I need to caulk all the trim seams on my house before painting. I’d prefer a battery powered gun while I’m upon a ladder. Anyone used one? Guessing the usual Milwaukee or Dewalt? I have batteries for both.

I can recommend the Milwaukee 12 volt, I'm sure the 18 volt version is more than capable as well. I have used the 12 volt version at work to apply heavy viscosity glass urethane for the last 3 years with no problems. I know of auto glass professionals who use the 18 volt version all day long every day.

[Hans and Franz voice] Look at da little girly man wanting a battery powered caukk gun. Impress da ladies with your manly grip! You don't need no girly battery powered caulk gun to PUMP YOU UP! Don't be scared of the little ladder. Make the ladder feel your grip too! [/Hans and Franz voice]

Sorry, I got nothing...

I bought the Milwaukee 18v last year and it was a life saver. I liked that I could swap the cage and use either 10oz or 28oz tubes. It also gives you great control over the flow rate with the adjustable dial for max flow and the potentiometer in the trigger.

We used about 30x 28oz tubes of subfloor adhesive and probably 50x 10oz tubes of trim sealant on the last project and it never missed a beat.

I have the Dewalt version and it works great. You can use both tube sizes, control the flow rate easily and when you let off on the trigger is does a minor reverse so the caulk quits flowing immediately and you don’t get that little extra that you didn’t want.

The stupid thing is way overpriced but if you have a lot to do it’s a lifesaver. Well maybe not life but forearms and time saver.

Holy crap!
I never knew these things existed, now my Makita XLT 18V caulk gun arrives TOMORROW!
Because I don’t have my Ryobi battery and charger here in AZ, I HAD to order the Makita.
Next trick will be keeping it out of my wife’s hands...hey wait...if she likes it SHE can do all the caulking from now on!
Thanks, SigForum!

Was watching radon abatement videos. They claimed Ryobi was the preferred one

I would only use a battery powered caulk gun for applying adhesive to subflooring or anything else where appearance isn't critical. Maybe on the exterior of a home is OK. But I wouldnt expect to get a clean job on baseboards or interior trim with it due to lack of control.

I have just received the Makita gun and tried caulking under some sinks. That's where the problem is: it's bulky, hits drain pipes, and I can't see where the bead begins.
On a practice piece of cardboard though, I can get an excellent smooth bead, so I expect on an open area such as a countertop/backsplash caulk, it should be very good.
But yes, the advantage is on using lots of adhesive or caulk on large projects.

One day at work I asked one of the guys if they made electric caulk guns. He said, "yes, but first you must master the manual caulk gun..."

I'm still not very good with it and still haven't bought the electric one. I'd buy the Milwaukee one because I have that battery system.

Must RESIST!!! Admittedly I went to look at them ,to add to my DeWalt 20V arsenal. Was amused that they also make battery powered sausage packers

I had a windshield replaced today, and hung around to watch and chat with the installer.

He used a Milwaukee caulk gun and a YUGE tube of caulk. I'd not seen a battery-powered caulker before, and it made his job a TON easier.

So did the DeWalt gadget -- essentially a short-stroke reciprocating saw, with a spatula chucked into it. Neat stuff!

Now I see Home Depot has the Ryobi caulk gun (tool only) for just $44. Tempting!

quote:

Originally posted by shiftyvtec:
I would only use a battery powered caulk gun for applying adhesive to subflooring or anything else where appearance isn't critical. Maybe on the exterior of a home is OK. But I wouldnt expect to get a clean job on baseboards or interior trim with it due to lack of control.

This

I have a Ryobi powered one that works great for non-detail work.

For trim and stuff I use a manual one.

I have a lot of experience with caulk.

Don't bother with a powered caulk gun, you will use more caulk that you need to.

I advocate for the inexpensive "no leak" caulk guns, because they actually do minimize bleed.

A powered caulk gun, is for people who handle caulk all day for money.