By
Matt
December 29, 2021Upgraded Gear is supported by its readers. We may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you when buying using a link on our site.
Pneumatic caulking guns are less labor intensive than manual models, and they have longer caulk-filling capabilities than battery-powered ones. Researching the best model is important: we've done the research and have a list of great pneumatic caulking guns to help you make an informed decision.
To create this article, we spent hours researching product data and user reviews for different pneumatic caulking guns. After reviewing the data, we've compiled a list of our top picks.
Tip: If you need help, then we recommend skipping ahead to our buying guide which lists important things to consider when purchasing a pneumatic caulking gun.
| BELAROKO 3100A Pneumatic Gun |  | Great for DIY | Capacity: 10 oz | Cartridge Type: Tube | Weight: 1.3 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Chicago Pneumatic CP9885 Air Caulking Gun |  | Budget Friendly | Capacity: 10 oz | Cartridge Type: Tube | Weight: 2.32 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| PMT Pneumatic Air Caulking Gun |  | All Metal Construction | Capacity: 10 oz | Cartridge Type: Tube | Weight: 1 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| BELAROKO TK-3600 Pneumatic Caulking Gun |  | Best Sausage Tube | Capacity: 20 oz | Cartridge Type: Sausage | Weight: 2.68 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| COX 63002 Berkshire |  | Largest Capacity | Capacity: 29 oz | Cartridge Type: Tube | Weight: 4.8 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
| Campbell Hausfeld (PL155800AV) |  | Best Compact Design | Capacity: 10 oz | Cartridge Type: Tube | Weight: 2.8 lb | VIEW LATEST PRICE | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
The Belaroko 3100A caulk gun is an ideal tool for both industrial and home use. Despite its small size, this unit efficiently dispenses caulk, adhesives, sealants and prevents over-applying or under-applying materials. With its portable design the caulk gun weighs only 2 pounds and is easy to carry, allowing the operator to work it above ground level. Moreover, it can be operated by one hand easily. It has a built in shut of valve and will stop material from dispensing when the trigger is released, which saves any unnecessary waste. The pneumatic caulking gun is also convenient for users who do not want to purchase cartridges, being able to reuse cartridge by inserting it with the user's desired material.
The Chicago Pneumatic CP9885 air caulking gun is ideal for light to medium duty applications. It is easy to use and comes with a comfortable handle. It only weighs two pounds so it can be used for extended periods of time without the user getting hand fatigue or cramps.
One of the best things about the Chicago pneumatic CP9885 is that it's affordable! One disadvantage of this gun is its plastic trigger, which some people have reported can break and replacement triggers are difficult to obtain.
Are you looking for a caulking gun that is made entirely of metal for long lasting durability? You should definitely take a look at the PMT pneumatic air caulking gun. The product is recommended for all types of construction, general maintenance, and residential applications. You can use this air caulking gun with standard 10 ounce cartridges. With its all metal construction, it's durable, lightweight, and ergonomically designed. The maximum operating pressure is 60 to 120 psi.
If you're a contractor looking for an air-powered caulking gun to dispense heavy materials, the TK-3600 is one of the best choices on the market today. Its reinforced barrel is designed to hold sausage tubes up to 20 ounces in diameter. It's made for contractors, who need equipment that can deal with heavy use. With 145 psi working pressure it's a powerful tool that's built to last in tough environments.
When it comes to the largest capacity pneumatic caulking gun on the market, you can't go wrong with the COX 63002 Berkshire. You can use up to 29 oz caulk cartridges with it, which is huge! The gun is made in the USA and/or England with a barrel that is drawn from aluminum and has replaceable parts. The piston rod action of the cartridge plunger allows for efficient operation, and the adjustable air regulator allows for consistent application of 100 PSI. COX is a world leader in quality caulk guns and epoxy applicators.
For a durable caulk gun that is extremely easy to use, look no further than the Campbell Hausfeld air-powered caulk gun (PL155800AV). Air-powered technology makes this caulk gun a simple solution for most of your caulking projects, and the lightweight design means you can easily carry it along with you. It dispenses fluid quickly, stops flow when the trigger is released – using only standard cartridges and dispensing 10.1 fluid ounces. It's a great choice if you're looking for a compact option.
