The operations of laying brick-stone materials and the device of tile coatings require a special approach to sealing joints. These are the most sensitive and unprotected places of structures, so they need special attention. High-quality design of such joints is helped by cement, silicone and epoxy mixtures. The main thing is to apply them correctly. Just for such tasks the gun is designed for grouting mounting-type seams. It has a fairly simple design, it does not require special skills during operation, but at the same time it effectively implements embedding in difficult areas.
Key Features
To begin with, it is worth dividing the guns used in working with sealants and grout mixtures into two types. These are skeletal and tubular devices. The first option is more reliable from the point of view of operation, since its design is formed by a strong steel frame that does not bend or rust. For tubular and semi-tubular models of the open type, thin and soft metal like aluminum is used. Such a tool is more suitable for one-time or infrequent work. Also, the grout gun is characterized by its working volume and weight. 310 ml is considered the average volume, but for adjustable skeletal models, and it is not the limit. The design is selected specifically for the specific dimensions of the tube. As for the weight, steel pistols are heavier and can weigh up to 1 kg, and tubular models even with a closed shape have a mass of 500-600 g.
Model TOPEX 21B336
A fairly simple and cheap version of the tubular semi-open gun for sealants, which can be used as a universal means of sealing. The principle of operation is manual, mechanical. The advantages of the gun owners include a smooth ride when pressed and structural reliability, despite the seemingly flimsy base. Therefore, the device can be used in work with large volumes. For example, this is the best gun for grouting stone joints, the masonry of which needs a thick seal. Another thing is that the model does not provide auxiliary capabilities for regulating the temperature of the supplied composition and does not have a wide configuration with nozzles like a thin needle. As a result, we can conclude that TOPEX 21B336 is a high-quality device for solving everyday problems when laying various coatings, but is hardly suitable for professional use due to average functionality. The plus is the low price tag of 350 rubles.
Model FIT 14256
A modified pistol based on the classic pipe construction, which compares favorably with competing models by the presence of tool steel in the case and an increased volume (up to 600 g). Most importantly, the performance of the FIT 14256 design did not negatively affect the accuracy and quality of the material applied. This gun syringe for grouting allows you to cope with the sealing of thin joints, and with the filling of wide technological gaps of a full masonry. The mass of the device is only 500 g, so the wizard’s hand remains active for a long time.
Model Blast Tube 591005
A low-cost but functional solution for the convenient application of mortars, pointwise at the seams and joints. The basis of the design is formed by an aluminum tube, which also performs the task of a cartridge with a working mixture. A serious drawback of the model is the use of plastic in the supporting structure, but thanks to this solution, the device turned out to be lightweight and ergonomic. This is a suitable gun for grouting tiles with small gaps. If you have the proper skills, it is possible to draw up inter-tile contours with a grout mixture without much effort and in a short period of time, directing the nozzle strictly along the contours with minimal delays.
Metabo KPA 18 LTX Model
The premium model of the mounting gun, the feature of which is the increased force when extruding the working solution, which makes it possible to use viscous-flow silicone sealants. Extra power is provided by a battery powered power base. But the advantages of the device are not limited to this. In the basic kit, the KPA 18 LTX grouting syringe gun also receives disks for pressing cartridges of varying degrees of stiffness, a special holder and a 400 mm tube. The device also provides a number of protective mechanisms. For example, to prevent leakage of sealant, the stem with teeth can be easily delayed automatically. A proprietary Metabo Quick cartridge change system is also provided, which helps reduce technical delays during operation. At the same time, professionals who require a complete list of the functions of electronic mounting guns should consider the lack of electronic temperature control of the mixture.
How to choose a grout gun?
In each case, when performing trowel procedures, both the requirements for the design of the joints and the conditions of use differ. Given the features of the planned workflow, attention should be paid to the following nuances of selecting a tool:
- Physical reliability. To ensure that the structure does not fail at a crucial moment, for long operations with a high extrusion load, models with a rigid steel structure should be purchased. Plastic and aluminum cases will pay off only in guns for grouting clinker tiles when accuracy of application comes to the fore, and not productivity.
- Ergonomics of handling consumables. The mechanism for loading or refilling cartridges with tubes must meet both the requirements for sealant and the working conditions. It is important to calculate the reload time, material flow rate and, again, the reliability of the gun design.
- Additional devices. The presence of suitable accessories can not only facilitate the manipulation of the tool, but also improve the quality of the application of the material. At a minimum, it would be useful to provide a stand for the gun, holders, an extra handle, etc.
Conclusion
The application of grouting compositions with the subsequent formation of seams allows you to complete the laying procedure of the target coating, eliminating its weak points at the joints. The grout gun alone is just a way of clearing the gaps, but the quality of operation will depend on many other factors. The choice of the grout mixture itself may also be decisive, since its characteristics differ depending on the composition. Also, do not forget about the parameters of the seam - the width and depth, in particular. They must be calculated at the planning stages of the cladding.