Tools

Caulking & Sealing

Cartridge and sausage guns, finishing tools, nozzle cutters and smoothing solutions for sealant work — including high-thrust guns for stiff polyurethanes and pneumatic guns for volume work.

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Caulking & Sealing products

Caulking & Sealing buying guide

Thrust ratio matters

Thrust ratio is the difference between a clean bead and a sore hand. A 12:1 gun is fine for silicone; stiff polyurethanes and MS polymers in cold weather want 18:1 or higher. On a full day of caulking, a pneumatic or battery gun pays for itself in consistency alone — the bead stops varying with how tired your hand is.

Finishing

Tool the bead within skin time, in one pass, with the right profile tool for the joint size. Repeated passes drag the surface and leave a rough, dull finish. Use a proper finishing solution rather than detergent, which can leave residue at the bond line.

Nozzle cutting technique

Cut the nozzle at roughly 45 degrees, to a width slightly narrower than the joint, and cut it cleanly with a sharp blade rather than tearing it. A nozzle cut too wide forces you to run the gun too fast to avoid overfilling, which produces an uneven bead. Many nozzles can be cut in steps for different joint widths, so keep a spare rather than recutting the same one progressively larger.

Dripless and rod-release mechanisms

A dripless gun releases pressure on the plunger when you let go of the trigger, which stops the sealant continuing to extrude after you have stopped moving. On detailed work — and on any job where a drip lands on a finished surface — this is worth the extra cost. Check the release mechanism works smoothly before buying; a stiff release defeats the purpose.

Frequently asked questions

Cartridge or sausage?
Sausages produce far less waste and work out cheaper per litre on volume jobs, but need a compatible barrel gun. Cartridges are more convenient for small or intermittent work.
How do I stop a cartridge drying out between uses?
Leave a plug of cured sealant in the nozzle, or push a nail into the tip. Cut the plug out before the next use.
What thrust ratio do I need for polyurethane?
18:1 or higher for comfortable use, particularly in cold weather when the sealant stiffens considerably.

stocked at both jaden services trade counters — fairfield heights and prestons — with australia-wide delivery and trade pricing for regular accounts. Get in touch