Sealant Guns

About Sealant Guns

Sealant guns, also known as caulking guns or mastic guns, are indispensable tools for applying controlled beads of sealant, adhesive, mastic and other viscous materials from cartridges or foil packs. Whether you're sealing bathroom joints, installing windows, filling expansion gaps or applying construction adhesives, a quality sealant gun ensures precise, consistent application with minimal waste and professional results. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from trusted brands including Sealey, Roughneck, Everbuild, Tajima, Bosch Professional, DeWalt and Makita.

Modern sealant guns come in various configurations to suit different applications and budgets. Manual skeleton frame guns offer lightweight simplicity for occasional use, whilst heavy-duty ratchet models with high thrust ratios tackle thick materials effortlessly. For professionals working on larger projects, cordless battery-powered sealant guns deliver consistent pressure and dramatically reduce hand fatigue during extended use. Specialist variants include high-thrust resin guns for demanding adhesive applications and jumbo guns accommodating large 600ml or 900ml cartridges for high-volume work.

Applications

Sealant guns are essential across numerous trades and applications:

• Decorators and Painters: Sealing gaps before painting, filling cracks in skirting boards and architraves
• Plumbers and Bathroom Fitters: Applying sanitary silicone around baths, showers, basins and toilets
• Window Fitters and Glaziers: Sealing glazing units, frame sealant application and weatherproofing
• Builders and General Contractors: Filling expansion joints, applying construction adhesives and external sealing
• Shopfitters and Carpenters: Panel bonding, joinery work and wood adhesive application
• Roofers: Sealing flashings, roof weatherproofing and penetration sealing
• Facilities Maintenance: General repairs, draught-proofing and building maintenance
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvements, kitchen and bathroom installations

Choosing The Right Sealant Guns

Manual vs Cordless: Manual sealant guns are economical and require no batteries, perfect for intermittent use. Cordless models from Bosch, DeWalt and Makita offer consistent dispensing pressure and significantly reduce hand fatigue—ideal for professionals using multiple cartridges daily.

Thrust Ratio: Consider the materials you'll dispense most frequently. Low-viscosity silicones work well with basic 6:1 or 10:1 thrust ratios, whilst thick mastics and construction adhesives require higher ratios (18:1 to 26:1) or powered guns for steady flow without excessive effort.

Frame Type: Skeleton frame guns offer versatility and quick cartridge changes, whilst enclosed barrel designs provide better cartridge support. Professional-grade models from Tajima, Cox and Everbuild feature reinforced frames and precision mechanisms for heavy daily use.

Cartridge Compatibility: Standard guns accept 310ml cartridges, the most common size. For larger projects, MyToolShed.co.uk stocks jumbo guns accepting 600ml or 900ml cartridges, plus combi guns handling both cartridges and foil packs for maximum flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a skeleton gun and a barrel gun?

Skeleton guns feature an open frame design that's lightweight and allows quick cartridge changes with various cartridge sizes. Barrel guns have an enclosed tube providing better cartridge support and neater operation, though they're slightly heavier to load.

Are cordless sealant guns worth the investment for professional use?

Absolutely. Cordless models significantly reduce hand fatigue during extended use, provide consistent dispensing pressure regardless of material viscosity, and increase productivity when applying multiple cartridges. The investment typically pays for itself quickly through time savings and reduced physical strain.

What thrust ratio do I need for construction adhesives?

Construction adhesives are considerably thicker than standard sealants, requiring guns with at least 18:1 thrust ratio for comfortable use. High-thrust models (24:1 or 26:1) or cordless guns make dispensing thick adhesives significantly easier, particularly in cold conditions when materials become more viscous.