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A caulking gun is a handy tool designed to seal cracks and gaps around the house. kali9 / Getty ImagesA caulking gun holds a tube or cartridge filled with sealing material used for closing gaps and cracks. Caulk, typically made of silicone or latex, bonds various materials like metal, glass, wood, and ceramic. It generally comes in a tube, and a caulking gun is necessary to dispense the caulk. The gun lets you control the amount of caulk released and ensures it’s applied precisely where you need it [source: Do It Yourself].
Here’s a step-by-step guide on using a caulking gun.
- Press the release button at the back of the gun with your thumb to release the plunger.
- Pull the plunger back completely. Insert the tube into the gun, ensuring the nozzle is at the front.
- Firmly push the plunger into the back of the tube and release your thumb. The gun is now ready to use.
- Cut the tip of the cartridge so the hole matches the size of the gap you wish to fill.
- Use a nail or pin to puncture any inner seal in the tube.
- Hold the gun at a 45-degree angle along the gap you are sealing.
- Squeeze the gun's handle or trigger slowly while pulling the gun towards you. Once the handle is fully squeezed, release it. It will automatically spring back. When it returns to its starting position, you are ready to squeeze again. The pressure you apply on the trigger and the speed at which you move the gun will control the amount of caulk dispensed. Keep in mind that more caulk will flow at the end of each squeeze.
- After application, smooth out the caulk with your finger [source: Jhtianyi].