With so many factors to consider, choosing an air caulking gun can be a difficult task. Fortunately, you've come to the right place: we've compiled a list of the most important criteria to take into consideration before buying your next air-powered caulk gun.
Factors:
If you're reading this, you're probably considering buying an air caulking gun. Before we go any further, let's talk about the different types of caulk guns available on the market. It may be that a different type (manual or electric) is better suited to your needs.
The most common type of caulk gun used by homeowners and contractors is a manual gun. You can choose between a ratchet rod and a smooth rod. Compared to cordless and pneumatic models, it is also the most affordable option. However, extreme portability and low cost come with a price: user fatigue after extended use. With a manual caulk gun, you'll feel it in your hands and fingers if you plan on using more than 20 tubes of caulk at once, especially if you're using something less viscous than silicone caulk.
By contrast, compressed air caulk guns have an infinitely variable thrust ratio. It's easy to use and keeps your hands from getting tired after a while. Its only disadvantage is that the pneumatic caulk gun needs an air hose and an air compressor to operate.
Cordless caulking guns are the hottest new thing on the block and the best option for high-volume caulking. It's a battery-powered caulking gun with a variable speed trigger that lets you work continuously. What is there not to like about that? The main drawback is the cost. It is not uncommon to find a cordless caulking gun for $200 (without batteries). However, if you already have batteries in the brand's ecosystem and plenty of caulking to do, then this is definitely the best option.
Which type is best for your needs? That depends. The majority of contractors use air guns for caulking. You'll most likely have a compressor and air hose on hand, so you shouldn't have a problem using an air-powered caulking gun. With an air-powered caulking gun, you won't have to suffer from hand pain like you would with a manual one. Additionally, you won't have to take as many breaks while the batteries are charging as you would with an electric caulking gun.
But what about homeowners? An air-powered caulking gun can still be used for many outdoor projects, such as caulking concrete, around a pool, or on your roof. Air-powered caulking guns are usually able to handle thicker materials which are impractical with most manual guns and some electric models.
The next factor to consider when shopping for a pneumatic caulking gun is its capacity.
The capacity of a caulking gun refers to how much caulk it can hold at one time. With a bigger capacity gun, you will replace an empty caulking tube fewer times. Having a large caulk gun capacity is ideal for professional contractors who need a lot of caulk on a regular basis, but if you're only an occasional user, this isn't as important to you.
It can be challenging to figure out what size is best for your needs. Until a job is underway, it can be difficult to estimate how much caulk will be needed. You might also want to consider whether or not you plan on using different sizes of caulking cartridges when choosing your caulking gun. If you're going to use multiple caulking gun sizes, make sure that the caulking gun supports them all, so switching between sizes won't be a hassle.
The three types of cartridge capacity sizes are 10oz, 20oz, and 29oz. What is the best size for you? That depends. Think about it this way. Where are you going to do most of your caulking? In cases where you are working on a ladder or a roof, climbing down to the ground and changing out your caulk tube twice or three times may not be that convenient.
| Model | Capacity |
|---|---|
| BELAROKO 3100A | 10 oz |
| Campbell PL155800AV | 10 oz |
| Chicago CP9885 | 10 oz |
| PMT Air Gun | 10 oz |
| BELAROKO TK-3600 | 20 oz |
| COX 63002 | 29 oz |
Another consideration is whether you should buy a pneumatic caulking gun that uses standard cartridge, such as 10 or 29 ounce caulk tubes, or those that use sausage packs. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Easy use and availability are the main advantages of a tube-style caulk gun. Every big box store sells tube caulk, and it's very easy to swap it in and out of your caulk gun. The disadvantage is that you waste a lot more material over time. Approximately 1% of the caulk in a standard 10 oz tube is wasted at the end as it stays trapped in the nozzle, and this amount increases to about 3% in 29 oz tubes.
It doesn't sound like much, but it adds up. When you buy a pallet of caulk tubes, you end up wasting about a full case of caulk per pallet.
