A year around with your well-decorated home? You should now see some cracks on the hardened caulks and sealants and thinking of renovating the whole caulking work!
Now that you need a caulk gun first to have your plan executed, we are here to help you find the best caulking gun ever. We have spent more than a week to research the products and pick the most authentic caulking guns for you.
By reading this article, you will come to know different types of caulking guns as well as how to pick and buy one for your specific needs.
[If you are in a hurry, take a look at the table below and pick one of your choice. We have spent days of research to pick these 5 caulk guns.]
Image | Name | Features | Editor's Take | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Thrust Ratio: 18:1 Cartridge: 12.8 oz Build: Steel | Best For DIY Use | ||
  | Force: 1100 Lbs. Cartridge: 10 oz Build: Plastic | Best For Professionals | ||
  | Force: 90 PSI Cartridge: Regular Build: Metal | Best For DIYers Working Regularly | ||
  | Thrust Ratio: 400 Lbs. Cartridge: 10 oz Build: Plastic | Alternative to Makita for Professionals | ||
  | Thrust Ratio: 10:1 Cartridge: 12.8 oz Build: Steel | Best For Occasional Users (Cheap) |
What is a Caulking Gun?
A gun does not always mean life-threatening machine. A Caulking Gun is a machine designed and manufactured to apply the caulk in the joints evenly without substantial pressure.
The gun is made of a tube-like hole into it where a caulking tube is placed. It consists of a trigger which pushes the rod towards the caulking tube.
The pressure from the back part of the tube results in a linear caulk bead in joints or hole of your bathroom or kitchen.
There are different types of caulking guns made of different materials, manual handheld caulking guns are cheap and harder to work with where automatic ones are expensive and easier to work with.
Our 10 Best Dripless Caulking Gun Picks
Here are the detailed take on 10 top caulk guns-
1. Newborn 250 Super Smooth Caulking Gun Review:
If you are looking for a perfect caulking gun that is smooth, durable and easy to use, the Newborn 250 is the perfect tool for you.
This inexpensive but handy tool will provide the best value for your money in caulking gun industry.
The Newborn 250 comes with 18:1 thrust ratio that allows you to apply any type of caulking without putting much pressure.
Its steel revolving frame ensures smooth and even pressure throughout the caulking process.
This manual caulk gun is a combination of steel frame and zinc alloy handle making it one of the most durable caulking gun in the market.
If you are a homeowner and searching for a caulk gun that can serve all your caulking demands, this is the right tool for you.
The tool wants lesser attention when storing and fills corner evenly and smoothly with its self-rotating feature.
The only drawback we found on this product is that the Newborn 250 gun drips. It does not come with a drip preventing spring and thus you need to practice to prevent this tool from dripping.
Highlighted Features
- 18:1 thrust ratio
- 1/10 gallon cartridge
- Steel revolving frame
- Smooth and even pressure
- Zinc alloy handle
- Manual caulk gun
- Dripping problem
2. Makita XGC01Z: Best Dripless Caulk Gun
This buying guide would have been an incomplete one if we did not include the Makita 18V Caulking gun as our best pick.
If you are a professional and doing a lot of caulking work, this is the best caulking gun for you.
This sweet workhorse starts working with a simple press on the trigger. Its soft and comfortable grip is a key advantage for long time work with it without any pain on the wrist.
This electrically powered caulking gun has a dispensing force of 1100 lbs which allows you to push the hardest caulk materials towards the dispensing hole.
Its rotatable cartridge allows you to put the caulk evenly and smoothly at the tightest corner of kitchen sink or windows.
The best part that I personally liked most is its 5 different speed dial feature. This cool feature allows you to maintain your caulking speed from 0 to 66 IPM. So, you can increase application speed a bit more when you are accustomed to using it.
It has a dripless feature which stops the caulks from dispensing when you release pressure from the trigger.
