How to Load & Unload a Caulking Gun
Caulk is the material that professionals use to cover the interior and exterior gaps and creases between the building materials in your home during construction. This toothpaste-like material fills the gaps to form a smooth bond and prevent moisture from penetrating into the building materials. You need to maintain caulk to ensure the continued protection of your home. Before you apply caulk, however, you must first learn to use your caulk gun properly. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Loading Your Gun
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1
Cut the tip of your caulk tube with a razor blade. Look on the tip of the tube to locate the angled marks. (Each mark is labeled 1/4, 1/2 or aother measurement.) Find the mark appropriate for the job at hand, and cut along the angled line to get your opening in the tube.
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2
Slide the 16d nail into the opening, and press to puncture the diaphragm inside the tube. Remove the nail, wipe it clean with a wet rag and set it aside for use on the next tube of caulk.
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3
Slide the bottom (wide end) of the tube into the rear of the caulk gun so that it faces you. Place the tip of the tube into the notch of the gun with the long point of the angle cut facing up.
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4
Slide the plunger on the rear of the gun firmly into place inside the tube, and squeeze the trigger until caulk emerges from the tip. Press the pressure release button on the gun. (Or twist and pull the plunger to release pressure, and slide the plunger forward again after pressure is released.) Wipe the tip clean with a wet rag. You are now loaded and ready to caulk.
Unloading Your Gun
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5
Press the pressure release button on your gun (or twist the plunger and pull completely to the rear of the gun). Wipe the tip of the tube and the entire gun clean of any excess caulk.
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6
Lift the tip of the tube free of the notch in the front of the gun, and pull the tube free from the frame of the gun. Your gun is now unloaded and ready for a new tube.
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7
Dispose of the empty tube, and be sure to keep your gun, hands and other tools clean before, during and after use. Caulk and moisture left on your caulk gun and other tools will cause the gun to malfunction and give you gaps in your caulk job.
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Tips & Warnings
Some caulk guns are equipped with a tip cutter and/or a ram rod. If your caulk gun is so equipped, use these tools instead of a razor knife and 16d nail to cut your tips and puncture the diaphragm inside the caulk tube. Please read and follow all of the manufacturer's instructions before and during use of your caulk gun.
Razor knives pose cut and puncture hazards. Please use caution and common sense when using knives.
Caulk guns pose a pinch point hazard. Please use caution when gripping the gun to insure that no part of your body is where it can be harmed.
Caulk is non-biodegradable. Please dispose of any used tubes and contaminated rags in a legal and environmentally friendly manner.
