How to choose a sealant gun?

If no liquid nail and sealant gun is available

Mechanical pistols have a short lifespan, therefore, the cheaper the device, the less it will last. It often happens that the tool breaks during operation, and the continuation of manipulations abruptly stops. The question arises as to how to replace such a tool. In emergency cases, you can use an ordinary wooden stick, or it is better to take a hammer, and drowning its handle inside the tube, finish the work begun.

The disadvantage of using a stick or hammer is that a person has to make significant, and sometimes titanic efforts, so you can forget about a straight-line continuous seam. However, such a life hack will allow you to continue working, especially if there is not much left. In a hammer, the striking part is a good support, therefore, when choosing between a stick and a hammer, it is recommended to choose the latter option.

Knowing how to replace the gun, it will not be difficult to complete the work begun on gluing parts or sealing seams. When buying a tube with liquid nails or sealant, consider the consumption, which will allow you to immediately purchase the required number of containers. The principle of operation and application of electrical and pneumatic analogs is identical to a mechanical pistol, so if you choose such devices, then problems with their use will not arise for sure. The use of liquid nails made it possible to achieve the fact that now you can quickly and efficiently replace the fallen off tiles, glue the plinth to the ceiling and even glue the furniture. That is why you should not rush to get a screwdriver when it comes to design.

Varieties of pistols

Pistols come in both manual (you have to make an effort and push the rod forward on your own) and automatic (they are much easier to use and ideal for professionals who need to apply sealant to a large area).

It is necessary to consider in more detail each of the available types of pistols. This useful information will help you understand what advantages and disadvantages each known type has and which one is right for you.

Mechanical manual

This is the simplest, cheapest and most reliable pistol (provided that it is made of high quality metal or aluminum alloy). It was his design that was taken as a basis above.

The open frame allows you to easily load the tube into the gun. At its end there is a special cutout for the packing nozzle, which ensures stable fixation. These pistols are standard size and are designed for an average of 350-500 ml tube. They are great for household needs because:

• have a balanced design and moderate weight;
• allow you to fully control the process of squeezing out the sealant;
• suitable for multiple use.

Such a gun is unlikely to come in handy for skilled craftsmen who use sealant all the time in their work. But if you are an amateur and one tube is enough for 6-12 months, then it will be an excellent choice.

Pneumatic

As the name suggests, this gun is powered by compressed air that is supplied from a compressor through a flexible hose. The indisputable advantage of the model is the constant pressure on the bottom of the sealant and the absence of stress on the hands. It is enough to press the lever once, after which the agent will be supplied through the nozzle continuously.

This pistol is great for experienced builders. Having accustomed to it, you can make an even and uniform long seam.Some models are equipped with a dedicated excess drain system to ensure accurate sealant consumption and reduce costs.

The disadvantage of such a pistol is its attachment to the compressor, which limits mobility. Due to this, this model is suitable for working in certain areas.

Rechargeable

This tool has the virtues of a pneumatic pistol while still allowing the handyman to remain mobile. Due to their high cost, cordless pistols are used for the most part by experienced builders and renovators.

This tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery, the capacity of which is sufficient for several hours of operation.

Electrical

The model is similar to the battery model, but in this case the gun does not have its own storage elements, and therefore requires connection to the household power supply. Plus - it works continuously and for a long time without recharging. Minus - when using it, you need to take into account the length of the cord or use extension cords, which limits mobility.

How to use a sealant gun - beginner's guide

Actually, you shouldn't have any difficulties with a properly equipped pistol. If you followed the instructions for installing the cartridge above, you have already done everything you need to get started. So all that remains is to smoothly pull the trigger and lead the sealant along the seam. If you are using a skeletal or semi-body tool, there may be several first strokes to squeeze out the required amount of sealant to fill the void in the cap itself, then the pressing should be done smooth and unhurried.

On electric or cordless tools, pulling the trigger adjusts the sealant flow rate, so if this is your first time using a tool like this, start from an unobtrusive spot, such as sealing a seam in the back of a room. Once you've got the hang of it, start working in prominent places. If you need to trim or press the sealant into the crevice, wet your fingers in water and swipe across the surface in one smooth motion. It is not necessary to dry the material additionally - in the open air it acquires the required hardness within a few hours.

