Caulking Guns

About Caulking Guns

Caulking guns are essential tools for applying sealants, adhesives, and fillers with precision and control across countless building, renovation, and maintenance tasks. Whether you're sealing gaps around windows and doors, applying silicone sealant in bathrooms and kitchens, or bonding materials with construction adhesive, a quality caulking gun ensures smooth, consistent application whilst minimising waste and mess. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from manual skeleton frame guns ideal for occasional DIY use through to sophisticated cordless power tools with electronic flow control for professional tradespeople.

Our selection includes models designed for standard 310ml cartridges—the most common format for silicone and acrylic sealants—as well as 600ml foil packs and jumbo 900ml sausage packs for professional contractors working at scale. From budget-friendly Roughneck and Faithfull options to professional-grade Tajima, Everbuild, and Cox equipment, plus cordless models from Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Einhell, you'll find caulking guns engineered to match your specific requirements and budget.

Applications

Caulking guns are indispensable tools across numerous trades and applications:

• Plumbers and Bathroom Fitters: Applying silicone sealant around baths, showers, basins, and sanitary ware
• Window Fitters and Glaziers: Sealing window and door frames, weather-proofing installations, and glazing applications
• General Builders: Filling expansion joints, applying mastic to exterior brickwork, and sealing construction gaps
• Decorators and Painters: Applying decorators' caulk and acrylic sealants before painting, filling gaps in skirting boards and architraves
• Carpenters and Joiners: Using wood adhesives, gap fillers, and construction adhesives for joinery and installation work
• Roofers and Cladding Specialists: Applying roof sealants, weatherproofing compounds, and sealing sheet materials
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, bathroom and kitchen updates, draught-proofing, and general household repairs

Choosing The Right Caulking Guns

Manual vs Cordless: Manual caulking guns from brands like Roughneck, Sealey, and Draper are affordable and perfect for occasional use. Cordless models from Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Einhell eliminate hand fatigue completely and are essential for professionals applying sealant throughout the working day or when handling thick, high-viscosity materials.

Cartridge Size: Standard 310ml cartridge guns suit most applications and offer the widest choice of sealants. Professional contractors working on larger projects should consider 600ml foil pack or 900ml sausage pack guns for better value per litre and reduced cartridge changes.

Thrust Ratio: For general-purpose silicone sealants and decorators' acrylic caulk, a 10:1 or 12:1 thrust ratio is adequate. For thick mastic, construction adhesives, or high-viscosity materials, look for 18:1 or higher thrust ratios to reduce hand strain.

Build Quality: Budget skeleton frame guns suffice for light DIY use, but professional tradespeople should invest in robust smooth-rod guns with anti-drip mechanisms, rotating barrels, and ergonomic grips designed for all-day comfort. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks premium models from Tajima, Cox, and Everbuild offering superior longevity on demanding sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a skeleton frame and a smooth rod caulking gun?

Skeleton frame guns use a ratchet mechanism that advances the plunger in small increments, whilst smooth rod guns provide continuous, progressive pressure for smoother application. Smooth rod guns typically cost more but deliver superior professional results with better bead quality and more precise control.

Are cordless caulking guns worth the investment?

For professional tradespeople regularly applying sealant, cordless caulking guns are absolutely worthwhile. They eliminate hand fatigue, provide consistent pressure throughout the entire cartridge, and significantly speed up high-volume work. For occasional DIY use, a quality manual gun is more cost-effective.

How do I prevent sealant from oozing after I stop squeezing?

Look for caulking guns with anti-drip or auto-release mechanisms that automatically relieve pressure from the cartridge. On manual guns without this feature, manually pull back the plunger rod using the thumb release to break the seal and release pressure.