’t like:
- It is expensive.
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#7 JES 10 oz. 26:1 High Thrust Caulk and Adhesive Gun
No products found.If you find the Dewalt option too expensive for you, this is yet another reliable unit that suits professional applications. This caulk and adhesive gun deliver a mechanical advantage of 26:1 which is very high enough to squeeze just about anything from the tube.
We noticed that most customers complain that some of the caulking guns were unable to squeeze even thin sealants and adhesives after they became thicker during the winter season. However, with this massive thrust force, you will be able to force the thickest sealants and adhesives out of the tube even when working in a low-temperature environment.
The cradle barrel rotates 360 degrees which makes it easy to maneuver the gun in tight spaces. Furthermore, we were also impressed with the construction; all the parts of the caulking gun are of heavy-gauge metal that will withstand use by very demanding professionals. A premium finish covers the construction to not only make the tool visually appealing but also to protect the parts from catching rust.
The unit comes with a built-in puncture pin to eliminate the need for a nail and a ladder hook that adds user convenience. The holder of this tool accepts the standard 10-ounce cartridges to suit most home improvement projects.
What we liked:
- It has a comfortable handle.
- It features premium construction.
- It is easy to use.
What we didn’t like:
- It drips a bit.
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#8 Newborn 250 Super Smooth Rod Revolving Frame Caulking Gun
No products found.If you want a caulking gun for your home projects, it’s obvious that you won’t be using it daily, or weekly, but occasionally. Therefore, you should consider going for an option that can last for years. And yes, having been designed with occasional use in mind, this is one of the options you can count on to deliver longevity. The industrial-grade zinc alloy construction resists rust and makes the gun very aesthetically appealing.
When we compare this choice with other preceding types by the same manufacturer, this choice delivers a solid thrust ratio of 18:1 to allow use with thicker materials. In fact, we tested this claim by using it for dispensing acrylic, cement, adhesives, asphalt, and butyl and we ended up with nothing to complain about. We found the piece to be extremely easy to use and to familiarize with oneself. Hence, we highly recommend it to homeowners who have never used a caulking gun before. y
We also love the level of comfort offered by the handle while the dispensing consistency ensures that you apply sealants and adhesives uniformly to avoid repeat projects. The revolving frame increases maneuverability so that you will never leave cracks at the corners and tight spaces.
What we liked:
- The tool delivers even distribution.
- It is very aesthetically appealing.
- It features a massive thrust ratio of 18:1
What we didn’t like:
- The cutter doesn’t cut clean.
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#9 Dripless Inc. ETS2000 Ergo Composite Caulk Gun
No products found.From the name, it’s easy to conclude that this caulking gun employs dripless design. And yes, if that is the case, you will have judged rightly. This gun goes with 10-ounce cartridges and comes with a lightweight composite frame to minimize hand fatigue without compromising on the durability of the unit. In fact, this model weighs 40% less than most of the models covered on our list.
The thrust ratio of 12:1 means that the gun can be used with a wide variety of sealants and adhesives. We noticed that the gun features a built-in spout cutter that makes it easy for the user to cut the tip of the cartridge without the need for any tool. The revolving frame maintains even distribution when caulking at the corners and other confined spaces while the hook at the back allows the user to hang it on a ladder so that the user can climb the ladder safely.
Our team noticed that this unit comes with an ergonomic design that keeps the wrist in a natural position. This property ensures comfort and prevents wrist pain that comes with extended use. The gun is also easy on the hands and works best on occasional use.
What we liked:
- It is very perfect for basic works.
- It has a spout cutter.
- The frame revolves for convenience.
What we didn’t like:
- It works best with caulks than adhesives.
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#10 COX 41004-2T Ascot 10.3-Ounce Cartridge Rotating Cradle Manual Caulk Gun
No products found.COX has been at the forefront in delivering quality products that meet the needs of the customers to the letter. With their major driving factor being achieving customer satisfaction, their manufacturing procedures conform to the rigid quality standards and each product tested to guarantee that it is in line with the needs of the customer. In simpler terms, you can buy this caulking gun with the confidence that it will not easily disappoint.
The 26:1 mechanical advantage means that the gun will force just about any sealant or adhesive out of the tube provided that it comes in the standard 10-ounce cartridge. All the parts of the tool come with very rugged construction to offer exceptional strength while the elegant finish protects the construction from corrosion.
Furthermore, COX 41004 comes with a built-in ladder hook that allows you to hang the dispensing unit on the ladder or nail when you need to concentrate on other home improvement tasks. However, this unit doesn’t feature a built-in cutter and poker which mean that you will have to use a blade and a knife. The barrel rotates to allow you to change the direction of the cartridge tip to ensure convenience.
What we liked:
- It is made in the UK.
- It offers great leverage.
- It has an ergonomic trigger and handles.
What we didn’t like:
- It does not have poker and cutter.
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#11 Milwaukee Electric Tool 2441-21 M12 Caulk Gun Kit
No products found.Unless we included a second electric model, our top-notch list would remain incomplete especially for the people who use caulking guns on an everyday basis. The electric design means that the gun doesn’t require much manual strength hence will not strain the upper body muscles like the manual models.
We like the fact that this choice comes with a lightweight design that allows for hours of comfortable use. The lighter weight also makes the unit easy to maneuver so that you work on your projects quickly. Another impressive feature is that the revolutionary M12 REDLITHIUM battery of this electric tool is long-lasting which means that you get more time for caulking in a single charge.
We were also impressed to realize that the trigger retracts gradually after releasing to avoid excess distribution of sealant and adhesive. Therefore, we ended up using less time to clean the mess and generally got professional results. The various power settings is a true indication that this tool offers a new level of convenience while the heavy-duty construction means that durability is something you don’t need to worry about.
What we liked:
- It works with a 10-oz cartridge.
- It is adjustable.
- It does not cause a mess.
What we didn’t like:
- It’s slightly heavy as compared to the manual guns.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a thrust ratio in a caulking gun?
A thrust ratio measures the force that is applied by every trigger in the piston of a cartridge. A thicker material requires more pressure than a thin material. Normally, a thrust ratio of 16:1 or less is good for DIY projects while 18:1 and 26:1 ratios are good for professional applications.
How do you poke holes in caulk?
Most caulking guns come with built-in spout cutter for cutting the tip of the tube. Also, the majority feature a seal punch tool normally located at the tail of the gun for poking holes. However, if the model you choose doesn’t come with any of these, you can use a sharp blade or knife for cutting and a thin nail for making a hole in the foil seal.
How do you choose the right caulk for any surface?
Before you choose any caulk, it is important to first check the label to see if it works with the surface you intend to you use it for. Normally, siliconized acrylic works best for glass although it can also serve as kitchen and bath caulk. Silicone on the other side works as a concrete caulk although it can also be used in glass. However, before applying the new caulk, ensure that you remove the old caulk first for better results.
Final Verdict
As seen, a caulking gun is a must-have tool for any home improvement project. It makes it easy to reseal windows, cracks, and other home renovation tasks. Our top-notch panoply of caulking guns presents the top 11 rated options in the market. Therefore, if you are looking for the right tool for the job, you can the one that seems perfect for the project with the confidence that it will perform the work correctly.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
