\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. How do I remove the tube? Release the gun by thumbing the plunger at the rear of the gun. A poorly cared-for caulking gun will become hard to handle over time, as well as being dirtier during use and therefore more likely to leave an uneven beading. This article has been viewed 419,654 times. Cheap caulking guns come with a ratchet-style handle that must be twisted loose to release the pressure on the caulk in the tube. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Barry also holds his MBA from John F. Kennedy University. What do I do if my caulking gun doesn't have enough pressure for the caulk to come out smoothly? You can peel this off after you're finished. ", https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-use-a-caulk-gun/, https://www.prettyhandygirl.com/tool-tutorial-friday-how-to-use-a-caulk-gun/, https://www.lowes.com/projects/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/how-to-caulk/project, https://thecraftsmanblog.com/how-to-pick-the-right-caulk/, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Using a caulk gun is the easiest way to apply caulk. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. You will want to first pull the rod on the back of the gun all the way out. The instructions will tell you the precise method needed for that particular tube. Do I push or pull the caulk gun while running a bead? Use a caulking gun to apply a bead of 100% silicone caulk to the joint. With an easy to use caulk gun, you need to fill the holes with a material. A caulking gun is basically a tool that comes with a carbide or tube. Once you know how to load the caulk into the frame, you'll be ready to use it in no time at all. 20 August 2020. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. You can come back and fill in any missed points in a second run through. Place the nozzle at a 45 degree angle where the sink and countertop meet. Barry Zakar is a professional handyman and the founder of Little Red Truck Home Services based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Now I do, thank you! It is almost impossible to get silicone out. If not, a utility knife will do the trick (Image 2). Pull plunger back and load a tube of caulk into the gun. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. "Actually, as a widow of a handy man, I'm learning how to be a "handy woman." To use a caulking gun, press the release trigger at the back of the gun, pull back the metal rod, and insert the caulk tube into the frame. Cut the tube tip to the size you need and then stick a wire in the hole to break the seal. Approved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Caulking guns aren’t expensive, so don’t skimp here. How fast you move the gun as you are squeezing the trigger will determine how much caulk is applied; the faster you squeeze the trigger, the more caulk will be released. Additionally, you'll be able to be more precise with how much caulk you want to use. But, high quality comes at a cost. How do I remove a caulk tube from a caulk gun? Step 1: Load Caulk. However, cheap acrylic caulk can shrink when it dries. If this is your first time using a caulk gun, practice a little bit on a piece of paper, cardboard or scrap wood before you approach your actual project. By using our site, you agree to our. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Cut off the tip of your tube by inserting it into the hole at an angle. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. Acrylic caulk is a versatile and popular option for caulk. How to Use a Caulk Gun And Prepare The Sealant. Don't worry if you pressed the trigger and no caulk came out. What do I do if I can't release the lever to get the tube out? Begin squeezing the handle until the caulk begins to flow. A caulking gun is used to fill in small cracks. You can spread the caulk with your finger if you get too much on a spot. You can also use a water-based caulking. Cut the tip of the caulking tube using a pair of scissors or a utility knife. DO use a caulking gun with a thumb release. After you cut open the tip, you may need to push the small wire that is included into the tip until it breaks the foil seal. Remove the tape quickly after you use silicone caulk, or else it could get stuck. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. • You'll want to use a clear finish and make sure it's for outside that it's good for the exterior. Caulk guns can also be used to dispense other materials, such as construction adhesives. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. That will seal down any gap perfectly. To learn more, including how to smooth over the caulk after applying it, read on. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Once you’ve loaded, there are several ways to open the tip, depending on what you’re doing. Additional troubleshooting resources. Although the trigger will push some of the caulk out of the tube, by holding the gun at 45 degrees, you are using gravity to help with the process. To make it easier to spread silicone caulking: Put denatured alcohol in a plant mister type spray bottle. Hold the gun at about 45 degrees with the pointed end on top. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you have a spout cutter on your gun, simply stick the tip in and cut (Image 1). If you missed any spots, don't worry. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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