How to use a liquid nail gun correctly?

Today, liquid nails are used in many areas of everyday life - from minor repairs to construction. Learning to use a liquid nail gun is not difficult, but the variety of designs of such mechanisms can be confusing for a beginner. At the same time, the algorithm for use is the same for all models: insert the cylinder, ensure the supply of glue, press the trigger. Let's look at the principle of operation of the gun, and also get acquainted with the advice of professional installers on the correct use of liquid nails.

Construction of mounting guns

Correct use of the gun makes it possible not only to save foam, but also to do the job efficiently, without the slightest flaw. The design of different models is almost the same. Their design is quite simple. The tool has:

• adapter (reducer): this is a threaded adapter, a cylinder is screwed into it;
• trigger - a trigger mechanism; when pressed, foam “shoots”;
• adjusting screw, used to dose the material output;
• nozzle - a tip that creates the necessary pressure of the sealant;
• handle designed for comfortable use;
• barrel - a cylinder with a channel for polyurethane foam;
• a needle-shaped rod located in the trunk.

The adapter, which is called a gearbox, contains a spring and a ball: these parts require cleaning almost constantly. The adjusting screw, which is responsible for the rate of supply of sealant and its quantity, is handled as follows: if it is tightened all the way, the supply is completely blocked; when it is screwed tightly, the foam comes out heavier. A screw with a gasket located next to the trigger prevents the compound from getting on it.

Main types

The use of liquid nails ensures a strong connection between different products, structures and fragments. The adhesive does not allow moisture to pass through and has a high level of fixation. To ensure a tight fit of the parts, it is recommended to use a liquid nail gun. Tools are available for industrial and household purposes. Professional devices are classified into three broad groups:

• Autonomous battery pistols. Using the handle, you can dose the glue yield and the feed rate of the composition.

• Electric models for applying liquid nails. The main advantages are economical glue consumption and efficiency of work.

• Pneumatic tool. The glue is released when the trigger is pressed due to air pressure; the device is equipped with controllers.

Professional builders perform a large volume of work, so high speed of application of liquid nails and continuity of the process are important. Therefore, it is advisable to use a battery-powered, pneumatic or electric gun. For one-time household work, a mechanical device is quite sufficient. There are three types of such pistols:

1. Semi-open devices are a budget option with a short service life. The mechanism is enough to consume 2-3 cylinders of liquid nails.

2. A skeleton gun made of an aluminum body - a tube of liquid nails is securely attached to it, which allows you to apply uniform seams.

3. Universal type tubular tool - suitable for applying liquid nails, sealants, silicones. The mechanism of the device is quite durable, the cartridge is fixed securely.

Organosoluble and water-soluble substances can be applied under liquid nails with a gun. The first ones are made of artificial rubber and are highly resistant to temperature changes, suitable for installing ceramics, plastic, and glass. Water-soluble liquid nails are produced on an acrylic base, but such substances are destroyed by exposure to moisture and do not withstand freeze/thaw cycles. Using liquid nails, you can connect materials and surfaces of different structures - gypsum panels, metal structures, foam blocks, gas silicate, MDF, fiberboard, plastic products, OSB boards, glass, Teflon. High-quality assembly adhesives can withstand loads of up to 90 kg/cm2.

Important: When choosing liquid nails, you need to take into account the type of surfaces to be glued, and when purchasing a glue gun, pay attention to the presence of a reverse function. This allows you to change tubes - sealant, silicone, assembly adhesive. If there is no reverse, the container with the substance must be completely consumed.

Instructions for use

Before starting work, you need to open the package with liquid nails and the gun itself, and carefully read the instructions. You should definitely check the expiration date of the glue: if it has expired, then such a product is not suitable for installation. Water-based compounds should only be used at temperatures of +5 degrees and above. Solvent-based liquid nails can be used even at sub-zero temperatures.

Operating rules

To ensure that the adhesion of the composition to the surface does not decrease, it is necessary to carry out a number of preparatory measures. All dirt, dust, debris are removed from the base, and the remnants of the old, peeling paint coating are removed. To degrease, wipe the base with alcohol, acetone or a special degreaser. Materials that are too porous are treated with 2 layers of primer. Smooth, shiny surfaces, on the contrary, are sanded to increase the adhesion strength of liquid nails.

Before inserting the glue cartridge into the gun, it is important to make sure that it fits exactly in size (it is better to take measurements before purchasing). If the gun is old, it is inspected for the presence of dried drops of glue or sealant; if necessary, they are wiped off with a solvent or scraped off.

Then load the tube into the gun in this way:

• remove part of the plug and screw the nose of the extension onto the thread;
• cover the tip of the extension with a cap;
• pull the rod towards you, making room for liquid nails;
• insert the tube into the body, move the rod to the bottom so that the disc rests tightly against the piston;
• if the gun begins to warp (this happens with low-quality models), wrap it with construction tape, electrical tape or wire.

Working with a pistol

The supply of glue can be continuous or intermittent. In the first case, a solid line is formed, and for this purpose the pistol trigger is pressed constantly, with the same force. Also, the adhesive composition can be applied in the form of a snake or mesh, which is ideal for attaching ceramic tiles.

