Polyurethane foam is a modern material that is used in the construction and repair of almost any buildings and structures. With its help, windows and doors are mounted, gaps and cavities are closed, heat and sound insulation of premises is provided. Special pistols are intended for working with polyurethane foam: why they are needed, how to choose them and which 4 polyurethane foam guns are better than others, we will now tell you.
CONTENT
- 1 Why do you need a gun for polyurethane foam
- 2 What characteristics to look at when choosing a gun for polyurethane foam
- 3 Top 4 guns for polyurethane foam
- 4 FAQ
Why do you need a gun for polyurethane foam
With a polyurethane foam gun, you can measure exactly as much material as needed and put it in the right place - working with it will be done much more accurately. So three times less foam is consumed, and the quality does not suffer at all - on the contrary, the foam will perform its functions even better than laid without a pistol.
It is more convenient to work with a pistol, and its narrow barrel makes it possible to get almost anywhere. For example, when filling up cracks in the ceiling, it is hardly possible to do without it. If the gun is equipped with a high-quality valve, then there is no need to fear for the safety of the remaining a cylinder of foam: it will not dry out for a long time and will not lose its properties, so that in the future it can be used again. Thus, the gun significantly saves material and simplifies work.
What characteristics to look at when choosing a gun for polyurethane foam
The choice of guns for polyurethane foam is quite wide, so before buying it is worth taking a closer look: there is several characteristics by which it is worth comparing different models - from material to the presence and design of the regulator flow.
Material
There are two main options: plastic and metal. But they, in turn, can be divided into several more types.
Cheap plastic. The main advantage is clear - the price. In addition to this, it can also be noted that tools from it usually weigh little. This is where the pros end. Cheap plastic is very fragile, which makes it unsuitable for long-term use. Tools from it are purchased for one-time use, and you should not expect that they will last at least until the next repair.
Durable plastic. It is more expensive, but tools made of it can be comparable in reliability to metal ones, while being noticeably lighter. The only problem is that it is not always easy to distinguish such plastic from low-quality plastic, so an unpleasant surprise may await the buyer. However, if we are talking about the products of leading companies, this is practically impossible. High-quality plastic serves for a long time.
Metal. Durable and reliable, cast metal tools are not light at all, making them less convenient to use than plastic ones. In addition, metal, unlike plastic, conducts heat well, so in hot or cold weather it is not enough to take a metal pistol with your bare hands. Aluminum alloys and stainless steel are preferred - they are not afraid of corrosion and temperature extremes.
Teflon-coated metal. It is more expensive than usual, but models with it are much faster cleared of foam residues.
There is one more significant detail: the material for the needle. It is made of steel or brass, sometimes Teflon coated. To determine if it is there, you can run your finger along the needle. If a light oily coating appears on it, then there is.
Dismountable mechanism
Non-dismountable tools are cheaper, but if they break down, they will most likely have to be replaced with new ones. A collapsible pistol can usually be repaired. Therefore, when choosing, you should focus on how often you plan to use it. If it is rare, then the choice of a non-separable model will be justified; but if often - collapsible will save money even at a higher cost of the initial purchase.
Needle valve
It is needed to cover the nose of the pistol when it is not working. With the help of the valve, you can significantly save polyurethane foam, therefore, models with it are preferable.
Barrel length
There are three main categories: up to 150 mm, up to 200 mm and above this value. The choice is determined by where the device will be used: for easily accessible surfaces, enough and models with a short barrel, in order to reach especially hard-to-reach places may be required long. Most often, the medium version is preferable - 150-200 mm, it can be called universal, it is the most convenient.
Flow regulation
Some polyurethane foam guns are equipped with flow regulators, others do not. With them, the foam will be spent much more efficiently. Only the simplest models are not equipped with them. It can be plastic, metal or Teflon. Plastic regulators are subject to rapid wear, so it is best to choose alternatives.
Top 4 guns for polyurethane foam
Of all the variety, we have identified four models. All of them have their own advantages and will be preferable in certain cases.
The best metal gun for polyurethane foam
1. Kraftool SUPER-KRAFT 06853
Foam with this tool will be applied evenly and in verified portions, so you don't have to waste it. By the way, it is recommended to clean the device immediately after use, since after the foam dries, it will become much more difficult to do this. Application takes place under the influence of pressure in the cylinder: this method is more reliable than using electronic dispensers. The handle is made of rubber-coated metal, brass is used for the adapter and stainless steel for the barrel. The pistol weighs 580 grams, it is convenient and easy to work with it, the hand does not get tired even after prolonged use. The model costs about 1,500 rubles.
Price: ₽ 1 479
Kraftool SUPER-KRAFT 06853
The best professional gun for polyurethane foam
2. Kraftool PANTHER 06855_z01
A plastic pistol equipped with a needle valve. It is very light, so that the hand will practically not get tired during work, and it is assembled with high quality. It lies well in the hand, in general it is very convenient to use it, and it is easy to clean. But there are also disadvantages: the Teflon coating is quite thin, so it can be easily scratched; foam supply is not very precisely regulated; sensitive to contamination, so special attention should be paid to flushing. But these disadvantages are redeemed by the ability to effortlessly work for hours, without feeling the fatigue that would be inevitable with another instrument. And the price is moderate - 1,300 rubles.
Price: ₽ 1 323
Kraftool PANTHER 06855_z01
The best inexpensive polyurethane foam gun
3. STAYER Professional BlackPRO 06862_z01
If you need to take a tool for little money, this model will do. It costs only 860 rubles, while it is well assembled, equipped with a needle valve and a Teflon coating to which foam does not stick. Inside the body there are two O-rings that will prevent the foam from drying out even if the instrument is stored for a long time with the cylinder installed. The pistol is made of steel, the handle is made of plastic. The tool weighs only 430 grams. It has one drawback - the trigger loosens a little during intensive use. Otherwise, this is an inexpensive, but high quality and versatile model.
Price: ₽ 861
STAYER Professional BlackPRO 06862_z01
Best Long Barrel Pistol
4. Sibrtech 88677
The domestic product is distinguished by an elongated barrel, which allows it to work effectively even with the most inaccessible places, and besides, and a low price - only in the region of 450 rubles. Its body is made of lightweight aluminum, a stronger steel is used for the barrel, and lightweight plastic is used for the handle. Mirror polished inside, so the foam does not stick. This is an excellent choice, although the model still has a drawback: its internal seals are sensitive to aggressive solvents, which will shorten the service life. But at this price, in case of problems, you can simply buy a new pistol.
Price: ₽ 437
Sibrtech 88677
FAQ
How to rinse the polyurethane foam gun?
This can be done with acetone-based solutions or specialized cleaning agents. Acetone can be purchased very inexpensively, so one cleaning will cost 5-10 rubles. Ready-made products are more expensive - the price of a spray can is about 200-500 rubles, but its contents will be enough for several washes.