Which foam gun is better to choose

For effective work with polyurethane foam, special guns are used. Devices allow economical use of material, since it prevents solidification between uses. The best polyurethane foam guns are tools that are comfortable to hold in your hand and will not deteriorate with repeated use.

Description and features of polyurethane foam guns

The tool is designed to apply foam packaged in factory-made cylinders with a threaded pneumatic valve. The assembly gun is used to transfer the insulating compound under pressure to the joint to be treated or to the surface. All devices are of the same design with an identical feed mechanism.

Allocate two models of pistols:

• Unbreakable the structure is cheaper, but not intended for repair. In the event of a breakdown, such a device is discarded.
• Tool with a collapsible structure differs in the ability to repair the product. The pistol is untwisted, the parts are cleaned, and lubricated.

Cylinders for household use sell with disposable tube adapter. The filling density of the container is lower than that of professional options, therefore, such cylinders are used for small-scale works.

Design

You need to know the device of a gun for polyurethane foam in order to choose the right model, be able to disassemble the tool for maintenance.

The structure is conventionally divided into the elements:

• A tube. It is equipped with a pair of lug valves of different diameters to create pressure. This design improves the efflux of the expanding foam.
• Trunk. With its help, deep cracks are processed. The element reaches 20 cm in length, it can be collapsible and one-piece. In the first option, cleaning is facilitated, the service life is extended.
• Reducer. Using a universal device, the cylinder is connected to the gun. The mechanism takes the main load, therefore, it is made of steel, and inside the ball valve controls the air supply and foam output.
• Adjusting bolt. It is located near the handle, fixes the trigger in the closed position at the end of work, coordinates the foam stream.
• Trigger control lever. Press down to adjust the foam output speed.

The fastening part in the form of a nut is responsible for connecting the cylinder. The grip is plastic or metal with finger recesses.

Scope of application

The gun is used for work on the processing of surfaces and seams during construction.

Types of jobs:

• installation of window and door fillings;
• insulation of gaps between slopes and frames, loot;
• insulation device for roofing works;
• sealing various seams and surfaces;
• installation of heating, water supply manifolds, air conditioning systems for sealing gaps in the circuit;
• filling of various cracks, open gaps, bends, voids, connecting gaps;
• fastening light tiles to the wall, floor;
• repair processes;
• sound insulation, thermal insulation of vertical and horizontal surfaces.

Access to the mating surfaces is not always open, so using a gun is appropriate to transfer the foam to the right place.

Varieties of pistols

Selecting the correct barrel length will ensure efficient delivery of the isolator to remote locations.

If difficult areas are not foreseen, devices with short tubes are purchased:

• 100 - 150 mm - for easily accessible seams, open surfaces;
• 150 - 200 mm - standard universal size for all types of work;
• over 200 mm - for semi-closed places.

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Plastic guns are an economical option with a short warranty period. The nozzle often clogs up and needs regular flushing. The supply pressure is low, so the control valve is not functional enough. Some manufacturers use high-strength plastic - such devices are not inferior to steel structures. There are metal tools and teflon-coated steel tools.

Criterias of choice

When buying, pay attention to tool material... A trigger and a handle are allowed from plastic, metal is recommended for other parts. Teflon layer prevents foam from sticking, prolongs service life.

Factors are taken into account:

• the possibility of disassembly;
• barrel length, its inner coating;
• handle shape (for comfortable work);
• smoothness of the starting mechanism for effective regulation of the output;
• gun weight;
• the presence of nozzles, a regulator;
• dispenser cycle unit;
• integrity of the gearbox.

A high-quality product has clear joints of parts. There is no lubricant on the body, no defects.

Terms of use

The installation or insulation process will be more efficient if the gun is used correctly. Skillful handling will prolong the operating time of the mechanism. After purchase, specialists check the foam gun for operation of the valves... It is not the foam that is used, but the cleaning liquid. The spray can of the cleaner is equipped with a piece of attachment to the gun, as well as the container with polyurethane foam.

Several clicks are made so that the composition fills the inner container of the pistol. The balloon with liquid is removed from the device, the instrument is left for 2 days. After this time, start is pressed. A characteristic pop should be heard. This means that the cleaning liquid has not left the compartment thanks to the reliable valves. Air does not penetrate inside, the required pressure is maintained. If not, the gun is returned to the seller.

How to insert a can of foam

Before charging the balloon is shaken for 30 seconds for mixing all components. Capacity screwed onto the adapter to the gun until the hiss appears. Remove the retaining ring, screw the balloon into the thread until it stops.

Next steps:

• the balloon is placed upside down;
• the adjusting screw is turned counterclockwise by a quarter of a turn, the trigger is pressed;
• make a test release of the foam, look at its consistency, press again to adjust.

