A good caulking gun can really make your life eaiser.
If you’re spilling caulk everywhere and making uneven lines even if the project itself is excellent, then you’ll be diminishing its ATTRACTIVENESS.
It’s crucial to find the right caulking gun for you to do a job well done on whatever task you’re up to, so we compiled a list of the best caulk guns out there on the market.
Best Caulking Guns of 2022
Here are the best caulk guns that you can use for both your home improvement project and professional use.
This is a great caulking gun if you want something light, convenient, and powerful, all at the same time.
The Makita XGC01Z is a powerful caulk gun, giving you 1,000 lbs. of power to work with.
It contains an axis that rotates the caulk cartridge 360 DEGREES.
It’s also CORDLESS. That way, you don’t have to go through the hassle of lugging a wire everywhere and finding a power socket.
Even then, it’s a pretty lightweight caulking gun, weighing at about 10 oz. With this user-friendly design, you can work on your project for quite some time without feeling any strain on your wrists.
If you want to apply caulk in the MOST ACCURATE MANNER, then this high-quality caulking gun has got you covered with its built-in variable speed dial.
If you’re going to work somewhere dark, you can still look at the dial since it has LED lights.
Due to the versatility it offers, this can be considered the best caulking gun for people who work on a diverse set of projects.
Pros
- 26:1 thrust ratio
- Lightweight
- Cordless
Cons
- No ladder hook
If you need to apply high-viscosity sealants, this is the best caulk gun you can use.
It’s got an 18:1 thrust ratio that allows you to use it for some heavy-duty caulking jobs.
This caulk gun was MADE TO LAST. It has a zinc alloy handle that’s corrosion-resistant.
And if you ever decide that you should do a caulking project on a record-breaking hot day, the Newborn 250 can definitely take a beating with you out there.
Thanks to its revolving frame, it produces a pretty GOOD-LOOKING BEAD.
Due to its smooth rod and thumb release design, you won’t have to worry about creating a mess. Once you let go of the trigger, the product will stop dispensing.
However, some people have reported issues with dripping anyways.
Even then, cleaning this caulking gun is will be EASY since it has a steel construction frame.
Overall, both professionals and beginners can enjoy using the Newborn 250 caulking gun.
Pros
- 18:1 thrust ratio
- Dripless
- Made to last
Cons
- A bit heavy
This hex rod caulk gun is the best caulking gun for you if you need a budget option for a caulk gun.
Newborn made this caulk gun with an efficient thrust ratio of 10:1, which can work well if you only plan to undertake minor projects.
It’s got a thumb release feature which makes this gun DRIP-FREE.
The lightweight caulk gun also has a padded handle and trigger, making it COMFORTABLE TO USE.
If you need to hang your caulk gun somewhere after using it on your ladder, you can use the LADDER HOOK to put it on the top ladder rung.
If you forgot your utility knife on the ground, there’s no need to go back down either. It has its very own seal puncture tool for times like that.
Pros
- Inexpensive option
- Dripless
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty projects
4. DeWALT 20V MAX Cordless Caulking Gun
This might be the best cordless caulking gun on the market for any project based on its scale.
This caulking gun features a 20-volt battery with a variable speed trigger, so you don’t have to worry about the lack of precision when applying caulk to seal joints on your project.
It’s got a SMOOTH ROD, so this caulk gun is a dripless one. That way, you can just focus on applying caulk to your project without worry.
If you end up working at night or in a dark area, this gun features an LED light that you can use at times like that.
What sets the DeWALT 20V apart from most caulk guns is you can use different caulk tube sizes with it, which makes this an incredibly versatile caulk gun.
Gone are the days where you have to bring multiple caulking guns for different caulk tubes.
It even allows you to use it as a SAUSAGE GUN due to its quick-change canister system.
The only thing is, it’s a bit pricier than other caulking guns out there, but considering the features it offers, it’ll be worth it.
Pros
- Has LED lights
- Can use multiple caulk tube sizes
- Can be used as a sausage barrel
Cons
- Not great at making smaller bead sizes
- A bit pricy
The Albion Engineering Company B12 is a great option to consider if you want a user-friendly caulk gun that’s got excellent durability.
The Albion B12 has a thrust ratio that’s a bit above 12:1, so it can dispense products like silicone, acrylic, and latex without issue.
It’s got a built-in cutter tool, meaning you can use it to cut the tip of your caulk canister without too much of a hassle.
If you plan to climb ladders while using this caulk gun, you don’t need to worry about where to put it when you don’t need to use it. It’s got its very own ladder hook for ease and convenience.
