Caulking Gun Guide

Many of us like to do our own home repairs. Many home repairs require a caulking gun. Knowing how to perform a few home repairs ultimately saves home owners thousands of dollars in home repairs per year. Every home owner should take the time to learn to do a few basic home repairs for their own good. Why? Well, if an emergency happens during the middle of the night or during inclement weather when it might be difficult to get a repairman, the owner might be able to do a simple basic repair. There are lots of basic repairs that the home owner can easily learn in a workshop like those given at home supply stores. And you might also look up information on the Internet or borrow a book from a local library on home repairs. In this piece we provide a guide on how to use a caulking gun.

Caulking Precautions

And remember while doing those home repairs like caulking to wear the proper safety equipment. At least wear a pair of good work gloves and eye safety goggles.

Using Caulking Gun

Now, let's discuss the caulking gun and how to properly use the tool. Many home repairs that you do around the house might need to be sealed. So, they need some type of agent that seals a joint or opening properly. Some of these sealants are called caulking or joint sealants and they are sold in long tubes. In order to apply the sealant properly you need a special tool. These tools are often referred to as caulking guns. Follow these tips to use a standard caulking gun.

Step One - Take the caulking compound in the tube and cut off the plastic tip at the end of the tube. Remember that the size of the opening determines the size of the bead dispensed from the tube. If you want a thin bead, cut a thin opening. If you want a wide bead, cut a wider opening.

Step Two - Now take a long nail and insert into the plastic tip opening at the end of the tube and remove.

Step Three - Take the caulking gun and pull back the plunger and set the caulking tube into opening in the caulking gun.

Step Four - In order to release the caulking compound you must press the caulking gun trigger. The caulking compound will continue to flow out even after you let go of the trigger because of the buildup of internal pressure in the tube. Don't panic.

Step Five - Push the catch plate on the caulking gun to stop the flow of caulk. In order to store a half used caulk tube simply insert a long nail into the end of the plastic nozzle to prevent the caulk from escaping or drying up. In order to use the caulking compound again simply remove the nail in the nozzle.

Source:A Step-By-Step Guide Do It Yourself Home Improvement, 2006, DK Publishing