Caulk gun

Tools of the Trade, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Tom O'Brien

I hate cheap caulk guns. It's partly because they always seize up at the worst possible moment and partly because I get very upset when I have to search around for a knife and a poker to open the tube of caulk. Now that I've discovered the Newborn Bros. Model 250, I may not have to worry about either of these things ever again.

This caulk gun is a serious device. It took all of the abuse I put it through and continued to deliver smooth performance on all kinds of materials. Unlike the jerky trigger action that's typical of a standard caulk gun, this one is fluid: Light and even trigger pressure was all I needed to lay down a consistent bead every time, whether I was using thick polyurethane sealant or runny latex caulk.

While many caulk guns include an attached seal puncture rod, what sets the Newborn apart is its patented spout cutter. I thought it was a gimmick at first, but it works perfectly: Simply insert the spout to the desired distance and angle, then squeeze the trigger handle and a knife slices the spout cleanly--the inventor of this feature must have been a cigar aficionado. No matter what he was, this tool is a keeper.

* Newborn Bros. Co. 250 caulk gun: $25. 800-638-3983. www. newborncaulkguns.com. Circle #212.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]