Information on this page is drawn from "Simple Solutions: Ergonomics for Construction Workers" published by NIOSH
The Problem
Using a non-powered caulking gun requires high hand forces to pull the trigger. If you use these guns often and for long periods of time, you are at risk of stressing the soft tissues in your hand, wrist, and forearm. This can lead to serious muscle or joint injuries.
The more pressure your gun requires to pull the trigger (low mechanical advantage), the higher your chance of injury. You may have to use even more force when you apply thicker sealant material. If you have to bend your wrist or twist your forearm when pulling the trigger, you also increase your chance of injury.
Your chance of developing an injury increases if the gun you use has sharp edges or grooves on the trigger, or has a wide span between the trigger and the grip, forcing you to stretch your hand.
One Solution
Use a power caulking gun. These guns may be powered by a battery or may be pneumatic (powered by compressed air). With a power caulking gun you won't need to pull the trigger to apply the caulk or sealant. This will reduce the stress to your fingers, hand, and forearm.
How It Works
A battery (cordless gun) or compressed air (pneumatic gun) provides the power to force the caulk from the gun. Some guns have a variable speed control to manage sealant flow. You do need access to a power source. This may be an electrical outlet or generator to charge the batteries in a cordless gun, or an air compressor to power a pneumatic gun. When you use a pneumatic gun, the hose may produce some resistance (or "drag") on the tool, possibly increasing the grip force necessary.
Cordless guns are available for tube, sausage, and bulk caulks. A 12-volt or higher cordless gun will produce 600+ lbs. of thrust force. Pneumatic guns will handle sausage and bulk caulks.
Another device available is a caulk-dispensing adapter that can be used with a cordless drill or variable speed AC drill. These adapters are available for 10 oz. and 30 oz. caulk cartridges.
Benefits for the Worker and Employer
Use of power caulking guns should result in less soft tissue fatigue, discomfort, and injury. Although power caulking guns are heavier than non-powered guns, they do not require high hand forces to get the caulk out of the gun.
One minor drawback is that pneumatic caulking guns are tethered to the air compressor with a hose, and the hose must be moved along with the gun.
Approximate Cost
Cordless caulking guns, with 12-volt battery and charger, range from $200-300, depending on size. Pneumatic caulking guns start around $20. Caulking attachments for cordless drills cost $45-50.
For More Information
- Products related to this solution are described at CPWR's Supplement to NIOSH's Simple Solutions.
- Local contractor tool and equipment suppliers or rental companies may be another source of information on products.
- For general information on this solution, check CPWR's Construction Solutions Database and eLCOSH - Electronic Library of Occupational Safety and Health.