Highlighted Features
- 1100 lbs dispensing force
- 5-speed dial 0-66 IPM
- 360-degree rotatable cartridge
- Dripless Caulk Gun
- Professional Caulking Gun
- Doesn't come with battery and charger
3. Milwaukee Electric Tool 2441-21 M12 Caulk Gun Kit
Another professional grade cordless kit hits the ground! If you are looking for a high quality caulking gun which is fast and accurate, this is recommended for you.
The Milwaukee electric caulking gun is a real beast in terms of battery performance.
Its M12 REDLithium Battery lasts a whole day which will increase your working capability and the charge indicator lets you know how much time you can use the machine before the next charge.
The Tool is manufactured with an adjustable speed dial making it one of the most versatile and fast working caulking gun in the market.
The Anti-drip technology used in this caulk applier is a high-quality one and it works automatically when you release the trigger.
The extra feature you get in this electric caulk gun is a seal puncture tool and a reliable hanging hook.
The combination of all these features forced us to move this into the upper portion of our top caulking gun reviews.
Highlighted Features
- Compact design
- Easy to Handle
- Adjustable Speed Dial
- Dripless Caulk gun
- Long lasting battery
- A bit Heavy but manageable
4. Chicago Pneumatic CP9885 Air Caulking Gun Review:
Looking for mid-budget but heavy duty and easy to control caulking gun?
The Chicago Pneumatic is a perfect combination for these requirements!
It comes at a much lower price point than a battery powered or electric caulking gun but can do heavy duty caulking.
Most of the amateur home improvement guys are feared of tricky control of different caulking products but this real-life hero is easy to control and don't do mess with the caulks.
This air powered caulking gun do not need a battery or electricity to operate. So, you don't need to worry about electric accidents or battery blasts. You only need a quality air compressor to do the job.
This cheap caulking gun is heavy and durable. Its strong build quality is quite enough to give it a five-star editors rating.
And an important thing! this workhorse can make you 3x faster than the manual caulking. So, a big advantage here.
Highlighted Features
- Strong Build Quality
- Cheap but Heavy Duty Gun
- Air Powered Caulk Gun
- Easy To Control
- Highspeed Caulking Capability
- Didn't find any cons.
5. Newborn 930-GTD: Best Budget Dripless Caulk Gun
I love this caulker. It's easy to use, smooth and comfortable to handle. Yes, You guessed it right. I am talking about the famous Newborn 930 Caulk Gun.
The high quality caulking gun is in the cheaper category but you have to acknowledge its ability to compete with the high budget guns.
Its steel rod ensures smooth and even pressure throughout the caulking process making your caulking experience better than ever.
Though the whole body of this sweet little guy is made of steel, the makers of this caulk gun added a comfort pad in the handle grip for better handling.
This Newborn tool has 10:1 thrust ratio which is really good compared to its lower price point. You can easily apply the low viscosity materials with it.
As a handheld manual caulk gun, it is really easy to reload the gun with a newer tube when one is finished.
One best thing I love about this gun is its dripless feature. It is one of the cheapest caulk guns in the market but has this feature. You must appreciate the manufacturer here.
Highlighted Features
- 10:1 Thrust Ratio
- Smooth and Even Pressure
- Comfortable Handle Grip
- Steel Body
- Easy Reloading
- Dripless Technology
- Didn't find any cons.
6. DEWALT DC545K 18-Volt Adhesive and Caulk Gun
If you are a tool guy and know a bit about tools, you should know how popular the DEWALT is!
They produce different types of tools maintaining the highest grade of quality. In terms of caulk gun, they won't disappoint you.
The DC 18 volt caulk gun is one of the best electric caulk guns in the market having the highest capability of pushing the high viscosity materials.
Its auto-reverse feature allows you to apply silicone caulk without thinking about drips or wastages. It automatically stops pushing when you want it to stop! Great, Hah?
