How to Choose Between a Cartridge, Sausage, and Bulk Caulking Gun 

Which caulking gun should you use — cartridge, sausage, or bulk? 
It’s a question nearly every contractor or DIYer faces. Choosing the right caulking gun affects not only how efficiently you work, but also how clean and professional your final results look. With three main types — cartridge, sausage, and bulk caulking guns — each offers unique advantages depending on the scale and frequency of your projects. 

At Newborn, we’ve built high-performance caulking guns trusted by professionals for over 50 years. Whether you’re applying silicone, polyurethane, or other sealants, this guide will help you understand the differences between each type so you can choose the best tool for your next job. 

1. Cartridge Caulking Guns 

Cartridge caulking guns are the most common and user-friendly option. They use pre-filled 10 oz (or 300 ml) cartridges that are easy to load, making them a popular choice for homeowners, maintenance crews, and light-duty professionals. 

Why choose a cartridge caulking gun? 

• Simple to use: Ideal for beginners or quick projects. 

• No cleanup: Just remove and discard the empty cartridge. 

• Readily available: Most sealants come pre-packaged in cartridges. 

Keep in mind: 

• Cartridges generate more plastic waste compared to other formats. 

• They’re less cost-efficient for large or repetitive jobs. 

Best for: Light sealing work like windows, bathtubs, tile, and trim. 

Newborn Recommendation: 
Try the Octogun 208D Drip-Free Caulk Gun or the 250 Smooth Rod Caulking Gun, designed for consistent flow, ergonomic comfort, and precise application. Pair it with Octogun Silicone — a professional-grade sealant engineered for flexibility, weather resistance, and long-lasting adhesion in kitchens, bathrooms, windows, and outdoor projects. Together, they deliver smooth, reliable performance for every job. 

Octogun 208D – Integrated Tooling Square  

250 Caulking Gun – Versatile & Durable  

Octogun Silicone Sealant for Superior Adhesion 

2. Sausage Caulking Guns 

Sausage caulking guns use flexible foil packs — typically 20 oz — that collapse as the material is dispensed. This design minimizes waste and increases efficiency, making sausage guns the go-to for professionals tackling medium-to-large-scale sealing projects. 

Why choose a sausage caulking gun? 

• Less waste: Foil packs use minimal packaging. 

• More material per load: Fewer reloads during large jobs. 

• Better long-term value: More economical for frequent users. 

Keep in mind: 

• Requires compatible guns and a bit more loading experience. 

• Not every sealant is available in sausage form. 

Best for: Construction professionals and contractors handling frequent or high-volume sealing work. 

Newborn Recommendation: 
For professionals who need dependable performance, the Newborn 420AL Sausage Gun offers ultimate control and lasting durability at a cost-effective price point. Its lightweight aluminum barrel and high thrust ratio make it ideal for dispensing thicker materials and maintaining consistent flow during long application runs. Built for precision and comfort, it reduces fatigue even on demanding job sites. 

If you’re looking for the next level of power and versatility, the Newborn 720AL-DT Sausage Gun is engineered to handle virtually any sealant or adhesive. Its Dual-Thrust system (12:1 & 24:1) lets you instantly switch between standard and high thrust ratios with a simple turn of the knob — perfect for adjusting to different material viscosities mid-job. The 720AL-DT’s Multi-Compatibility Design works seamlessly with 20 oz. sausage packs, 20 oz. bulk materials, and 10 oz. cartridges, giving professionals unmatched flexibility on the job site. 

Every detail of the 720AL-DT is built for performance: 

• DURACORE Friction Plate: Precision investment-cast for superior strength and longevity. 

• ETG (Effective Trigger Grip): Eliminates trigger play as the gun wears for smooth, consistent action. 

• Heat-Treated Drive Rod: Reinforced for maximum durability under continuous use. 

• Revolving Barrel: Rotates 360° for easy handling around corners and tight spaces. 

• Self-Puncturing Cone: No pre-cutting required — the integrated puncture points do the work. 

• Starburst Release Plate: Designed for effortless pressure release and smoother operation. 

Newborn 420AL Caulk Gun for Ultimate Control  

Model 720AL-DT for Versatile Thrust Control 

3. Bulk Caulking Guns 

Bulk caulking guns draw material directly from a bucket or pail, making them ideal for industrial-scale or high-volume applications. They’re often used for glazing, commercial construction, and projects requiring heavy-bodied sealants. 

Why choose a bulk caulking gun? 

• Extremely cost-efficient: Buy sealants in bulk for major savings. 

• Minimizes packaging waste: Fewer cartridges or foil packs to discard. 

• High capacity: Perfect for extended runs without reloading. 

Keep in mind: 

• Requires cleanup after each use. 

• Not ideal for small or occasional projects. 

Best for: Industrial and commercial applications that demand continuous performance and cost efficiency. 

Newborn Recommendation: 
The Newborn 624-GTS (24 oz) and 632-GTS (32 oz) Bulk Caulking Guns are engineered for precision, power, and comfort. Built with a Gator Trigger System and adjustable thrust control, they deliver a smooth pull and consistent flow, even with thicker materials. Their heavy-duty construction and ergonomic handles help professionals maintain clean, even bead lines during long application sessions — making them ideal for demanding commercial jobs. 

For a simpler, cost-effective alternative, the Newborn 224 (24 oz) and 232 (32 oz) Square Rod Bulk Guns offer excellent performance without the extra features. With a heat-treated drive rod for long-lasting strength and a rubber comfort grip, these models are perfect for users who want durability and dependability in a straightforward bulk gun design. 

Unlock Potential with the Newborn 632-GTS Caulk Gun 

Buy 624-GTS for Precision and Performance  

Precision 232 Caulk Gun for Perfect Seals 

Durable 224 Caulk Gun for Precision Sealing 

Which Caulking Gun Should You Choose? 

Here’s a quick breakdown: 

• Occasional users or homeowners: Go with a cartridge caulking gun for simplicity and convenience. 

• Professional contractors or frequent users: Choose a sausage caulking gun for greater efficiency and less waste. 

• Industrial or commercial professionals: Opt for a bulk caulking gun to handle high volumes and achieve maximum cost savings. 

Final Tips from Newborn 

There are a few additional considerations when choosing a caulking gun, beyond material packaging. These include: 

• Considering thrust ratio — higher ratios make dispensing thick materials easier and more precise. 

• Watch our video here to learn more about thrust ratio 

• For heavy-duty work, explore drip-free or pneumatic models for added control and comfort. 

• Keep your gun clean and maintained to extend its life and ensure smooth application every time. 

By understanding the differences between cartridge, sausage, and bulk caulking guns, you can confidently choose the tool that delivers the best performance for your projects — and get professional-grade results with every bead. No matter what you’re sealing, Newborn has everything you need — from cartridge guns for everyday use to high-thrust sausage and bulk models built for the toughest jobs.