Here to support your projects
Tutorials, guides, and answers — for the tools you trust.
Video tutorials
Drip-Free vs. Thumb Release vs. Ratchet Caulk Guns
How to Caulk a Bathtub
How to Choose the Right Cartridge Gun
How to Choose Between a Cartridge, Sausage, and Bulk Caulking Gun
Tutorials & guides
How to Remove Dried Caulk from a Caulking Gun
Over time, dried silicone and caulk build up on your gun — stains, residue, and sticky buildup. Here is how to strip it back to clean.
Read → 02How to Easily Remove Old, Moldy, and Cracked Caulk in Three Simple Steps
Moldy, discolored, or cracked caulk lurking in your bathrooms or around windows? Three steps to a clean start.
Read → 03How to Caulk Your Bathtub the Right Way: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide
A bathtub looking worse for wear? A clean, waterproof seal, start to finish.
Read → 04Drip-Free vs. Thumb Release vs. Ratchet Caulk Guns: Which Is Best for Your Project
Learn the differences between drive mechanisms to pick the right tool for the job.
Read → 05Best Caulk Gun for Medium to Thick Materials (Firestop, Hybrids & Polyurethane)
Thick materials need the right thrust ratio. What to run for firestop, hybrids, and polys.
Read → 06What Is Newborn’s DuraCore® Technology?
The investment-cast friction plate behind the drive feel — and why it lasts.
Read → 07What Is a Dual Thrust Gun? A Simple Guide for Every Caulker
One switch, two thrust ratios. When to run 12:1 and when you need 24:1.
Read → 08Caulking a Window for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Seal out drafts and water at the frame — beginner-friendly, no gaps, no mess.
Read →Frequently asked
Looking for guidance? Here you’ll find answers to the most commonly asked questions about our caulk guns.
How do you clean your gun?
There are many solvents, chemicals, and cleaners available. We suggest you consult the manufacturer of the material you are using for a recommended list of ways to clean and remove their specific material. We also recommend you read all warnings and labels on the solvent or cleaner before using.
Whatever you use, we suggest you clean and remove the material before it cures on the gun or accessories. Do not submerge the tools in the solvents, chemicals, or cleaners.
What does thrust ratio mean?
Thrust ratio is a ratio of the force you generate on the trigger versus the force that is generated to push the material. This term is only applied to manual guns.
For example, a 6:1 thrust ratio means that for every 1 lb of force the user generates on the trigger, 6 times that force is pushing the material. So, if you generate 2 lbs force on the trigger, you push the material with 12 lbs force… 3 lbs force on the trigger = 18 lbs force on the material, and so on.
What do I do when my rod won't pull back?
With all style guns, make sure you are only holding the back, stationary handle. Do not hold the handle and trigger together as you are essentially “locking” the gun and won’t be able to pull the rod back.
- Constant pressure gun (thumb release): Hold the back handle and press the thumb release to pull the rod back.
- Drip-free gun: Hold the handle and pull the rod back. There is no thumb release to press.
- Ratchet rod gun: Hold the handle, rotate the rod so the ratchet teeth are facing up and pull the rod back. To advance the rod with each trigger squeeze, rotate the rod so the teeth are facing down.
How can I purchase an item?
Newborn sells through distribution. Please contact us directly if you need a list of distributors in your area. Newborn also offers select items available for direct sale from our Store page.
Phone: (800) 638-3983
Email: sales@newborncaulkguns.com
Where is the nearest distributor?
Please contact us directly to get a list of distributors in your area.
Phone: (800) 638-3983
Email: sales@newborncaulkguns.com
Can I get a parts breakdown sheet for a particular gun?
Please contact us directly to get a parts breakdown or schematic for a particular gun.
Phone: (800) 638-3983
Email: sales@newborncaulkguns.com
Why won't the gun push the caulk?
There are several reasons why the gun might not push the caulk. Before contacting us, consider the following:
- Has the caulk been in the gun for an extended period of time and possibly cured?
- Is the material too thick for the gun? Some very thick materials will not work well in a drip-free or ratchet gun, or one with a very low thrust ratio like 3:1.
- If you are using a ratchet rod gun, make sure the teeth are facing down in order to advance the rod forward.
For further help, contact us at (800) 638-3983 or sales@newborncaulkguns.com.
How do I get the material into a bulk gun?
There are two methods to load your bulk gun:
Method 1 — Direct Loading: Spray a small amount of light lubricant (like WD-40) on the end of the gun, about 1–2” worth. Place the bulk gun into the material directly, at least 1” below the surface. Push the thumb release and pull the rod back slowly, keeping the end beneath the surface to eliminate air pockets. Clean off the excess material on the end before putting on an end or ring cap.
Method 2 — Follow Plate: Place a follow plate on the surface of the material and push it down to remove air pockets. Slide the gun over the quick connect/disconnect O-ring on the follow plate. Push the thumb release and simultaneously push the bulk gun down and pull the rod back slowly. This both pushes material in and draws it up at the same time.
How do I remove the cartridge from the gun?
The process depends on the style of gun and drive mechanism you have. Please see the answer to “What do I do when my rod won’t pull back?” above for directions on how to pull the rod back for different gun styles. Once the rod is pulled back, the cartridge can be removed from the frame.
Where do I get static mixers for my dual component material?
There are a number of different cartridge manufacturers in the market, so it depends on who makes the cartridge. Please contact us directly so we can help determine who the manufacturer is and guide you to the right place.
Phone: (800) 638-3983
Email: sales@newborncaulkguns.com
Which dual component gun works with my cartridge?
There are many different cartridge manufacturers, styles, volumes, and mix ratios. It’s best to contact us directly to determine which gun you need. Before you contact us, gather the following information:
- The manufacturer of the material and its market name
- The volume of the cartridge (in milliliters or ounces)
- The mix ratio of the cartridge
- A picture of the cartridge, if possible
Phone: (800) 638-3983
Email: sales@newborncaulkguns.com