Its variable speed control is another marvelous feature which would make you fall for it. This feature can make you faster than ever in the application of caulk.
It consists of a 360-degree rotatable cartridge which allows you to put different types of tubes in it, e.g, 300-310 ml and 10-ounce caulk tubes.
The only drawback we found is its high price point. It almost costs you 10x more than a manual cheap caulking gun.
Highlighted Features
- Rotatable Cartridge Holder
- High Viscosity Caulk Application Capability
- Drip free. So, no or very little waste
- Adjustable Speed Control
- 10 ounce and 300-310 ml cartridge holder
- Expensive
7. Dripless Inc. ETS2000 Ergo Composite Caulk Gun Review:
The ETS2000 Caulking Gun from The Dripless Inc. is one of the most efficient caulking guns we have seen in the market.
With its 12:1 thrust ratio and rotatable rod, you can easily apply caulk evenly without putting any extra pressure on the trigger.
It comes with an inbuilt hook to hang in the wall and a tube cutter which relieves you from pressures of taking extra things to the job site.
Its well-balanced grip ensures long time caulk application without feeling pain or tension in the wrist.
Though the company itself is named as Dripless, the product is not dripless either. This is the only shortcoming we have found in this cute little but handy tool.
Highlighted Features
- Lightweight
- 12:1 thrust ratio
- Rotatable Revolving frame
- in-built hook and cutter
- Comfortable Grip
- Not Dripless
8. COX 41004-2T Ascot Manual Caulk Gun
The COX 41004 is famous for its instant pressure release feature. The manufacturer did a marvelous job of including the feature in a handheld manual caulk gun.
The highest thrust ratio makes it one of the most powerful caulking guns out in the market. You can place the caulk easily without putting much pressure on the trigger.
With this manual caulk gun, you will be able to apply the caulk evenly with utmost precision.
The instant pressure release made this the hype of the home improvement guys as it does not drip a drop. Impressive!
We were searching for a drawback of this gun and ended up failed. This UK made caulk gun is one of the true kings of the industry, I should say.
Highlighted Features
- Highest Thrust Ratio in A manual Gun
- Dripless
- built-in hook
- Balanced application
- Instant pressure release feature
9. Tajima CNV-100SP26 Premium Caulk Gun
The Tajima CNV is extremely popular among the people who are looking for materials with the superior build quality.
This beast comes with a whopping 26:1 thrust ratio making it one of the finest caulking guns to date. You can apply any type of sealing materials without bothering about putting extra pressure.
Its cushioned grip makes a way to uninterrupted balanced bead on the floor.
The weather-resistant caulk gun can put your caulk in -15 degree Fahrenheit to 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool, Nah?
Its long barrel allows you to reload the gun easier than the other guns in the market.
This passes the Drip test also as we have not experienced any drip after releasing the pressure.
The only drawback is that it does not come with a nozzle cutter. You have to take a knife to cut the tube nozzle.
Highlighted Features
- 26:1 thrust ratio
- Easy Reloading
- Balanced grip
- 360-degree rotating ability
- Good Performance in hot and cold weather
- No nozzle cutters
10. Albion Manual Cartridge Caulking Gun
Albion is one of the market leaders of the caulking gun industry and here comes our review on their gun.
The Manual caulk gun from Albion has 12:1 thrust ratio which allows you to put medium viscosity caulking materials easily.
Its long and comfortable handle allows you to grip it well and place the bead on the floor in a balanced line.
The manufacturer added Nozzle cutter and a hanging hook in the gun so that you do not need to bother about these silly things in big projects.
The Albion caulking gun is of good build quality making it one of the most durable caulking gun.
But the most important thing is- This does not come with a dripless feature which bothered me a lot.
With this shortcoming, I found this gun as a heavy one comparing to other guns we are reviewing here. So, you need some practice before you actually start working with it.