How to insert sealant into a gun

Before work, the tube is inserted into the instrument. Knowledge of the design will help you figure out how to do it correctly.

Hard packed material

Can be used for case, skeletal and semi-case mechanisms. In any case, the cartridge must be prepared before installation.

Preparing the cartridge

1. Cut off the end of the tube with a sharp knife.
2. We take the nozzle, it comes with the preparation. We screw it to the cylinder.
3. Cut off the tip of the nozzle at an angle of 45 °. An important point: the thickness of the nozzle is different along the entire length. The thinner the seam should be, the closer to the end of the tip the cut is made. And vice versa.

The container can now be inserted into the fixture. We offer instructions on how to open a closed-type sealant gun and install a tube in it.

Insert the sealant into the closed-type tool

We open the tool. To do this, unscrew the tube body. We find a plastic nut at the end of the rod and remove it.
We remove the metal washer from the rod, screw the support nut onto it.
We put a washer over it and fix it with a nut. We take the key and carefully tighten the support nut

Important: the end of the rod must not protrude beyond the washer.
We collect and twist the case.
We insert the container with the mixture into the pipe, fix it in place with a plastic nut.

Packaging types of sealing compound

Before figuring out how to fill a gun with sealant, you need to know how it is packaged. In production, mastic is packaged in two types of packages.

Cartridge

It is called rigid packaging. It is made of plastic, less often of thick cardboard.It is a cone-shaped tube with a sharp tip. The bottom of the cartridge is movable, it changes its position under the pressure of the piston. The rigid walls of the case hold their shape well, therefore it is used in skeletal and semi-hull structures. The volume of the balloon is small, no more than 300 ml.

Foil tube

For the outward resemblance, the masters call the silicone paste in soft packaging a sausage. The foil does not hold its shape and tears quite easily. Therefore, these tubes are used only in instruments with a closed body. The volume of the package is different: from 250 to 600 ml. The properties of the mastic are fully preserved during the entire shelf life. All other things being equal, the price of a product in a soft package is lower than in a hard one.

Glue application with a gun tips and tricks

Before squeezing the substance onto the materials to be glued, it is recommended to figure out how to do this correctly. If you plan to glue large and heavy parts, such as ceramic tiles or gypsum structures, then it is better to apply the glue in a continuous manner in the form of a snake or mesh. This will increase the bonding area and also ensure a secure connection.

The setting speed of liquid nails is from 1 to 2 minutes, depending on the materials to be glued. After applying the substance, it is necessary to press them tightly together, and hold for at least 1 minute, and preferably 2 minutes, which will be more reliable. A press can be used whenever possible, especially when joining wooden structures.

It is interesting!The more substance is applied to the joint materials, the longer it takes for them to cure.

Overview of popular gas models

A gas gun for shooting dowels to concrete is an excellent choice for those who need to perform fast, reliable and high-quality mounting of fasteners. Manufacturers offer a variety of models, many of which are worth a look.

Hilti GX 120

The assembly gun can work with stone, concrete monolith, sand-lime brick, concrete goods. The tool body is large, weighs about 4 kilograms, is ergonomic and well balanced, so it is convenient and comfortable to hold in your hand.

Features of the assembly gun:

• The presence of a special LED indicator on the body, which signals the need for an early replacement of the gas cartridge
• Reliable gas supply system, thanks to which the gun can operate for several hours in a row, performing the required number of plugs without interruption
• One gas cylinder will allow you to fire about 750 shots, one magazine is designed for exactly 40 fasteners
• Original design, ergonomic shape of the case, which allows you to work efficiently and easily in the most difficult-to-reach places
• Successful set: the assembly gun is supplied in a plastic box made of impact-resistant material, where you can place both the tool itself and replaceable cylinders, magazines with dowels. The kit also includes a device for removing nails used in installation from the gun head, high-quality goggles, special earplugs, a mounting leg, an original branded napkin, instructions

All consumables (cylinders and dowels) are purchased separately from the gun. The model is very successful and is popular due to its high installation speed, high productivity, dust-free operation, and reliable fixation. The shot itself is carried out with a fairly loud sound, but this disadvantage can be compensated for by using earplugs or headphones.

Spit Pulsa 700 and 800

These are the most expensive models, the price of which starts somewhere from 70,000 rubles. But on the other hand, they know how to work with any type of surface, make it possible to set the depth of fastener driving by mechanically adjusting the length of the piston stroke. Effectively adjusts the power of the shot in automatic mode in accordance with the working surface.