Does a sausage tube offer a better solution? Well, that depends. It produces very little waste, reduces packaging waste, uses less storage space, and has a longer shelf life. The downside is that you are unlikely to find it at your big-box store, and depending on the caulk you need, you may have to place a special order.
If you work as a contractor with a lot of caulk to apply, a sausage tube caulk gun might be what you need. On the other hand, if you are just an average DIYer or you caulk from time to time, you might want to stick with tube caulk guns.
| Model | Cartridge Type |
|---|---|
| BELAROKO TK-3600 | Sausage |
| BELAROKO 3100A | Tube |
| COX 63002 | Tube |
| Campbell PL155800AV | Tube |
| Chicago CP9885 | Tube |
| PMT Air Gun | Tube |
Usually, a caulking gun's weight isn't a big issue for an average homeowner. But if caulking is a big part of your job, then buying a lightweight caulking gun is probably a smart idea.
Caulking guns are different from most other tools because a good bead of caulk requires a steady hand. It's hard to hold a gun steady on the 20th tube, especially after holding it above your head for a while. Eventually, fatigue sets in, and that caulk gun starts to feel heavy.
Depending on your health and ability, you might want to go for a lightweight model. If you're not going to use urethane or epoxy, you probably don't need a caulking gun with 950 lbs of force, which shaves off a couple of pounds.
| Model | Weight |
|---|---|
| PMT Air Gun | 1 lb |
| BELAROKO 3100A | 1.3 lb |
| Chicago CP9885 | 2.32 lb |
| BELAROKO TK-3600 | 2.68 lb |
| Campbell PL155800AV | 2.8 lb |
| COX 63002 | 4.8 lb |
You will find a variety of air-powered caulking guns on the market. Before you buy one, make sure to check the working pressure, which is measured in PSI and represents the thrust ratio.
The PSI rating for an air caulking gun refers to how much pressure the air compressor will need to put out in order for the gun to perform optimally. The higher the PSI rating, the more power you will get from your air-powered caulking gun.
You can select an air-powered caulking gun with a PSI rating thrust ratio that matches your needs or you can purchase an adhesive gun with a PSI rating that exceeds your needs and then use an adjustable regulator to lower the working pressure when applying a desired adhesive or sealant.
When shopping for an air-powered caulking gun, also consider the whether the caulking gun includes an air regulator. If it doesn't, then you'll need to purchase it separately. Air regulators are important because they help regulate the flow of air and control the pressure of your project.
An air-powered caulking gun will generally include a hose with a quick connector and a pressure gauge. Some models come with a handle that allows you to adjust how forcefully you pull the trigger. You can choose between two or three finger triggers depending on your preference, and some models even allow you to set the trigger to automatically release air after each pull.
The type of material used to construct the caulking gun is especially important if you plan to use it for a long time. If the caulk gun is made out of plastic, then you should be aware that it may not hold up as well as one made from metal.
At the same time, a caulk gun that's all metal can be heavy and hard to handle. You'll want to hold the caulk gun in place while pulling back on the handle, so it needs to be lightweight.
If you're just looking for a caulk gun for limited home maintenance projects or if you are an occasional user, then a plastic or mixed-material caulk gun will likely suffice. But if you plan to use it often, or if you are doing extensive renovations for a caulking job and plan to use it a lot, then look for one that's all metal.
If you're like me, then the country of manufacture might be another factor to take into account when shopping for an air-powered caulking gun.
For some individuals, this might not matter to them at all. But if you are one of those people who want to make sure they get their money's worth when buying anything online, then you'll make sure to check the country of manufacture.
Here are a few final things you might want to consider before purchasing an air-powered caulking gun:
Dripless - A dripless caulk gun stops the flow of caulk once you release the trigger. When it comes to caulking, you know what an important feature it is; the worst thing is to deal with an oozing mess of caulk.
Seal Punch - Seal puncture tools are less common on pneumatic guns, but they are still available on some. It's much better than keeping a coat hanger or long rod with you at all times.
Ladder Hook - It's an important feature that allows you to hang the caulk gun on the ladder while you work on other things. It's not common on air-powered guns since you can simply hang the gun using the attached air hose.
Spout Cutter - A spout cutter is a great feature because it avoids having to get caulk all over your nice pocket knife.