Highlighted Features
- 12:1 thrust ratio
- Long and comfortable grip
- Spout Cutter and Hook included
- Weighs Heavy
- Not Dripless
11. Ryobi P310G 18v Pistol Grip Power Caulk Gun
Here comes the BONUS! The Ryobi Power Caulk Gun is such a thing which we could not resist reviewing it.
It has a huge power of 500 lbs pushing force by which you can press any type of caulk without feeling any pressure on your hand.
Its battery is so much energy efficient that you can put almost two hundred tubes with a single charge in the battery. Unbelievable Power!
It comes with a speed control system allows you to speed up the work when you are accustomed to using it.
Its comfortable grip and pistol shaped trigger feel good in the hand and you can apply caulk for longer than usual with it.
Apart from all these good things about the product, I am not quite with it. Because it does not come with a battery and charger. So, a big drawback here.
Highlighted Features
- 500-ounce pushing force
- Adjustable speed Controller
- Power Efficient
- Comfortable Grip
- Good Build Quality
- Battery and Charger not Included
How To Choose The Best Caulking Gun
There are a lot of things you need to check before you head to buy a new tool. Caulk guns are not at all different and you should take some important things into consideration before you buy one.
In this head, I will guide you to buy the best gun for your specific caulking job without spending much on it.
1. Dripless Feature
The dripless feature is a must for any caulking gun. If your caulking gun drip, you will face difficulty working with it. Small drip after a straight line of caulk is enough to make a mess in your caulking area.
So, whenever you plan to buy a caulk gun, go for the dripless guns. They are good for smooth and efficient application of sealants.
Read More: Best Spackle For Drywall
2. Thrust Ratio
You need to care about the thrust ratio when you want to use the caulking gun for a high viscosity material.
If you are sure about your caulks and the viscosity of the material, you can go for a medium thrust ratio caulk gun.
Caulking guns having 18:1 thrust ratio is capable of applying high viscosity sealants and 10:1 thrust ratio will give you the ability to put low to medium viscosity caulking materials.
Apart from the materials level differences, there are differences in terms of how much force you need to apply to pull out the caulk.
High thrust ratio means you need less pressure on the trigger and low thrust ratio needs a lot of pressure on the trigger. So, this is another thing you should take into consideration.
[I have elaborated thrust ratio in FAQ, you can see that if you are not familiar with this word.]
3. Smooth Pressure
Cheap caulking guns skip this feature and end up making a mess in the application area. Smooth pressure from the back of the tube ensures even bead of the caulking.
If your gun can not apply even pressure, you will see an imbalanced application of the caulk in your flooring.
So, the best caulking gun must have even pressure towards the tube so that you can apply silicone caulks evenly throughout the process.
Read our take on The Best Water Hammer Arrestors!
4. Weight and Easy Handling
Weight is a key thing to consider if you are not accustomed to using heavy tools. Even if you are a pro and do heavy tasks with heavy tools, you need to take the weight into consideration.
Let me explain the reason- Bearing a simple 1 lbs. tool for long can make your shoulder feel heavy. Caulking is not so much tiring or heavy task but you need to take the caulking gun for so long and have to concentrate on perfection.
So, if you pick a comparatively heavy gun, it can affect your continual working capability.
5. Cutting Tube Tip and Seal
Most of the modern caulking guns come with tube tip cutter and seal breaker.
Attaching these two simplest of the things with the caulking gun reduces the mess in the working area and keeps the caulking job simplistic.
Having these add-ons with the gun is a good gain, I'm saying you.
6. Types of Caulk Gun
There are different types and sizes of caulk guns for doing various works. The type of a caulking gun has a major impact on the thrust ratio. Here are some of the most popular caulking guns explained-
1. Ratchet Rod Caulking Gun
The Ratchet Rod caulk gun has the lowest thrust ratio with its all manual functions. There is a ratchet rod in this gun which pushes the caulk out of the tube when you press the trigger.
Since these are the simplest of all types of caulking guns, you can't expect any better thrust ratio than 5:1.
