Caulking guns are useful tools for construction and home repair activities. These guns dispense caulking compounds or sealants that help prevent water or weather damage to a construction project. Typically, a caulk gun will have a slot for inserting a caulk tube, which releases caulk when pressure is applied to the trigger.

While interacting with caulking gun suppliers, you will come across various terms that indicate the types, components and properties of calking gun products. This guide aims to familiarize you with caulking gun terminology, such as backer rods, gun consistency, caulking compounds and power caulking guns.

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Caulking compounds

Caulking compounds come in different forms, such as cartridges, squeeze tubes and pressurized caulking cartridges. These vary in their durability, cost and ability to stick to different materials. Caulking compounds can be water based or solvent based.

I recommend: If you want to learn more about caulking compounds, you can browse through HealthGoods, LLC., an educational website on personal and environmental health.

Power caulking guns

Power caulking guns are useful for industrial applications, where manual pressure is insufficient to apply the sealant. Though a power caulking gun is heavier than a regular gun, it can effectively force caulk from the caulking tube.

I recommend: Construction Solutions, a knowledge resource for construction activities, provides detailed information about power caulking guns.

Backer rods

Backer rods are cylindrical polyurethane or polyethylene foam materials, which provide support and set the depth of the caulk, after the caulk gun dispenses it.

I recommend: You can learn more about caulking backer rods at The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, Inc. (InterNACHI).

Gun consistency

Gun consistency refers to the requisite level of viscosity that allows the caulking gun to dispense the caulking compound or sealant in a smooth manner.

I recommend: For the definition of gun consistency, read through the glossary of construction terms at ProofRock Restoration, a provider of technical solutions for the construction industry.

18:1 ratio caulking gun

An 18:1 ratio caulking gun has a piston that can exert 18 times more pressure than the pressure applied at the trigger. It is extremely useful in dispensing highly viscous materials.

I recommend: Learn more about the 18:1 ratio caulking gun at NGA - National Glass Association, a trade association for the glass industry.

Weather-stripping

Weather-stripping is the process of sealing any openings or cracks around windows or doors, with metal, plastic or wood materials.

I recommend: For more information about weather-stripping, you can read through the glossary by Bonneville Power Administration.

Using the proper wire wrapping products is an important part to creating beautiful wrapped wire jewelry. There are tools used for beading that will also work for wire wrapping. Most online jewelry supply stores will carry wire wrapping tools in addition to their other beading and jewelry tools.

Tools commonly used in wire wrapping are jigs, pliers, anvils and mandrels. When making high-end jewelry, the most common types of wire are copper, silver and gold. When purchasing jewelry wire wrapping supplies, look for the following:

1. Learn basic and advanced techniques for wire wrapping

2. Purchase wire wrap products and tools

3. Find suppliers of jewelry wire

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Get wire wrap jewelry instructions

Whether you are training an employee in the art of wire wrapping or are teaching a class to clients, it is critical to learn the basics of this art. Review online tutorials or purchase jewelry crafting books to help you brush up on your skills and techniques.

I recommend: Delphi Glass carries books and videos that give wire wrapping instructions. They also carry an extensive line of wire wrapping products. Wig Jig has online tutorials for wire wrapping.

Find the right tools from a wire wrapping products distributor

When you are looking to purchase wire jewelry wrapping tools, there are many online sources available to fulfill your needs. Many online suppliers offer competitive deals so do some comparison shopping before making your final purchase.

I recommend: There are several wire wrapping products providers to choose from. Save-on-Crafts carries several jigs as well as many other wire wrapping tools. Jewelry Supply offers individual wire wrapping tools as well as kits. Liberty Wire Artworks has tools that are geared toward professional jewelers and are higher in quality.

Purchase wire wrapping supplies

Sterling silver, copper and gold are the three most popular wires used for wire wrapping. These three metals are popular because they maintain their integrity even after being worn many times. Other available wires come in different colors and are made from less expensive metals like aluminum. Aluminum and other less expensive wires will fade and change colors.

I recommend: Home Jewelry is a wire wrapping products supplier that carries higher end wires that are perfect for the more elegant pieces of jewelry you will make. Brightlings Beads carries a variety of high and low quality wires, offers free shipping for orders over $25 and even sends coupons via email to their frequent customers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase instructional supplies, tools and wire from online retailers that provide discounts for bulk orders and free shipping. Many retailers carry all that you need for you jewelry making needs so it is easy to purchase the minimum dollar amount needed to get free shipping or extra discounts.