FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Cordless or air caulking gun?

bri | Posted in Tools for Home Building on November 9, 2006 08:00am

I have a big job coming up. Re-caulking 100 wooden window sills on an old brick factory building. The work will be in the next month or so in Massachusetts, so colder weather will be a factor. I’ll be using a dynaflex 230 or sidewinder type caulking. The only source of power will be a generator.

I’ve had no experience using either type og gun, only used manual guns. The amount of caulking to be done and the conditions warrant a power or air gun, I think. I just don’t know which is better. The 12v milwaukee looks nice, however you can pick up an air gun for $40.

Please steer me in the right direction. Thanks in adavance for all advice.

Brian O’Shaughnessy

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. ponytl | Nov 09, 2006 09:20am | #1

    don't know about the gun... but saw a guy with one of those 12v coolers that heats or cools... it's where he kept his caulk in cold weather... warm caulk  hmmm  i'd keep the warmed tubes in my jeans til it was time to use em....   that in itself might make me popular :)

    p

    1. CAGIV | Nov 09, 2006 05:39pm | #4

      12v cooler?

      from a tool company or plug in the truck type?

      1. ponytl | Nov 10, 2006 03:06am | #5

        from wal-mart... or a truck stop...  i know they heat or cool and plug into a cig lighter but all i've seen come with a power supply where you can use em 120v also

        p

    2. bri | Nov 10, 2006 04:28am | #7

      That's a good idea. I'll look into that. I was going to put a heat lamp inside a cooler, but you're idea is alot safer. Thanks again.

    3. User avater
      dieselpig | Nov 12, 2006 08:21pm | #9

      Keeping my caulk warm is one of the biggest problems I have in the winter.  Sometimes my fingers and toes get cold too.  But cold caulk.... man that's a killer.View Image

      1. ponytl | Nov 13, 2006 03:18am | #10

        warm it  then keep it in your jeans... all the ladies will smile and all the guys will wonder

        p

        1. User avater
          dieselpig | Nov 13, 2006 03:19am | #11

          That's where I always keep my caulk. View Image

          1. KirkpatrickFramer | Nov 13, 2006 04:49am | #12

            I like to keep my caulk in cider.

          2. telephoneguy | Nov 13, 2006 06:22am | #13

            Speaking of caulking..hope everyone has seen this hilarious Home and Garden TV skit from Saturday Night Live

            http://www.metacafe.com/watch/5_0115/home_garden_tv/

  2. DaveRicheson | Nov 09, 2006 04:26pm | #2

    I have an pnuematic caulk gun and like it a lot. I have not used a cordless drill model, but suspect that you will go through a lot of batteries with stiff, cold caulk. You are going to be running the generator to just charge batteries, so why not just run the compressor and only stop to reload caulk tubes, instead of batteries and tubes?

    I managed to use up some old butyl caulk that I couldn't come close to pumping through a hand gun. Just cranked the pressure up a few more pounds. The pnuematic gun has a sealed tube, like a grease gun, and no plunger, so the caulk tube don't rupture as readily as an open barrel  caulk gun.

     

    Dave

    1. bri | Nov 10, 2006 04:27am | #6

      Thanks for the info. What make and/or model do you use?

      1. DaveRicheson | Nov 12, 2006 08:19pm | #8

        Jet model# JSG 9907

         

        Dave

  3. bc | Nov 09, 2006 04:42pm | #3

    you can pick up a ryobi at HD for around 100 bucks with 2 batteries...

  4. RedfordHenry | Nov 13, 2006 06:59am | #14

    The choice of gun seems secondary to the choice of caulk, especially in MA in cold weather.  Dynaflex and Sidewinder are very different from each other, at least according to DAP's tech bulletins.  Dynaflex should be applied when air temps are 40 degrees "and rising".  Sidewinder is more agreeable to cold weather application, but costs a little bit more.

    I always thought the cordless or air guns would be nice for squirting the big tubes of adhesives in cold weather, but regular size tubes of caulk go pretty quick, even if it's a bit cool outside.  Seems like the extra weight of a cordless gun, keeping batteries charged, etc. or the hassle of dragging around compressor and hose, especially if working on ladders, would actually add time to the job.

  5. pill128 | Nov 13, 2006 09:37am | #15

    I have been using the 18v Ridgid caulking gun for over a year now and absolutely love the thing. I do take a lot of crap for using it but I have had tendons in my hand that slip and a grinding wrist since I was a child, making using a manual caulking gun unbearable. Two huge benefits to the gun are the speed at which it can lay material on the high speed and the simple precision at low. A 30oz tube can be dispensed in around a minute and you can be extremely precise by not releasing the handle.

    As for the battery life, I have never met a tool that will go as long as this thing without quiting (I think that is a quintuple entrandre). I rarely charge the thing and it will hold for a good two months. I am sure the milwaukee is a decent tool, but the "lifetime" warranty got me.

  6. WINSTALL | Nov 13, 2006 03:30pm | #16

    I have a 12v Ryobi.... Love it.... did 4 windows yesterday on a total replacement job... it only took about 5 minute for all 4.... no tooling or smoothing with the old finger..... My only compaint is there is no box or case for the tool...
    that would be a nice add on.

    1. DustyandLefty | Nov 14, 2006 08:05pm | #17

      Here's another vote for the battery-powered Ridgid.  I've got last year's model that only runs on their 18 volt batteries (the new ones use either the 18 or the 24).  It will take either the small size tubes or the large.  I can slow it way down or speed it up, and the batteries recharge in 20 minutes.

      My only problem with it occured when I was trying to use a full-sized tube of old leftover PL.  The adhesive wasn't coming out the nozzle, so like a dummy I turned up the speed/pressure, forcing the PL out the bottom of the tube and into the gun.  What a mess.  I spent the next hour cleaning out as much adhesive out of the caulking gun as I could.  I then sprayed Wd40 or something into everything, and fortunately it still works as good as ever.

      Dusty & Lefty

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 686: Brick Steps, Ground-Source Heat Pumps, and Greenhouses in Nova Scotia
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Efficient HVAC for a New Build
  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data