The standard 1/10 gallon caulk gun
There are two sizes of caulk guns: a 1/10 gallon and 1/4 (quart) gallon size. The most popular caulk gun is the 1/10 gallon size gun. The caulk guns are basically the same with a few variables.
Ratcheting Thrust
The thrust ratio differs from one model to the next. The better models have a higher ratio (from 12: 1 - 20:1) and a common ratio is around 6:1. Latex caulks are light viscosity and easy to gun. A 6:1 ration is fine for latex. The higher ratio guns are good for heavy viscosity - hard to gun caulks like butyl or synthetic rubber caulks. The higher ratio makes it easier to squeeze the handle and expel the caulk from the cartridge. If you are doing a lot of caulking you will want the higher ratio ratcheting thrust, your wrist / hand tendons can get fatigued after going through several cases of caulk.
The Release
There are a few different ratchet release mechanisms used.
Automatic release. This is the best release method for professional caulking and is found on the best caulk guns. The pressure is released when the trigger is quickly released. The best auto release mechanisms will hold pressure until you quickly release the trigger. If you slowly release the trigger you will maintain pressure. This in important on long caulk beads that require more than one trigger pull to complete. Constant pressure allows for a more uniform bead.
Other Features
Spout Cutter
I like an all-in-one caulk gun that has the spout cutter and tube lance all on the caulk gun. The spout cutter is a blade on the upper end of the "trigger" pull. It works by placing the end of a spout into a hole in the caulk gun handle. When the trigger is pulled, the blade crosses over the hole and cuts the spout.
Tube Piercing Lance
The lance is about a straight, stiff wire attached to the caulk gun on a rivet.
Related Articles: Cracking Paint on Caulk
Related Links: Caulk Guns
ratchet rod
1/10 gallon size caulk gun
caulk tube
tube piercing lance
tube spout cutter
Thumb release. The smooth rod guns utilize a thumb release in conjunction with the smooth rod (the standard ratchet rod has gear teeth on one side). The thumb release allows for one handed control of the caulk flow and release. The thumb release is located at the back of the gun just below the rod. Depressing the release the ratchet pressure and stop the flow of caulk.
Standard release The standard release requires two hands. When you want to stop the flow, you grip the ratchet rod and twist with one hand 180 degrees, while holding the gun with the other hand. This is the release method found on most inexpensive caulk guns.
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Caulk Removal
Caulk removal can be done with a single edge razor, razor knife or a special removal tool.
Use caution with the razor on soft surfaces to prevent scratching the surface. In situations where scratching may be a problem, a wood shim or plastic spackle knife will work as a removal tool.
Clean the surface after removal by wiping the area down with denatured alcohol or a no rinse type of cleaner (no rinse prepaint cleaner) where alcohol might damage the surface.
Hyde 43620 Caulk Removal Tool
