The 10 Best Caulk Guns for Home Improvement Projects (2024)

What We Researched

Our Top Picks

This WorkPro Caulking Gun made it to the top of our best caulk gun list because of its customizable features, plus the fact that it’s easy to squeeze. While some caulk guns come with a single thrust ratio, this one provides two settings for high and low flow rates.

Kick it into an 18:1 thrust ratio for thick adhesives, or switch to 9:1 if you’re dealing with fine acrylic or latex sealants. Another nice feature is a rotating barrel, which is beneficial for achieving an even seal on cracks in hard-to-reach places (like around pipes or under the sink).

It also comes with a smooth rod and plunger with a spring-loaded release, which pushes the caulk quickly out of the tube. The WorkPro is also more efficient and quieter compared to a ratchet rod, and it’s drip-free, which means less clean-up after the job is done.

But, if you want to keep the caulk flowing, you can turn off the dripless mode (via a button). One small downside: it doesn’t include a spout cutter, so you’ll need to use a knife whenever you want to open the tip. It works best with a 10-ounce cartridge.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Open-framed | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Metal, plastic | Thrust Ratio: 9:1, 18:1

Although there don’t seem to be a lot of brands offering traditional ratchet caulk guns in their lineup, the Red Devil Caulk Gun is just that. It’s a viable option if you want to use a caulk gun for light jobs like fixing a leaking sink or patching a crack around your bathtub.

They also tend to be some of the cheapest types of caulk guns on the market. Like most caulk guns, the Red Devil is extremely durable thanks to a 100% steel construction. It also includes a puncture pin for bursting caulk tubes open and an integrated spout cutter to open tube tips.

It features a 6:1 ratio, which is admittedly not the most powerful but offers enough oomph for small, basic caulking tasks. This tool is made to fit caulking tubes that are at least 28 ounces. Just be aware that it doesn’t include any drip-free mechanisms, so it’s bound to be messier.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Not listed | Rod Type: Ratcheting | Material: Steel | Thrust Ratio: 6:1

When there are lots of cracks and need to seal them fast, look for a battery-operated version like the Dewalt 20V Caulk Gun. It is equipped with a variable trigger and speed dial, which helps control the thickness of the caulk applied to the crack.

Not to mention that it causes less strain on your finger, so you won’t need to worry about wearing your hand out. Its anti-drip feature ensures there is no mess by automatically retracting the plunging rod once caulking is done.

The tray is designed for large silicon casings and can accommodate tubes up to 29 ounces. But if you need something smaller, you’ll want to buy extra trays to fit the caulking gun.

Other than the fact that it is way more expensive than manual models, it doesn’t come with a battery or a charger (you need to buy those separately.) But, if you don’t want to deal with cramped hands or you’re planning a large project—this could be well worth the price.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery-powered | Frame Type: Open-frame | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Global materials | Thrust Ratio: Not listed

If you’re looking for a caulk gun that doesn’t ooze sealant all over the place, the Dripless ETS 2000 is definitely worth a mention. It is designed to be zero-drip: once you release the trigger, the sealant will stop flowing. Note that it only works with industry-standard 10-ounce cartridges.

The caulk gun comes with features such as an extra-long puncture rod and hook for storage. It also features a 12:1 ratio, which provides a suitable amount of power for latex, acrylic, silicone, and hybrid sealants.

Because it's ergonomically designed, you’ll find that it’s easy to press, giving you maximum hand and wrist comfort. This greatly lessens hand fatigue, so you can cover more area. A revolving frame guarantees even caulking throughout.

It is the preferred type if you are planning to place caulking materials in tight corners. There is also a handy hook located at the back to hang it up when you’re done using it.

Weighing around one pound, the ETS 2000 is pretty lightweight. In fact, the manufacturer claims that it weighs up to 40% less than other caulk guns on the market.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Revolving | Rod Type: Smooth, dripless | Material: Composite materials | Thrust Ratio: 12:1

While regular caulking guns measure around 10 to 12 inches, the Siligun Caulking Gun is only 4 inches long. Unlike most other silicone guns which include a long metal hook at the back, the Siligun version doesn’t include it, which cuts down on the length.

Its compact size makes it a great choice for sealing cracks under your kitchen sink or behind a washer or toilet. Plus, it can easily fit in your toolbox, even if it’s small and doesn’t contain a lot of space.

It’s the only caulking gun on the market that lets you cut the caulking tube in half to make the cartridge fit (for other brands, you’ll need to buy a new cartridge.) It also has a built-in hanging hook to store it when the task is done.

The thrust ratio is 12:1, which is great for most standard caulking jobs using latex, polyurethane, or acrylic sealants. We appreciate the dripless design, which means it’s easy to clean and won’t drip when it’s not in use. Our only criticism is that you can’t twist the tube in the gun to change the spout angle.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Not listed | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: ABS plastic | Thrust Ratio: 12:1

Caulking around corners can be notoriously tricky, and you could end up with unsightly globs if you don’t use the right technique. That’s why a steel revolving caulking gun like the Newborn Smooth Rod Caulking Gun is the best choice for the task.