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After winding the container with polyurethane foam, the composition moves through the valve into the supply tube. By pressing the start, the valve is opened, the foam comes out. Shut off the foam mass supply with a regulator on the rear surface of the body. In this position, without twisting the cylinder, you can store the gun for up to six months without hardening the composition. If you disconnect the cylinder, the foam will dry out.

How to apply foam or sealant

Processed the plane is cleaned of dust, moistened with water for better adhesion and setting of the polyurethane foam.

Work process:

• the tool barrel is brought to the seam, the trigger is pressed;
• the composition is applied in layers so that the tip of the barrel is immersed in the foamy mass;
• foam volume is coordinated by the trigger stroke;
• after the end of the application, block the adjusting bolt

Before starting use, check the serviceability of the tool. When applying, the barrel of the gun is positioned at an angle of 90 ° so as not to obstruct the view of the treated area. The foam is applied smoothly, considering the increase in volume. In the gaps, the space is half filled.

To use foam, you need to wear gloves, glasses, it is recommended to provide room ventilation. Do not point the pistol towards animals and people.

How to replace a cylinder

The cylinder is unscrewed in the reverse order, if it is necessary to replace it.

Operating procedure:

• turn the pistol upside down;
• open the adjusting screw clockwise;
• squeeze the trigger;
• unscrew the empty container;
• put a container with rinsing, clean.

After that, you can wind up another balloon with polyurethane foam. The pistol is shaken together with the installed cylinder (30 seconds). The frozen foam is removed from the tip of the barrel with a knife. Then unscrew the adjusting bolt and release the foam until a uniform flow is obtained.

How to clean a pistol

Cleaning is performed if the tool has not been in operation for a long time. To do this, temporarily remove the foam balloon, wind up the container with the cleaning liquid... Pull the trigger and clean the inside of the pistol cavity. Experts recommend leaving the gun filled with cleaner for 10 minutes.

If the case has dried composition, the cleaner is unscrewed, the case is processed from the outside. Put on a cylinder with an insulator and continue to work.

Flushing compound is sold with the gun or separately. The liquid is packaged in cylinders similar to containers with foam. If after rinsing there are still parts of the foam inside the instrument, the procedure is repeated until it is completely cleaned.

Care advice

According to the instructions keep device needed with screwed cylinderso that the foam in the tool is always ready for application (under pressure). If you remove the container, foam or sealant hardens in the barrel, you will have to additionally disassemble and clean the device.

If the device is used regularly, cleaning is suggested every three months;

A device with a wound cylinder must not be left near heat sources or under the influence of the sun.

Some users prefer manual cleaning... To do this, the gun is disassembled into parts, the dried remains of the composition are removed. Use a rag and solvent. Use a wire or thin screwdriver for the nozzle where it is difficult to push the rags through. Clean carefully so as not to damage structural elements.

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If you need to foam around the door frame and you bought foam with a removable tube, can you get the job done without purchasing a gun? Such cylinders are suitable for small volumes. Shake the can for 30 seconds to ensure uniformity. Remove the protective cap, attach the plastic tube. Such parts are sold with household containers, and professional ones are not equipped with them. The nose of the tube is brought to the place of application, the valve is pressed.

Malfunctions and methods of their elimination

If the tool is of high quality, breakdowns rarely happen; you do not need to be distracted from work by regularly cleaning the device.

Major malfunctions tools when clogged with foam:

• blockage appears at the exit from the trunk;
• the foam dries up inside the valve to which the balloon is fixed.

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You cannot press the trigger if there is a suspicion of blocking it with a dried mass - you can break the part. The outer surface of the barrel is cleaned mechanically, trying to do this without damage. The nozzle is lowered, the solvent is poured into it. After 10 - 15 minutes, gently squeeze the trigger to squeeze out the liquefied composition.

Rating of manufacturers and models

The leading brands are Biber, P.I.T, Blast and Stayer.

Brief model characteristics:

• Biber Master 60.111. It is characterized by good quality at a low cost, withstands serious loads. The model is collapsible, the box is plastic or metal. The pistol weighs 670 gr.
• P.I.T P 7000.003. Low quality Chinese brand for single use. In the model, the barrel and valve are steel, the rest of the spare parts are made of plastic. The body is not disassembled, the instrument weighs 400 g.
• Stayer Master Econom Max 06/861. Presents a simple model with a non-separable metal body and high quality PVC. The tool weighs 410 gr.
• Blast Extra Lite 59.0024... The non-collapsible plastic version is inexpensive. Users purchase a single-use, low-volume model. Weight 510 gr.

Other brands are also popular in the Russian market: Matrix, "Zubr", Hilti, Finch Indastrial Tools... The models of these manufacturers are of high quality, the cost is not high.