The B12 is made of aluminum which makes it corrosion-resistant.
However, the Albion B12 can be TIRING TO USE due to the materials used in the long run. It may lead to issues with your wrist if you’re not careful.
Pros
- Has a ladder hook
- 12:1 thrust ratio
- Has a seal puncture tool
Cons
- A bit on the expensive side
- A bit heavy
The Tajima 100SP is a formidable opponent when trying to find the best caulking gun due to the ease of use and versatility that it offers to its users.
It features an extra-long barrel that can benefit you greatly, especially when you need to put a new caulk canister in it.
Most caulking guns will require you to SMASH YOUR TUBE IN IT so that it can fit. With its extended barrel, you only need to slip the tube in, and you’re all set.
It’s got a rotating barrel, so you can always set it to your desired angle when you have to apply the caulk.
The Tajima 100SP’s power can handle many high-viscous products since it’s got a TWIN THRUST SYSTEM that gives its thrust ratio a considerable boost.
The only thing with the Tajima is that it doesn’t have a spout cutter. But it’s a small thing since you can just use your utility knife to substitute for a puncture tool.
Pros
- More barrel space
- Has a rotating barrel
- Twin thrust system for more power
Cons
- No seal puncture tool
Different Types of Caulking Guns
Caulking guns just don’t come in one form. There are different types out there that will affect how you work, so it’s best to see how each differs.
Basic Caulk Guns
Basic caulking guns come with a trigger and a rod.
It almost works like a glue gun.
The user will PULL THE TRIGGER, which will cause the rod to push out the product.
Basic caulk guns aren’t hard to buy and are usually inexpensive to boot.
However, they don’t dispense the sealant as clean as other advanced caulking guns out there in the market.
Dripless Caulk Guns
Hate the dreaded DRIPPINGS that come out of the caulking gun even after releasing the trigger?
The dripless caulking gun (AKA the smooth rod caulking gun) has a plate that will secure the rod, so it stops releasing product after you stop squeezing the trigger.
Pneumatic Caulk Guns
You can also use pneumatic caulk guns to avoid unwanted drippings that are almost synonymous with using a caulk gun.
If you use a pneumatic caulk gun PROPERLY, that is.
This kind of caulk gun uses air to produce consistent results and prevents drippings after releasing the trigger.
You can also adjust the pressure to customize how much sealant is released with pneumatic guns.
Electric Caulk Guns
If you use manual caulking guns, you might notice that your wrist may feel a bit strained after using them a lot.
If so, you should consider getting an ELECTRIC CAULKING GUN to prevent wrist fatigue.
You’d only need to power it up and let the gun dispense the product for you.
Battery-Powered Caulk Guns
Battery-powered caulking guns work the same way as electric caulk guns, save for the fact it doesn’t require a cord to power them up.
This makes it a great tool for projects that require MORE VERSATILITY.
Or, you know, it’s a great tool to have around if you don’t want to deal with a sore wrist and find electrical sources where the job needs to be done.
10 Ounce Caulk Guns
When you imagine a caulk gun, you probably think of a 10-ounce caulk gun.
This caulk gun can carry 10-ounces of silicone which is perfectly fine if you’re a DIY-builder.
But if you’re a PROFESSIONAL BUILDER, you’ll most likely need a 28-ounce caulk gun along with this.
28 Ounce Caulk Guns
28-ounce caulk guns are what professionals usually use when building or repairing houses or other items.
You get more product from a single tube if you use this kind of caulking gun which may SAVE YOU MONEY in the long run.
Sausage Guns
Sausage guns are made to be used for higher-end products.
A sausage gun is essential when it comes to WATERPROOFING YOUR PROJECT.
While most products for caulking guns come with a tip, products for sausage guns don’t have that.
The gun has a tip instead. That way, you can reuse it whenever you need to.
How to Choose Your Caulk Gun
Some guns have different features which will affect the way you work, but are they really worth having?
Let’s go through some different guns and the features they have so you know if they’re worth it or not.
Regular Caulk Gun Versus Sausage Gun
When talking about the sausage gun, one thing to mind is that it doesn’t produce the same amount of waste as a regular caulk gun.
After using the product of a SAUSAGE CAULK GUN, you’re left with a small piece of waste the size of a hocket puck.
Compared to the waste of a regular gun, it creates less waste.
What does that mean for you?
If you’re paying for the job site’s dumpster every time it’s emptied, then the plastic tubes of a regular gun will add more to the waste, which can lead you to spend more money.
So if you’re working with a lot of waterproofing projects, you should consider getting a sausage gun to cut down on costs.