Applying liquid nails with a snake

For the second method, the product is applied spotwise or distributed in strips of the required length. This method is more popular because it allows you to use the product more economically. In addition, too much liquid nails will cause them to dry slowly.

After distributing the composition on the surface, proceed as follows:

• connect the parts to be glued together;
• squeeze them tightly, applying force;
• hold the elements for a minute manually or with clamps, or under pressure;
• remove excess spilled composition;
• Leave the surface without use until completely dry (about a day).

Fixing the parts to be glued with clamps

Applying liquid nails without a gun

It happens that you don’t have a gun at hand, so you have to apply the chosen product without his participation. It would be inappropriate to purchase a device for one-time gluing of small parts or applying a couple of small seams: all work can be done manually. Experts advise using one of the options below:

1. Take a cap from a 5 liter plastic bottle and make sure it covers most of the bottom of the cartridge. Place it on a suitable sized wooden block or hammer handle. Using such a device, press on the bottom of the tube so that the composition begins to protrude from it. If you act carelessly, the packaging may become warped or its walls may be damaged. You should not use a block without a cork - the pressure on the bottom should be uniform.
2. If the liquid nails package is made of soft material, it can be pierced for use. It is better to puncture in the bottom area or where it can then be sealed with electrical tape without any problems. After a hole appears, you need to squeeze out a little glue through it and spread it over the surface with a narrow spatula. This method is quite inconvenient, because the yield of the composition is difficult to control.

Liquid nails in packaging for manual extrusion

1. The easiest way to apply the product without a gun is to immediately purchase liquid nails in a package for manual extrusion. It has a stopper and a comfortable thin spout, with which it is easy to make an even, continuous seam. If liquid nails will be applied to the seam, it is advisable to cover the edges of the two products with masking tape in advance. The tape should be removed immediately after completion of the work, without waiting for the composition to set.

Advantages and disadvantages

The use of a mechanized method has many advantages compared to manual application of liquid nails:

• simplicity and high speed of operation;
• ease of device control;
• pistol versatility;
• convenient design, reliability;
• possibility of applying the product in hard-to-reach places;
• obtaining an even, neat and beautiful seam.

Using a gun makes working with glue easier.
You don’t need any special skills to work with a gun—even a beginner can learn. The container with the composition can be easily replaced if it runs out of liquid nails. The disadvantages include the high cost of really high-quality devices, although for one-time work you can buy a cheap mounting gun. In addition, the glue tool will have to be cleaned, and as quickly as possible - otherwise it will be difficult to rid it of glue drops. Battery devices need to be charged regularly, and for electric devices to work, it is important to ensure that there is a network nearby.

Liquid nails Moment: how to use correctly

Today, a construction adhesive called “liquid nails” is used to connect various surfaces. The substance is used in construction, finishing and repair work.

The classic nail composition is based on synthetic rubber and a special type of clay mined in Texas. The addition of titanium dioxide gives the glue a white color. To reduce the cost, chalk is used (instead of expensive clay), which accordingly worsens the quality.

The toluene contained in the composition is responsible for adhesion, but slows down drying. To reduce this time, acetone is added to the material.

Sequence of gluing parts

To release the glue from the tube, you need to press the gun handle with frequent hand movements.

The threaded head of the tube is cut off with a sharp knife or the membrane is pierced with a sharp object. A conical tip is screwed onto the head and the cap is removed from it. The edge of the tip is cut at an angle of 45°, and the cap is put on again. The glue cartridge is ready for use.

Before inserting the cartridge into the gun, the operating rod must be relaxed. The tube is inserted into the device; by pressing the trigger, the rod is clamped until it stops. The cap is removed. By frequently pressing the handle, the glue is applied to the surface in an even strip or dotted fragments. To glue large surfaces, a mesh or snake is applied.

The surfaces to be glued are pressed and, if necessary, fixed with additional devices. Individual flat parts can be pressed down with a press. Some types of glue set within 1-2 minutes.

The total bonding time of the parts is usually 12-24 hours.

The area of ​​surfaces prepared for gluing should be taken into account. Do not completely cover large surfaces to be glued with glue and do not apply excess glue. This will increase the setting time of the composition. To glue decorative parts, the cut is made with the smallest distance from the end of the cone.

Excess glue that appears is wiped off with a rag soaked in solvent. Glue stains remaining on wood parts can be washed off with a special cleaner. The glued structure can be used no earlier than after 24 hours.

In any large-scale repair, we resort to the help of assembly adhesive, however, not everyone knows how to use this composition correctly. It is likely that each of us will figure out how to open the mounting adhesive

, but not everyone knows how to insert it into a gun. Adhesive joints in repair work are simply irreplaceable when attaching laminate or parquet boards, wall and ceiling panels, baseboards, stucco moldings, and various decorations.

Modern adhesive compositions sold as “liquid nails” are cartridges with a volume of 400 to 310 g; there are also more economical options - 200 g, which are suitable for small jobs. Any product indicates how to use the composition correctly and what materials it is best suited for, but not all manufacturers indicate how to use a glue gun

.

