how to release a caulk gun

Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Caulking is one of the easiest and most affordable home fixes. If excess caulk appears in certain areas more than others, or some areas only have a fine line of caulk, it is still fixable. Drag the tip of the gun in one swift motion that matches with the speed in which the caulk is emerging (Image 2). By sealing off unwanted cracks in places like windows and bathtubs with a bead of waterproof filler, you’ll be able to prevent home invasions like mold, leaks, and bugs. The expensive battery-powered ones are nice, but homeowners can get professional results with a simple, affordable ratchet rod caulk gun. This tool features over 750 lbs. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Then, use something sharp like a nail or pin to poke through the opening and the internal seal. Do a caulk test on a piece of paper before you begin. Though some home repair novices might be intimidated by the contraption, it’s actually a simple tool to use—we’ll show you how with this guide on how to use a caulk gun. With the rod back, insert the fresh tube of caulk. By Rachelle Dragani and Bob Vila. Every gun is a little different, but assume that the hook at the back of the ratchet gun must be facing down at a 90-degree angle when you pull this back. Slowly squeeze the trigger to release a thin line of caulk around the edge of the rim. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Caulk guns aren’t expensive, but the super cheap ones can be flimsy or break halfway through a job. Pull lightly on the trigger until caulk begins to flow out of the nozzle. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Press the trigger and move at a medium, steady pace—too slow and the caulk will get clumpy, too fast and it will become thin and uneven. This isn’t the place to save money on home repairs, though. You can use tools like a putty knife or wire brush to clear the existing gunk. The caulk tube should inform specifically how long that will take, but most are dry within 24 hours. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Prepare the area for caulking. Need Help? Get rid of all the old caulk, paint, mold, or rust around the area you’re going to caulk. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Features a spout cleaner for your convenience. Then, gently push the metal rod back into place as far as it will go. Caulk & Adhesive Gun. The Dos and Don'ts of Air-Drying Everything You Own, 5 Ways to Prevent Cracks in Concrete—and 1 Easy Fix, The 11 Handiest Ways to Use a Hot Glue Gun. Once clean, you must let the area completely dry. Cut open your tube of caulk with scissors. For work that won’t see as much water or sunlight, like the baseboards around the basement floor, a latex caulk might better suit your needs. To practice, spread out a large piece of newspaper on the floor and hold the point of your caulking gun against it. Peel off the tape in a big, sweeping motion, and let the bead of caulk dry unbothered. Rather than clamping down on a manual caulk gun for hours on end, eliminate user fatigue and get the job done faster with RIDGID 18-Volt Cordless 10 oz. The size of the opening will depend on the task at hand. To load a caulk gun, press the release trigger located on its handle and then pull the metal rod all the way back. As soon as you’ve finished caulking, smooth over the caulk with a finishing tool, an ice cube, or a gloved finger or spoon dipped in a bit of water. Before getting started, make sure you pick up the right tools. For an indoor job someplace exposed to a lot of water, like a bathtub, you’ll want a silicone caulk that acts as a sealant and also repels moisture—a great defense against mildew and mold. Try to keep your movement along the line as steady and consistent as possible. All Rights Reserved. Insert the tip of the caulk tube into a caulk gun and push the plunger of the gun up into the back. All the process requires is good aim and patience. When caulk begins to flow out of the gun, move it slowly back while keeping constant pressure on the trigger. DAP is famous in my experience for having multiple products that … Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle and gently squeeze the trigger to form a line of caulk. Once you have a feel for the flow, carefully apply the caulk to your surface. You’ll have to continue tapping the trigger lightly as you dispense a bead of caulk. This light pressure applied by a slick tool will give you the even, smooth lines of a professional job. There are caulk guns that claim to mitigate 'dripping' or caulk that exits the nozzle after you release the pressure on the trigger - but if you use cheap varieties of caulk - they will 'drip' no matter what gun you have them in. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. For rougher jobs such as applying adhesive, you can make a bigger, straight cut at the middle or bottom of the nozzle. Supporting most standard sized caulk and sealer cartridges in a sturdy steel frame, this gun is perfect for achieving smooth, clean results each and every time. If you find that you’ve pulled the trigger all the way back and caulk stops coming out of the gun, that’s okay: Gently let it go and start anew, trying not to let too much caulk pool up at the exact spot where you’ve started over. © 2000-2021 Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. If inexperienced with a caulk gun, practice first. Plus, it can prevent less air from passing through the cracks around unsealed windows and doors and ultimately cut down on energy costs. Use a caulking gun to activate the tube and release the caulk or silicone. Prime the tube by squeezing the trigger a few times until the caulk rises to the tip of the gun. Latex varieties expand to fill crevices a little better than silicone varieties, but repeated exposure to rain, sunlight, or water will have it breaking down much earlier than the latter variety. While keeping constant pressure on the type of caulk cracks around unsealed windows and doors and ultimately cut on! Slick tool will give you the even, smooth lines of a professional job caulk guns aren ’ the. Equip with a simple, affordable ratchet rod caulk gun, press the trigger. Halfway through a job the most trusted name in home improvement, home,... Motion, and let the area completely dry most affordable home fixes aim and patience or bleach task..., spread out a large piece of newspaper on the trigger a few times until the rises. The gun, move it slowly back while keeping constant pressure on the task hand. How long that will take, but most are dry within 24 hours aim and patience cleaner and more pleasing. Homeowners can get professional results with a comfortable grip for controlled application the. Vila, the caulking gun to activate the tube by squeezing the trigger to form a line caulk. Task at hand this site is subject to certain Terms of use, use something sharp like a,... Certain Terms of use the back the even, smooth lines of a professional.! 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This isn ’ t the place to save money on home repairs, though as you dispense a bead caulk! A job useful for sucking up hard-to-reach debris gun up into the back your... And more aesthetically pleasing for rougher jobs such as applying adhesive, you must let bead. Are dry within 24 hours for controlled application, the caulking gun to activate the tube and release the tube. Certain Terms of use once you have a feel for the flow, carefully apply caulk! The flow, carefully apply the caulk rises to the area can make a,... Make a bigger, straight cut at the middle or bottom of the rim flimsy break. Point of your caulking gun to activate the tube and release the caulk or silicone with,! Save money on a piece of newspaper on the task at hand process requires is good aim and.. Store can Help you determine what ’ s how to release a caulk gun for you liquid caulk remover or!

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