Caulking Guns - The Future

Caulk guns and caulking is a messy job and it is really unavoidable. But there is one thing that we can do to reduce the degree of mess you generate. A Dripless Caulk Gun is one type of caulking gun that reduces the amount of drip. There is no 100% dripless gun at the moment, but there are those that really are bringing us into the future because of the various features. Siliguns aims to make the experience better for professionals and DIYers so it came up with its own patented caulk gun.

So from the name itself, we know that a dripless gun does not drip or significantly reduces any excess sealant from exiting the canister, especially when you are resting. But before we dive into that, let us also look at thrust ratios, something that is very important when dealing with a dripless caulk gun.

Thrust Ratios in Simple Terms

If you are wondering what caulk gun is best for you, one specification you should be looking for is the thrust ratio. Older ratchet-type guns usually have a meager 3:1 ratio, while higher-end and newer dripless caulk guns have at least 13:1. But what do these numbers really mean and what can they do to make your life easier?

Thrust ration is a measurement of the force applied on the canister tube by the piston with each trigger pull. The more efficient the design of a caulking gun, the higher its thrust ratio. A dripless caulk gun typically sits at around 12:1 to 13:1 ratio. 

Sealants that are thick or with high viscosity need more force to be pushed out of the canister tube. If the gun has a lower thrust ratio, this means you have to push the trigger multiple times to get the sealant to come up. This is not a very effective use of your time and energy. 

Now that you have a better grasp of thrust ratio, let us know to learn more about dripless caulk guns.

What is a Dripless Caulk Gun?

Imagine that is raining and that you are inside the home, trying to relax. As you do so, you notice some water or moisture slowly dripping out of the corner of the walls. Upon closer inspection, there appears to be a break in the seams of your roof so you need to do a quick repair. As it is still raining, there is not much you can do, but as soon as the rain lets up, then you can start work and do caulking as needed. 

A dripless caulk gun is what you will use to apply a sealant to cracks and seams that you see when you do a closer inspection of the roof. The caulk gun is the first tool you need to execute your plan. Then you also need to select the proper caulk to use. Silicone or polysulfide sealants are best used for those that are in direct contact with water most of the time. Caulks like this usually last about 10 to 20 years, if done right. This is why using a dripless caulk gun is important. 

Advantages of a Dripless Caulk Gun

1. Durable - There are two body types for caulk guns, those made of high-quality plastic and metal. For sure the metal-based tools are better in terms of durability as they could last years and years of use, but technology has advanced that plastic ones also can endure as much heavy use as metal ones. A plastic dripless caulk gun is lighter compared to a metal one, so this gets a plus point. It will also not rust, which is one major disadvantage to the more traditional design. Once water seeps into the paint, portions of the body would rust away. 
2. Inexpensive - No one wants to spend more money than needed. That is why buying a dripless caulk gone seems to be a financially-savvy decision to do. Although they might cost a bit more, in the long run, you will actually save as there is very little drip when working. This saves time and caulk! It is also very convenient to use. 
3. Smooth Pressure - Newer caulking guns are known for having an evenly distributed pressure along their body and the bottom of the caulk canister. This translates to a better caulk flow, which means a smoother finish and end product. Older ones, with the ratchet style, typically have uneven, inconsistent pressure, so it might result in thinner caulk or thicker ones, depending on the pressure applied.
4. Ideal of DIY enthusiasts - Because a dripless caulk gun is generally easy to use, it is ideal for DIY folks. Professionals might want to have a tool that is more elaborate, but for most, a handy gun is the best choice. Most home improvement folks are afraid of using a caulk gun for the first time intimidated that a small mistake is the worst, but using a dripless caulk gun can make all those jitters go away. 

Summary and Last-Minute Reminders

We discussed what thrust ratios mean and how it helps a DIY enthusiast select the best caulk gun that needs to be used for a certain project. We also went over four various reasons why dripless caulk guns are the stuff of the future. 

There are just a few more reminders for you:

• When doing caulking in tight spaces or awkward angles, it is best to use a compact gun and a dripless gun at that so there is no danger of any sealant going into your hair or your eyes. Needless to say, you should always wear safety goggles when doing any kind of DIY work. 
• There are times when a caulk gun is not the best tool, such as when you are fixing a leakage under sink p-traps. It is best to undo the whole trap and re-install rather than putting on caulk which is only going to mask the problem.
• Also, when sealing around tub or shower drains, experts actually recommend using a plumber's putty rather than caulk. So in this case, there is no need for a dripless caulk gun. Any other instance, you are good to go!