The tool demonstrates the reliability of the best industrial equipment. It works for a very long time without interruption.

True, consumables need to be bought exclusively branded and quite expensive. But if the priority is reliability, quality, performance, then this is definitely the best choice.

Toua GSN65

This assembly gun is designed to work on metal, brick, concrete surfaces.

Features of the tool:

• The magazine includes 40 dowels, one gas cylinder is enough for a thousand shots
• The weight of the pistol is about 5 kilograms (although the body is smaller, with the battery it turns out like this)
• The design is not very ergonomic, but the masters claim that it is easy to get used to such a unit
• The complete set includes: instruction, two rechargeable batteries and a device for charging them
• The model provides a high power of a shot (equal to 120 J), allows the use of dowels with a diameter in the range from 2.5 to 3.7 mm
• There is an option to automatically adjust the power of one shot
• The optimal cost is about 35,000 rubles

Aiken MGN 850C Gas

This model is made in China and represents a budget price segment. The cost of such an assembly gun is about 25,000 rubles. But the quality is pretty decent.

What a gun can do:

• The power of the shot is 85J, which is quite enough for working with concrete (although, usually, such indicators are shown by models of well-known brands designed for working in wood)
• Light weight - up to 3.5 kilograms
• The magazine includes 40 dowels, one cylinder allows you to make 1000 shots
• Complete set: a spare cap for the head, parts for a gas cylinder, a tube with transparent lubricant, a special hexagon 4 mm, earplugs on strings, two whole batteries and a charger for them
• Good ergonomic body made of high-quality plastic, dense rubber, with a reliable and comfortable handle, locks for adjustment
• Attractive cost - on average, one shot with this pistol costs about 2 rubles (while Hilty's price is 15 rubles for fasteners)

Despite the fact that this assembly gun cannot be compared with the same Hilty in terms of shot power and reliability, the device can also become an acceptable option, especially as the first tool of this type.

Selection Tips

For one-time work, it is more rational to purchase an inexpensive but high-quality pistol without spending money on a brand name. In this case, the skeletal version is fine.

If the scope of work is more extensive, for example, repairs in an apartment, then the pneumatic option would be the best solution.

When the time of execution and the accuracy of work are important, the battery option is more optimal.

The best examples of sealant guns, whether amateur or professional, should fit comfortably in the hand. Excessive muscle effort when pulling the trigger leads to hand fatigue, and therefore to inaccuracies in work.

When purchasing an inexpensive product, it is advisable to carefully examine the existing rivets for high-quality fastening. The mountings in the pistol must be free of play.

The most acceptable version of the handle, from the point of view of the strength properties of the product, is made of aluminum. Plastic parts and fasteners in products should be avoided.

Choosing a closed version of the gun, it is necessary to check its tightness.

It is more profitable to buy a tool in special hardware stores.

Types and characteristics

Silicone adhesive sealant is an effective and multifunctional substance. Using a pistol, the sealant is applied both by the suture method and by spraying using a special nozzle.In the second case, using the sprayed composition, for example, evenly cover large areas of body elements of cars after welding and priming.

Devices (guns) designed for applying sealants to a variety of surfaces are divided into amateur and professional types. The first ones are subdivided into several types according to the features of special structural elements of the case and are, as a rule, executed in a manual version.

Scope of application - large production areas.

Their main feature is the ability to work with formulations placed not only in tubes, but also with bulk material sold in packages.

In pneumatic models, the sealant is displaced by squeezing out under air pressure, which reduces hand fatigue. In addition, most of these tools have special pressure regulators, which ensure a uniform and dosed supply of the sealant to the surface to be treated. Such pistols are also used for sealants packed in sausage-type casings (600 ml).

Cordless pistols are more expensive and are rarely used in everyday life, where seams are usually treated on a one-off basis. Choosing this type for one-time work will not be entirely justified. The product has the ability to customize the feed rate of the sealant, which has a positive effect on the quality of work and productivity. It is also used for bulk packaging of the consumable.

Amateur pistols are divided into four types:

• skeletal;
• reinforced skeletal;
• half-body;
• cylindrical.

