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Must-Try Caulking Gun Tricks That Make The Job Easier Than Ever
By RON BAKER
Using Markings
To help you size your cut, some caulk brands have embossed markings on the nozzle tip. Cut there, use the same angle each time, and every bead will be consistent.
You can also get a range of bead sizes from the same small hole by varying the rate of application and angle of the gun consistently, which will make nozzle markings more useful.
Relieve Pressure
To relieve the pressure from the rod whenever you pause, push the release mechanism’s latch (the one you use to pull the rod back to replace the sealant tube).
It’s a good idea to get in the habit of releasing that latch and eliminating the pressure whenever you finish putting down any bead of caulk.
Puncture The Bottom
Air bubbles in the caulk store pressure after you
flip the latch. As the air decompresses, it makes the caulk drip out of the nozzle, but puncturing can help.
Cutting very small slits in the disc that pushes the caulk out can relieve this pressure. Stop the caulk from leaking by carefully cutting small slits in the base of the cartridge.
Dripless Caulk Gun
Avoid caulk drips by using a drip-free gun. It essentially does the same thing that manually flipping the lever does — you just don’t have to remember to do it.
Dripless, or drip-free, caulk guns automatically remove the mechanical pressure of the driving rod by backing off when you release the trigger.
An Extension
The length or rigidity of a caulk tube and gun may prevent you from getting the caulk where it needs
to go. Solve this issue by attaching an extension tube.
Extension tubes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and some are even reusable. The most flexible option might be to keep some thin-walled vinyl tubing on hand.