It features a revolving frame that allows caulk to come out evenly and consistently without extra hand acrobatics (if you know, you know). It also has a smooth pressure rod (typical of caulking guns with higher ratios) for easy and quiet flow.

The caulk is designed for 10-ounce cartridges or sausage packs and has an 18:1 thrust ratio. This amount of leverage is good for acrylic latex sealants as well as heavier adhesives like asphalt and cement.

There is a puncture tool as well as a spout cutter located on the side of the gun to easily open cartridges on the spot. It also comes with a hook, so you don’t need to set it on the ground while working.

We highly recommend this product for light caulking tasks like sealing windows or drywall gaps. Just be ready to plug the tip when you finish caulking to stop the flow.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Revolving | Rod Type: Smooth rod Material: Steel | Thrust Ratio: 18:1

Cordless and battery-operated caulk guns are convenient if you’re looking for a less tiring way to caulk. The Greenworks 24V Cordless Caulk Gun includes 650 pounds of push force per cartridge, which comes in handy when squeezing out thick adhesives like tar or cement.

If you plan on caulking all day, this is a good choice. The manufacturer claims it has up to 20% more power and 35% more run-time compared to other options. The other big advantage is that the battery can be used with other Greenworks tools, saving you money if you’re already a fan.

While other battery-operated options on this list do not come with a 2.0Ah lithium-ion battery and charger, the Greenworks gives you the complete package, so you won’t need to make additional purchases.

It’s a great choice for adjustable speeds and more control thanks to six speeds and a variable trigger that offers full control over the flow. Additionally, it goes into dripless mode as soon as you release the trigger. If you’re used to a lighter manual caulk gun, you might find it too heavy.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery-powered | Frame Type: Not listed | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Composite material | Thrust Ratio: Not listed

With a pull of the trigger, this Ryobi Cordless Caulk Gun offers up to 500 pounds of push force and reduces hand fatigue, which means you can do more in less time. It also comes with six adjustable speed settings, so you can slow the flow or speed it up.

There are also other features that you might not find on manual caulking guns. For example, it comes with a trigger lock, which prevents sealant from spurting when not in use, and a built-in puncture rod to pierce caulking tubes. Anti-drip features and a removable tray make clean-up easy.

It’s also a good option if you have a lot of caulking to do or if your arms tire easily. At a press of a button, you can easily create even caulk lines, which would take a little practice to achieve if you’re using a manual caulking gun.

One of the biggest benefits is that the same battery works across Ryobi products. You’ll need to charge the battery before you use it (which takes about 45 minutes). But once it starts, Ryobi says that it has enough power to go through 200 10-ounce adhesive tubes on a single charge.

Due to its big and bulky head, this is not the best caulk gun for sealing cracks in tight spaces. So it might be a good idea to own a smaller caulk gun as well in case you need to go under a sink or behind a toilet.

Product Details: Power Source: Battery-powered | Frame Type: Not listed | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Composite material | Thrust Ratio: Not listed

For high volume and tough jobs like roofing or any job needing thick polyurethane caulk or epoxies, turn to the Jes High Thrust Caulk Gun. It’s an extremely durable option because it’s designed with a heavy-duty metal handle, metal carriages, and rod.

It also features a high 26:1 thrust ratio that easily pumps thick adhesives (you don’t need to struggle with the caulk tubes anymore), plus it’s ideal for working in cold temperatures (cooler temperatures make it hard to push caulk out if you’re using a standard caulk gun).

Conversely, this caulking gun is also great for the times you need to lay down thin beads of caulk—which can be challenging to do if the caulk is hard. This tool can be used with 10-ounce caulking tubes.

It has a 360-degree rotating barrel tube holder, which is an important feature when working in cramped spaces where there isn’t a lot of room to maneuver. Although there is a built-in puncture rod, you won’t find a spout cutter for opening caulk tubes. We recommend that you keep a knife nearby.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Metal | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Metal | Thrust Ratio: 26:1

The SolidWorks Drip-Free Caulk Gun comes with a grippy rubber handle, which makes a difference if you’re looking for a caulk gun that is comfortable and easy to hold.

It also features an adjustable thrust ratio that switches between a strong 24:1 ratio for thick adhesives and a 12:1 ratio for thinner and more precise caulk beading. Note that It’s designed to hold standard 10-ounce cartridges only.

The caulk gun comes with built-in accessories, too. It’s equipped with a hook on the back for convenient hanging and storage. Plus, it features a puncture tool for the times you need to break open the tube tip (especially handy with older cartridges) to increase flow.

Even though it has a drip-free design, you may need to manually release the pressure to stop the flow of the caulk. While the company says that you can use the paper box it comes with as storage, we think it's probably a better idea to invest in a more durable toolbox. Also, note that it does not come with a built-in spout cutter.

Product Details: Power Source: Manual | Frame Type: Not listed | Rod Type: Smooth | Material: Steel | Thrust Ratio: 12:1, 24:1