Cutter Versus No Cutter
A spout cutter may seem like such a handy feature to have on any caulking gun, but the truth is it’s not reliable.
Sometimes they don’t work, and even if they do, they don’t give you CONTROL over the way you want the product tip to be cut.
A cutter can only cut a square from the tip, so it’s better if you just use a UTILITY KNIFE in the end so you can get the cut you need.
Smooth Rod Versus Notched Rod
A SMOOTH PLUNGER ROD is what makes a dripless caulk gun a dripless one. You only need to squeeze the trigger, push the product out and stop squeezing to stop the dripping.
On the other side of the ring, a NOTCHED ROD is a serrated rod that will catch with each squeeze.
It’s cheaper and suitable for short and light projects.
The problem with a notched rod is that it will keep pushing out the product until you pull the rod back. That can lead to a mess and wasted sealant.
Seal Puncture
It’d be handy for your caulk gun to have a SEAL PUNCTURE TOOL since you can use it to pierce the seal of an adhesive.
It’s a step that’s less common with caulking but puncturing the seal will allow the adhesive to cure correctly, so you might want to look into that.
Ladder Hook
If you’re planning to use your caulk gun on a roof or any high place, then you might want to find a caulk gun that offers a LADDER HOOK.
If you’re not using the gun, you can just hook it on a ladder rung.
Aside from being more convenient, it also makes it SAFER FOR YOU, especially when you’re climbing up or down with your caulk gun.
Thrust Ratio
This is an important aspect of a caulking gun, especially when working with very viscous products.
It determines the amount of power a caulk gun can offer. The HIGHER the thrust ratio, the more POWERFUL it is.
If you’re working with SUPER-THICK PRODUCTS, you’ll most likely need an 18:1 thrust ratio.
You can go for an even higher thrust ratio if you’re working with something like RUBBER, where you’ll need a high thrust ratio of 26:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about caulking guns.
What Else Can I Use Aside From a Caulking Gun?
If you’re not satisfied with using a caulking gun or find it a hassle to use one, you can always opt for SPRAYING FOAM to fill in the cracks.
Are Caulk and Sealant the Same Thing?
No, those terms are not interchangeable.
SEALANT is for areas that will expand and contract.
On the other hand, you should use CAULK for areas that won’t expand or contract.
Can I Caulk Over Old Caulking?
It’s possible, but we don’t advise you to do it.
If you caulk over old caulking, the caulk will not look SMOOTH or PRECISE.
You’d be better off removing the old caulking before adding new silicone caulk to prevent it from shrinking over time.
How Can I Maintain My Caulking Gun?
If you want to keep your caulking gun for a long time, you should maintain it well.
You can do this by wiping it down with a wet cloth and drying it before storing it in a cool, dry place so it doesn’t rust.
If your caulking gun is a MANUAL GUN, you should adequately lubricate it so you don’t experience jams or the like.
Why Isn't My Caulk Gun Working Anymore?
If your caulk gun isn’t dispensing product like it’s supposed to, that could mean there’s an issue with the spring.
If the spring has been DISLODGED or is BENT, it won’t be easy to fix or replace.
Your best bet is to BUY A NEW CAULKING GUN.
Recap
To refresh your mind a bit, here are the reasons why we chose these certain products for best overall, best value, and best budget!
Best Overall: Makita XGC01Z 18V Caulk and Adhesive Gun
Quality caulking guns like the Makita XGC01Z are a godsend to people who need a heavy-duty caulk gun to use that’s versatile and comfortable to use.
It’s lightweight and cordless, which makes it easy to use.
Best Value: Newborn 250 Revolving Frame Caulking Gun
Newborn made this gun to LAST with its zinc alloy composition.
Its thrust ratio of 18:1 makes this a great tool to use if you need to use highly viscous caulk.
It’s a great option to consider as the best caulk gun for you if you don’t mind the weight.
Best Budget: Newborn 930-GTD Drip-Free Hex Rod Caulk Gun
The Newborn 930 is a great contender for the best caulk gun when choosing BUDGET OPTIONS.
It’s got an excellent thrust ratio of 10:1 while being lightweight and comfortable to use with its padded handgrip and trigger.
It’s also DRIPLESS which may make your work easier and neater.
Conclusion
A high-quality caulking gun can MAKE OR BREAK YOUR PROJECT.
Top-quality caulking guns may feel like they’re hard to come by sometimes, but if you look hard enough, you can find the best caulking gun for you.
There are many different options out there, but each gun can cater to your needs and unique processes.