Are More-Expensive Foam Guns Better?
Foam guns can cost anywhere from $15 to $150, so what's the difference?
In this video, Tool Tech host Patrick McCombe talks about the difference between foam guns, and how to choose the right model for the work you do.
Although foam guns can be found for as little as $16 on the internet, these guns are poorly machined and have low-quality seals that allow air (which contains moisture) into the gun, causing the foam to cure within it and killing the gun.
For $30 more, you’ll get a gun with decent machining, which should work fine for a few months or a year of steady use if you take care of it.
The best guns start at about $100 and have smooth, comfortable handles designed for ergonomics, redundant seals that better prevent air intrusion, and stainless-steel barrels for easier cleanup. You can expect the best-quality foam guns to last two years or longer with the right care. Keep in mind that you can kill even the highest-quality foam gun on its first day if you remove the foam can without quickly replacing it.
To learn more about foam guns, check out:
- This Tool Tech video about loading a foam gun the right way.
- Patrick’s article, “Make Your Foam Gun Last,” in FHB #269.
- You Don’t Know Foam
Also, check out Patrick’s new Tool Tech video series, where he reviews the most new and noteworthy tools, tech, and materials, beginning with foam gun basics (Members only!).
Senior editor Patrick McCombe has been testing power tools on behalf of national publications for more than 15 years, and he regularly meets with product manufacturers to try out new introductions. In the Tool Tech series, Patrick reviews the latest tools and materials, discusses building technology, and shows time-tested techniques for better, more-efficient home building. Consider becoming an online member to watch other Tool Tech videos..
View Comments
It would be really nice to have links to the various products shown to do some comparison shopping.
The Hilti gun is about $100 and I have switched to that for my renovations and remodeling business. It allows me to leave the gun on the shelf for months at a time without any problem.
Over the past 30 years I've gone through dozens of pro level dispenser guns. I'm not as keen as Patrick is on the Pageris dispenser (the one in the green case). I've gone through 5 of them at $100+ each and not found them to be any better at sealing and lasting as the <$50 guns. And the plastic triggers - though comfortable - can snap when squeezed hard trying to retract a stuck plunger.
I prefer steel trigger tools.
If you plan to slip on small needle tip to get into tight spaces or a plastic hose to reach awkward spots you'll want a dispenser with a small barbed fitting end. Not all dispensers have tips that will accept attachments.
Mike, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Which $50 gun is it you are recommending? Is the redundant seal claim not of value, or is the $50 recommendation also a redundant seal? I heard the Great Stuff Pro 14 no longer has a barbed tip?
It helps to put an index mark on the control knob- a scratch or MagicMarker. You'll find you want to dispense different bead sizes in different situations and the index mark helps you reproduce different settings with less trial and error.