What does thrust ratio mean?

How much of the trigger force reaches the plunger. 12:1 suits thin silicone; stiff polyurethane and hybrid sealants want 18:1 or more.

What gun do sausage packs need?

A closed-barrel gun. Skeleton guns take rigid cartridges only.

Why does sealant keep running after I stop?

Without an anti-drip mechanism the plunger stays under pressure after the trigger is released. Anti-drip models vent that pressure.

How should the nozzle be cut?

At 45 degrees, sized to the joint. Cutting too wide pushes sealant out of the joint and creates cleanup work.

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Caulking Guns

A caulking gun exists to lay a bead of sealant evenly and without interruption. Thrust ratio is what separates them: a higher ratio pushes stiff sealant with less hand force and leaves a straight bead.

Thrust ratio and cartridge type

Thrust ratio (12:1, 18:1 and so on) describes how much of the trigger force reaches the plunger. A low ratio is enough for thin silicone; polyurethane and hybrid sealants want 18:1 or more.

Alongside the standard 310 ml cartridge there are 400-600 ml sausage packs, which need a closed-barrel gun. An anti-drip mechanism releases plunger pressure when the trigger is let go, stopping the bead running on.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does thrust ratio mean?
How much of the trigger force reaches the plunger. 12:1 suits thin silicone; stiff polyurethane and hybrid sealants want 18:1 or more.
What gun do sausage packs need?
A closed-barrel gun. Skeleton guns take rigid cartridges only.
Why does sealant keep running after I stop?
Without an anti-drip mechanism the plunger stays under pressure after the trigger is released. Anti-drip models vent that pressure.
How should the nozzle be cut?
At 45 degrees, sized to the joint. Cutting too wide pushes sealant out of the joint and creates cleanup work.