How to choose a gun for sealant?
The gun for sealant is an important tool in the implementation of repair work. It is designed for the accurate and uniform application of a sealing mixture. Work passes easily and quickly. Today, this tool is represented by various types, which allows you to choose the best option.
Special features
The gun for sealant received such a name, since it looks like it has much in common with this type of weapon. It is equipped with a comfortable handle, as well as a special mechanism with a trigger and a guide that imitates the barrel of this weapon.
Among the presented variety of pistols for the use of hermetic mixtures silicone versions are very popular. They are prominent on the shelves of hardware stores,because they attract attention with special packaging.
The gun for sealant is presented in a special tube or cylindrical containers. The peculiarity of the instrument is that its bottom is characterized by mobility. It can easily move around the body of the product. At the tip of the tube, you can wear a variety of nozzles that allow you to give the extruded mixture to the desired shape. The movement of the bottom of the tube occurs due to the presence of a special piston, which begins to move when you press the trigger mechanism. The piston puts pressure on the bottom of the container with a sealant, and already the mixture is squeezed out through the nozzle of the product.
Manufacturers of hermetic mixtures use a unified format, so the gun for sealant is ideal for various types of hermetic mixture.
Kinds
Modern manufacturers of construction equipment provide a huge range of guns for the use of hermetic mixtures. In such a variety, you can easily get confused, so before buying you should be familiar with the features of different models.
All guns for hermetic mixtures can be divided into two large groups.
Professional
This category includes high quality pistols that are designed for multiple use. They are distinguished by reliability, practicality and durability, as well as manufactured according to GOST. Usually, professional tools are purchased for large industries where there is a need for sealing work.
A feature of professional tools is that they are ideal not only for working with sealants in the form of a tube. They are suitable for work even with unpacked sausage type hermetic mixtures. The undeniable advantage of such tools is a huge number of attachments that sell with them in the kit. The nozzle allows you to create seams of the required size. Such models can be used to work with glass sealant.
Professional options include pneumatic and battery models. Air gun has a slightly different mechanism of action compared to the mechanical option.The extrusion of the sealant is made due to air pressure, while the mechanical pressure is not applied. This feature allows you to increase the duration of work with the tool, because the hands do not feel fatigue.
Many sealant spray guns have pressure regulators. They allow you to adjust the required pressure so that the mixture is squeezed out in the required amount for convenient filling of a certain joint width. It is interesting to look at the model for a two-component sealant. Thanks to a well-thought-out design, working with such hermetic compositions is quite easy and simple.
Among professional tools, the most expensive are rechargeable. Due to the high cost, they are rarely purchased for domestic construction, since usually the sealing of seams is carried out one-time. The peculiarity of battery models is that they have a pre-set speed extrusion. This allows you to improve the quality of construction work.
Battery powered pistols can also be used for bulk packs or in tubes.
Amateur
Amateur models are in demand due to reasonable price and a huge variety. On sale you can find several varieties of this group. Their feature is that all models are manual. They can be easily assembled even without instructions.
Depending on the type of case, there are several types of amateur pistols for hermetic mixtures.
- Skeleton gun - ideal for one-time sealing work. If you compare it with a semi-corpus model, then it is more durable and costs a little more. It perfectly holds the tube with a sealant due to the presence of rigid edges of the structure. The piston rod is characterized by a smooth course, without distortions. The skeletal model is made of high-quality steel, whose thickness is only 1.5 mm. For the manufacture of the handle is used steel with a width of 2 mm, and for the rod - a six-sided rod of steel with a cross section of 6 mm.
- Enhanced skeletal version the design is no different from the skeletal one. The difference lies in the use of more reliable and durable materials. Such a gun is characterized by long service life.In the manufacture of the body used steel with a thickness of 2 mm, the handle - 3 mm and the rod with a cross section of 8 mm.
- Semi-hull view is the most affordable due to the low cost of the product. It is characterized by a small period of use. It lasts for about several packs of hermetic mixture. Due to the peculiarities of the construction of the tube of the slope to the warping, a lot of effort should be made when extruding the mounting foam. Such pistols are made of steel with a thickness of only 1 mm, and the rod with a cross section of only 6 mm. If to throw the tool, then it can be washed and spoiled.
- Cylindrical Pistol is the most popular among amateur models. Characterized by high cost, it allows you to work even with non-packaged sealants. The design of the tool ensures ease of operation due to the smooth movement of the rod. This option is ideal for working with silicone glue, as well as for tubes in the form of "sausage".
How to use?
Applying sealant can be made even without a gun. This option is not very convenient, since you will need to use a hammer to dislodge the cartridge.
To repair your hands yourself quickly and easily, you should purchase a gun for sprayed sealant. Before using the manual model, you should read the instructions from the manufacturer. Reinforced products are in great demand. They are distinguished by convenience and simplicity, since it is easier to work with them than with the use of a screwdriver.
Instructions for using a gun for hermetic mixtures is simple and involves several steps.
- First you need to think about personal protection. It is recommended to use gloves and goggles.
- It is necessary to clean the surface. To eliminate the previous coating, you can use a triangular scraper or a sharp knife. If the crumbs remain after cleaning, they can be removed with a brush or vacuum cleaner. Be sure to make a degreasing base.