The first one is intended to a greater extent for one-time sealing. Stronger and slightly more expensive than the half-body model, the skeletal pistol is equipped with stiffening ribs, therefore it holds the tube more reliably, and the piston mechanism functions smoothly and without distortions. The material of manufacture is steel 1.5 mm thick, while the stem is made of a steel bar with a section of 6 mm.

There is also a reinforced version of the skeletal pistol, which is characterized by higher strength properties due to an increase in the thickness of the body steel up to 2 mm, the handle up to 3 mm, and the stem section up to 8 mm.

The half-body pistol is the cheapest version of the device from all those presented in the trade, since it has the shortest service life, and after working with several packages of sealant it is not possible to use it - the tube with the sealant begins to warp and the stock moves tightly. The body is fragile, made of steel 1 mm thick, the diameter of the stem is 6 mm.

A pistol with a cylindrical body is perhaps one of the most successful device options, although it is more expensive, but it will last a long time. In addition, it allows the use of bulk sealants. An easy-to-use device, with a smooth and reliable stroke of the stem, comes complete with several nozzles.

In addition, there are also pistols for two-component type sealants, designed for work with two-component compositions of high viscosity, with special nozzles.

Design and principle of operation

The design of this useful device is extremely simple and consists of the following elements:

1. Frame. Designed to hold a plastic tube or package with a sealant and can be of different types: skeletal, semi-closed, closed.
2. Stock. Used directly to squeeze sealant out of packaging. Having a wide round plate at the end, which abuts against the bottom of the tube, the rod moves forward with each press on the gun, pushing the sealant through the spout (narrow nozzle).
3. Linkage mechanism. It is extremely simple. When the lever is pressed, the system pushes the stem to the specified distance.
4. Retainer.This device blocks the stroke of the rod, and in improved models of pistols it also relieves pressure from it, which excludes spontaneous squeezing of the sealant from the tube. To pull the stem back, you must first squeeze the lock with your fingers.

Prevention measures

A gun for a construction cartridge is not a child's toy. Therefore, you need to strictly follow the instructions for its operation, storage and prevention. This will ensure not only safe and long-term work, but also make it possible to avoid damage to expensive tools.

The main preventive measures are as follows:

• the use of only factory-made proprietary cartridges;
• storing cartridges separately from the gun itself and consumable dowels;
• periodic inspection of the store in order to detect foreign objects that may get there when changing the clip or loading nails;
• periodic disassembly and cleaning of internal parts of the pistol after the number of shots specified in the instructions.

Varieties of tools

The design got its name for some resemblance to a real pistol. It consists in the presence of a trigger, pressing which activates the device. In fact, it works more like a syringe. Any model has a piston. After starting the mechanism, it begins to move and squeezes the mass out of the nozzle. You can make the piston move in different ways. Depending on this, there are several types of devices.

Mechanical (manual)

The rod is activated and moves by the force applied by the user. Reliable, simple and cheap mechanism. Distinguish between hull, semi-hull and skeletal structures. Their main difference lies in the degree of openness of the case. The first option has a rigid cone-shaped base. A container with the composition is inserted into it. Half-shells are equipped with a plate supporting the tube. The skeletal ones only have a frame that holds the package.

Their principle of operation is the same. When the piston is pressed, the mixture is squeezed out.

• Compactness, maneuverability, simplicity of design.
• The mixing process is controlled.
• Reusable.

disadvantages

The uniformity of the feed is determined by the effort with which the worker pushes the rod. This is inconvenient if the volume of work is large. For household needs it is quite acceptable.

Mechanical devices are not expensive and are best suited for household work.

Pneumatic

Closed-body design that accommodates soft and hard paste containers. The piston is driven by compressed air. It is supplied through a hose from the compressor. The user does not need to exert effort to deliver the mixture.

pros

• Convenience in work. There is no load on the hands.
• Uniform application of any amount of solution to the surface.
• The presence of a system for dumping excess mastic, which optimizes material consumption.

Minuses

• A significant disadvantage is the limitation of the tool's mobility. It is "tied" to the compressor, which can be inconvenient.
• Another disadvantage is the high price of pneumatic equipment. It is chosen by professionals.