2. Smooth Rod Dripless Caulk Gun
This caulking gun is almost the same as the other one explained above. The key difference between these two is the spring in this gun which pushes the caulk out of the tube in a more convenient and efficient way.
With its smooth pressure rod, you can expect to get a thrust ratio of up to 10:1 from this type of caulk gun. So, a smooth rod caulking gun is in the mid level when it comes to power output.
3. Electric Caulk Gun
The most efficient but expensive caulking guns. The electric guns are easy to use, have versatile features with the highest thrust ratio of up to 18:1.
The only drawback you will find in these best dripless caulk guns that these are so much expensive that sometimes an electric caulk gun costs you 10 times higher than a manual caulk gun.
Read Also: Best Concrete Resurfacer Reviews
Final Verdict
Now that you end up reading the whole guide, you know what are the factors to consider before buying a caulking gun as well as what is the best caulk gun in the market.
Caulk guns are a necessity for homeowners. You can't find a convenient home improvement tool in that price point where the caulking guns offer you.
The recommendation I would make is to go for the quality caulk guns rather than looking for a cheaper one. Caulking guns will serve you for a lot of time and you should not compromise with the quality for saving some bucks.
I have tried my best to make this article a rich one which answers all my reader's questions. If you feel that you did not get your answer, feel free to hit the comment box below. I will be there for you with the answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dripless Caulking Gun?
A tool which doesn't drip is called dripless. Dripping problem is a concern in caulking industry as most of the cheap caulking guns drips.
The problem arises because of the inefficient locking system of the pressure rod. If you want a dripless caulk gun, you need to increase your budget to mid-range and pick the gun which has the dripless feature.
So, the gun having an instant pressure releasing rod to prevent any extra pressure to the tube is called a dripless caulking gun.
We have reviewed 11 best dripless caulking guns above and have mentioned about this feature.
What is Thrust Ratio Caulk gun?
Thrust ratio is the measurement of the power of a caulk gun. The higher the thrust ratio is, the higher the performance of the caulking gun.
You can see 3:1 to 18:1 thrust ratio caulking gun in the market and the 18:1 is the most powerful.
Higher thrust ratio caulking guns allows you to put the caulk more easily without putting extra pressure on the trigger.
In general circumstances, high viscosity caulking materials need high thrust ratio gun and low viscosity materials can be applied with lower thrust ratio guns.
How Do You Clean a Caulking Gun?
Cleaning the caulking gun is easy and fun. You can clean the gun by ragging the gun with a soft dry cloth if the adhesives are not dried out.
If the sealants are dried out and you find difficulties removing them from the gun, here is the quick solution.
Take a bucket of warm water and mix it with detergent or soap. Sink the gun for a period of time.
Sinking in the warm water will soften the dried caulks and it will be easy for you to wipe the caulk then with a cloth.
Do You Push or Pull When Caulking?
You can push or pull when caulking. But the best option is to pull the caulking gun along the joints so that the beads applied evenly.
If you push the caulking gun towards the joints, the beads will not apply in an even and linear manner. Rather the caulk will be abrasive and will inspire mold to build up in the small gaps.
Can You Use Caulk Without a Gun?
Generally, you can not apply caulk from a tube without the right caulking gun. However, some caulk manufacturers make caulk tubes which can be applied without a gun. But those are for petty works and can not be used massively.
If you want to caulk a whole kitchen or bathroom, then you have to use a caulking gun to have your work done perfectly.
How Do You Remove Excess Caulking?
There are different ways of removing excess caulking for different circumstances.
When you are applying the caulk and there is excess soft wet caulk on the surface, then you can use a 3-in-1 caulk removing tool to remove excess caulks from the surface.
If the caulks are dried up, you can't remove excess caulk without chemicals. We have a dedicated article on dry caulk removers, you should see the article to know more about the procedure and best products.
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