- Need to remove all limiters. If you use the skeleton or semi-corpus variant, then this stage will not take much time. Attention should be paid to the presence of a special bottom, since it is used as a limiter. Be sure to remove it before using the tube.
- Need to pull stock. To do this, push the lever to remove the part. In the free space where the stock was located, you need to put the cartridge. Make a few pressure on the hook with a small force, which will strengthen the capacity.
- You need to make a special hole in the tank, through which the substance will flow to the cone. From the hole depends on the creation of a flat and uniform line. Usually, the cones are sealed, in which case the end of the cone should be cut to create a seam of the required diameter. Please note that the cut must be smaller in diameter than the required extrusion size.
Working with a syringe or tubular pistol is done a little differently.
- First you need to make a hole in the tube. If a packaged material is used for work in the form of "sausage", then you need to carefully cut off one end, which will allow the sealant to easily go out of the container.
- The prepared container with a sealant should be laid in the gun, while the cut end should go into the tool tip, because the mixture will be squeezed out through it.But before this, be sure to remove the stock, as described in the step-by-step instructions when working with the skeletal option.
- Usually guns for hermetic mixtures have several nozzles in the complex, which allows you to choose the most convenient option. It is necessary to spin the selected nozzle on the tool cylinder.
- If the tip does not have a hole, then using a clerical knife it is necessary to cut the tip, and 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 electrical or battery version for working with a sealant, then you first need to practice in inconspicuous places. Pulling the trigger is responsible for controlling the flow of material. If you need to fill the gap with sealant or trim the already created seams, 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 quickly remove excess sealant from the surface.
Remember that after working the sealant gun should be thoroughly cleaned.The best solution is to rinse the instrument with warm water.
Manufacturers
Today in the construction market you can find a huge selection of pistols for the use of hermetic mixtures for every taste. If we talk about the ranking of the best manufacturers of construction equipment, then you should definitely pay attention to the products from the German company Kraftool.
Tool Kraftool Super-Max characterized by excellent quality, unique mechanism and durability. Its feature is that the return movement of the piston is carried out without the use of force. This unique development is a patented company. This version of the gun is equipped with plastic panels to protect against dust. It is a great solution among professional models.
Famous brand Hilti is a manufacturer of high-quality equipment and materials for the construction work. The company represents a huge variety of guns for working with sealants for both amateurs and professionals. Long service life is the undeniable advantage of the brand's products.
Chinese company Hammer also respected by construction professionals. The manufacturer offers quality pistols at affordable prices. They are made of high-quality metal, are easy to operate, and will last for many years with careful use.
German brand Wolfcraft is a popular manufacturer of high-quality construction equipment, among which mechanical and electronic guns for sealant are in great demand. The company gives a guarantee on its products for 5 years. Pistols are distinguished by the presence of an ergonomic handle, have the function of an automatic drip stop system, and are also equipped with a special system for quickly changing cartridges.
Many professional builders prefer to use a tool from a Japanese company. Makita. For example, a gun for sealant DCG180RHE is an excellent choice, because it is a battery. This tool is well combined with 300 or 600 ml cartridges, as well as non-packaged mixtures. It is characterized by ease, compactness and high efficiency of work.Additionally, the device is equipped with an adjustment of the rate of extrusion of the sealant, as well as anti-drop function.
Another German manufacturer of construction equipment of excellent quality is the company. Stayer. She offers great solutions for true professionals. Chinese brand Sparta provides a guarantee for all products for one year. Guns for sealants have a reinforced housing design, which is equipped with four transverse stiffeners.
Spanish company Armero produces high-quality tools, including pistols for hermetic mixtures. Excellent quality, a wide range and strength are the strengths of construction tools.
Among the Russian manufacturers is worth noting the company. "Bison". Many models are made of durable metal with a chrome finish to prevent corrosion. The convenient handle, the thought-over design and a guarantee till 5 years do the Bison guns demanded and popular.
Tips and tricks
Among the huge range of sealant guns from various manufacturers it is very difficult to make a choice.
It is necessary to pay attention to some nuances.
- The tool should hold well in your hand. Pulling the trigger should be comfortable, without effort.
- When buying an inexpensive model you should pay attention to quality. The riveted parts of the tool must be securely fixed.
- It is better to choose an aluminum handle, because this material is characterized by excellent quality and durability.
- Devices from well-known manufacturers differ in long service life, but it is worth to be careful not to fall for a fake. The tool is better to buy at specialized points.
There are some tips for cleaning the gun after use.
- Always clean the tool after use. It is necessary to remove the remaining sealant from the barrel, stem and nozzle.
- If the gun is not cleaned in time, the foam hardens inside, then there is no way to work with it again.
- For further work with polyurethane sealant, it is necessary to remove the nose with the dried composition and use a new nozzle.
- White spirit will help to clean fresh bituminous sealant, and you can only cope with the frozen composition by mechanical means.
- If there are difficulties in removing the dried tuba from the body, then it is better to contact the repair.
- Works with sealant should not be carried out at high humidity, as well as under the direct rays of the sun. This can lead to long-term or very fast hardening of the sealant, which adversely affects its characteristics.
How to choose a gun for sealant, see the following video.