Electric

As with pneumatic counterparts, the stem moves automatically without user effort. But for electrical modifications, it is driven by an electric motor. It can be powered by mains or battery. The latter are more mobile, but their operating time is limited. Network models can work as long as you want, but only near the outlet.

disadvantages

The disadvantage is the high price of construction tools. It is used by professionals to accurately and quickly apply mastic to the substrate.

How to use?

The sealant can be applied even without a gun. This option is not very convenient, since you will need to use a hammer to knock the product out of the cartridge.

To make DIY repair work quick and easy, you should purchase a spray sealant gun. Before using the manual model, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer. Reinforced products are in great demand. They are convenient and simple, since they are easier to work with than using a screwdriver.

Instructions for using a gun for hermetic mixtures are simple and include several stages.

• You need to think about personal protection first. Gloves and safety goggles are recommended.
• It is necessary to clean the surface. A triangular scraper or sharp knife can be used to remove the previous coating. If crumbs remain after cleaning, they can be removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. It is imperative to degrease the base.

All constraints need to be removed. If you use a skeletal or semi-hull version, then this stage will not take much time.

It is necessary to pay attention to the presence of a special bottom, since it is used as a limiter. It must be removed before using the tube.
You need to pull out the stem

To do this, push the lever to remove the part. In the free space where the stem was located, you need to put the cartridge. Apply some pressure on the hook with light force, which will strengthen the container.
It is necessary to make a special hole in the container through which the substance will be supplied to the cone. The hole determines the creation of a straight and uniform line. Usually the cones are welded, in which case the end of the cone should be cut off to create a seam of the required diameter. Note that the cut must be of a smaller diameter than the required extrusion size.

Working with a syringe or tubular gun is a little different.

First you need to make a hole in the tube. If you use prepackaged material in the form of a "sausage" for work, then you need to carefully cut off one end, which will allow the sealant to easily come out of the container.

• The prepared container with the sealant should be put into the gun, while the cut end should go into the tip of the tool, because it is through it that the mixture will be squeezed out. But before that, it is imperative to eliminate the stem, as described in the step-by-step instructions when working with the skeletal version.
• Usually, pistols for hermetic mixtures have several nozzles in the complex, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. It is necessary to screw the selected bit onto the tool barrel.
• If the tip does not have a hole, then using a clerical knife, it is necessary to cut the tip, while the angle of the medium should be 45 degrees. Of course, you also need to guess the size of the hole to create a seam of the required diameter. To fix the tool, it is worth using a clamp.

If you have purchased an electric or battery version to work with the sealant, then first you need to practice in inconspicuous places. The trigger pull is responsible for regulating the material flow. If you need to fill a gap with a sealant or smooth out already created joints, then it is recommended to slightly moisten the surface with soapy water. It is this solution that prevents the foam from sticking to the hands, which will allow you to quickly remove excess sealant from the surface.

How to work with a pistol - step by step diagram

Step 1: remove the constraints

If we are dealing with a skeletal or half-body instrument, the procedure will not take much time. First of all, you need to check whether the tube with the material is not equipped with a special limiting bottom. If it is present, it must be removed.

Step 2: take out the stem

In the pistol, we need to pull out the stem, for which we push the lever all the way and take out the part.Insert the cartridge into the vacant space and slightly press the trigger several times in order to strengthen the cartridge.

Step 3: release the sealant

We pierce a hole in the cartridge through which the sealant will flow to the cone, which gives us a straight line of equal thickness. The cones are often sealed, that is, we need to cut off the tip of the cone in order to get the desired diameter of the sealant seam, only the cut should be slightly less than the diameter we need. If you decide to use a "syringe" or tubular pistol, the principle of filling it is somewhat different. First, make a hole in the material cartridge, or if it is a packaged sealant or "sausage", carefully cut one corner or end so that the sealant can freely come out of the bag. It is necessary to put the prepared container in the "syringe" itself in such a way that the cut end of the container is directed to the tip through which the strip of sealant will come out. Of course, remove the stem before laying - this is done in the same way as in the case of the skeletal apparatus.

Usually, a gun comes with several nozzles with tips, one of which we twist the cylinder. If the tip does not have a hole, cut a small piece with a regular utility knife at a 45 ° angle. Of course, try to guess with the diameter of the resulting hole. In any case, if there is a construction gun for a sealant, there should be instructions from the manufacturer. It is not a sin to study it, because manufacturers can supply pistols with their own special developments and innovations that are not provided for in standard versions.