Testing the PC Products steel caulking gun was enjoyable. It had plenty of thrust for squeezing out sealant despite below-freezing temperatures. We liked that the frame revolves as well. While it does have a smart puncture wire storage (it’s spring-loaded behind the trigger), it doesn’t feature a cutter, which could be a downside for some. Admittedly, it took us a little while to dial in this caulking gun’s pressure regulator, which did cause a bit of a mess at first. But, once dialed in, it was wonderful during testing. Releasing the trigger immediately drops the pressure behind the tube, and as a result, there’s very little dripping. Also, once we adjusted the regulator, it offered consistent and smooth pressure. In addition to an air compressor, it requires a hose for operation. During testing, we found the Newborn 250 to be the easiest and smoothest for applying caulk and sealant. The frame rotated smoothly (certainly the smoothest of all the other models), and the hand grips were very comfortable. We also liked the built-in cutter that most high-thrust caulking guns don’t have. It did drip a bit, but the release was easy to access and press with one hand. The only complaint we might have is that just one handle has a rubber coating—coating both handles would be a benefit. This caulking gun features a 10:1 thrust ratio and easily dispenses light to light-medium viscosity caulk, making it well suited for latex and silicone. This gun’s smooth-pull hand trigger and dripless technology are a plus, and so is the fact that it comes with a built-in seal puncturing tool, a cutting tool, and a handy hook for hanging the gun on a ladder rung.

Some manufacturers sell squeeze tubes of caulk, which are easier to use above cabinets or tight spaces, and they don’t require a gun. However, it can be very difficult to apply an even and consistent bead of caulk from a standard tube without a caulking gun. Q. Are there different sizes of caulking guns?Standard design and lightweight yet sturdy construction have made this gun the industry standard for many years. Our first impression of the Bates was that it felt rather cheap. It did, however, accomplish something no other caulking gun in the comparison did: It didn’t drip at all. When we considered that alongside its affordable price, the Bates really stood out. We also liked that it had a built-in cutter as well as a puncture tool under the frame to make getting started easier. The Newborn 250 is built to last with a zinc alloy handle to reduce corrosion, and it features a hefty 18:1 thrust ratio to easily dispense medium-viscosity caulk, including butyl and acrylic. The tool also comes with a thumb release for dripless operation. With zinc-coated corrosion-resistant sliding components, it is the go-to gun for the professional & DIY trades.

Thrust ratios run from 3:1 to 28:1. Guns with lower ratios are suitable for dispensing thin types of caulk, such as water-based latex caulk, while higher thrust ratios are needed for dispensing more viscous types of caulk, such as epoxy sealants. Revolving FrameFirst, we took note of features like rods, built-in cutters, puncture wires, and rubber grips. Not all caulking guns had these features, so it was important to compare them before testing. Choosing the best caulking gun might seem like a straightforward proposition, but there is actually quite a bit to know about these tools. From the type of rod, power vs. no power, thrust ratio, and more, it’s worth doing a bit of research. The following are some of the most important factors to consider when searching for the best caulking gun. Caulking Gun Type Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.

First, we really liked that this electric caulk gun utilizes the same battery lineup that many DIYers already own. Next, we like that it produces even and consistent results without wearing out our hands. We also enjoyed the worklight and swiveling frame, as well as the adjustable speeds. We realize that it’s expensive, but anyone applying construction adhesive to floor joists will find that this caulking gun pays for itself in a day or two.

In some areas, the Red Devil was excellent during testing. The rubber grip was comfortable yet grippy, and there was plenty of power for squeezing out caulk or sealant in cold temperatures. Unfortunately, it did drip during testing, and the frame didn’t swivel smoothly, but we felt its sturdy build quality and power warranted a spot on the list. There are different sizes of caulking guns. The standard caulking gun size is 10-ounce (which all of the caulking guns on this list are), but larger 29-ounce caulking guns do exist for heavy-duty applications. Why Trust Bob Vila With a 6:1 thrust ratio, this model is best for dispensing low-viscosity sealant, such as painter’s latex caulk. It comes with a built-in pin for puncturing the seal on the caulk tube and a built-in cutter to nip off the tip of the tube.

The cordless caulking gun from DeWalt features an onboard worklight and swiveling frame, making working in dark corners much easier. It also has six adjustable speeds, allowing the user to dial in the correct rate for whatever job they might be working on.Battery powered: This bad boy has removable batteries and a charger, so users can run a bead of caulk in locations where electricity isn’t available, typically running 2 to 3 hours per charge. If there is a lot of caulking to do, consider investing in an extra battery so the juice won’t run out before the job is done. With its revolving frame, the Newborn 250 makes it easier to caulk around corners. No need to start and stop—simply rotate the barrel, and the angled tip of the tube rotates to the correct position to continue running a bead. Testing the best caulking guns was pretty straightforward: load them up, test their power, see if they drip, and compare the results. But there was one twist: It was pretty cold in our shop. Temperatures were just under freezing when we tested the caulking guns, which meant we were really putting them through the ringer. If there is a large caulking project on the horizon—be it sealing every window in the house or constructing a full set of cabinets in a workshop—consider the Chicago Pneumatic mastic gun. This isn’t a manual gun; it attaches to an air compressor for efficiency and ease of use in large projects.