Correctly opening the mounting adhesive:

• So, first you need to strictly follow the instructions on the cartridge label: the nozzle should be cut at an angle of 45° to the mark.
• The membrane is opened with a knitting needle or other sharp object.
• Then we install the nozzle on the opened cartridge and insert it into the mounting gun - loosen the working rod of the tool, insert the tube into the niche and clamp the rod all the way, the main thing is not to create strong tension in the tube.

In general, nothing complicated, now you know how to insert mounting adhesive into the gun

. The glue is applied in dotted drops, a process similar to driving in regular nails. For bonding strength, a continuous application of the adhesive composition to the surface is not required; to fasten heavy parts, the composition is applied in a thin strip.

To remove the liquid nail cartridge from the gun, you need to press the locking tab and, holding it, pull the rod towards you until it stops. Then we move the cylinder forward a little and pull it out of the gun.

Please note that after completing work with liquid nails, it is recommended to immediately clean your hands and tools of the adhesive, otherwise, after drying, this will be quite difficult to do. Organic-based construction adhesive is best washed off with acetone, white spirit and toluene; water-soluble compounds should be rinsed well with water.

If you are unable to figure out how to use a liquid nail gun

or you think that you can handle it on your own and are not planning to purchase this tool, we recommend that you study in detail the instructions for working with the composition. For a small amount of repair work this is quite possible.

How to use liquid nails without a gun?

If you open a new tube of mounting adhesive, you can easily squeeze out the contents by pressing your finger; otherwise, you will need a stick, for example, the handle of a hammer. The main thing is to be careful; you cannot turn over the cap that closes the container, otherwise all the adhesive will spread and the tube can be thrown away.

Some people don't quite understand how to use liquid nails.

This is not surprising, since this device is relatively new on the building materials market.

The article explains how to use liquid nails and which ones are best to choose.

Rating of the best quality water-based formulations

Water-based liquid nails (acrylic) are environmentally friendly materials that are used for finishing or construction work. They can be actively used when carrying out repair and construction work indoors, without fear of harming your health. These mixtures are excellent for adhesion of those materials with which people often come into contact in everyday life.

Water-based compositions are excellent for renovation work in children's bedrooms. They can also be used to firmly fasten furniture elements that need repair. They practically do not emit any odor. However, their strength indicators are slightly lower than those of similar solvent-based products. It is recommended to use water-based adhesive mixtures to adhere to those materials that will not be subject to heavy loads. It can be plastic, PVC or another surface. Which will not dissolve or be damaged by contact with the glue.

Construction adhesive Moment Montazhny Superstrong Plus MV – 100 (400 g)

Excellent as an adhesive mixture for adhesion of surfaces made of plastic, wood and other materials. Also, thanks to its characteristics and instant adhesion functions, it can be used to glue metal surfaces, tiles, polystyrene foam, drywall, MDF, polystyrene foam, chipboard.

When using this assembly adhesive, there is no strong odor, and all fumes generated do not harm humans. This product contains no solvents. It is made exclusively on a water basis.

Construction adhesive Moment Montazhny Superstrong Plus MV – 100 (400 g)

Advantages:

• Suitable for coupling different types of surfaces;
• The gripping force is 100 kg per 1 square meter;
• Long time to adjust the adhesion surface (15 minutes);
• Reasonable price (average price is 215 rubles);
• It is waterproof and also frost-resistant.

Flaws:

• It will take a long time for final drying (48 hours);
• Setting time is more than 5 minutes (15 minutes).

Mounting adhesive Master Teks acrylic Superstrong

It is an ideal, inexpensive, and best option, according to buyers, if it is necessary to glue various decorative elements, skirting boards or panels when carrying out interior work in a room. Can be used both in living rooms and children's bedrooms. It is an environmentally friendly material. Excellent for adhesion of surfaces made of wood, concrete, chipboard, polystyrene foam, MDF panels, plasterboard. The weight of one package is 200 grams, and the cost is 185 rubles.

Mounting adhesive Master Teks acrylic Superstrong

Advantages:

• Environmentally safe for humans;
• Reasonable cost;
• The structure is white, suitable for gluing laminate, parquet, as well as glass and ceramics.
• Resistant to moisture.

Flaws:

• Low level of initial grip strength (55 kg per 1 square meter);
• Sensitive to low temperatures (recommended for use at temperatures of at least +10 degrees Celsius).

Construction adhesive Ceresit CB 100

Excellent for adhesion of floor skirting boards made of wood or PVC. Can also be used for gluing cornices, borders, stucco decoration, ceiling plinths, rosettes. It is used during installation work, thermal insulation, and decorative boards indoors. During operation, avoid contact with water. The composition of the adhesive mixture is water-based. It is an environmentally friendly product. The weight of one package is 400 grams, the cost is 180 rubles.

Construction adhesive Ceresit CB 100

Advantages:

• The initial grip force is 100 kg per 1 square meter;
• Resistant to low temperatures (up to – 20 degrees Celsius);
• Acceptable price;
• Setting time is 10 minutes.

Flaws:

• Does not tolerate exposure to water;
• Full setting time is 2 days;
• Intended for interior use only.

How to remove the solution

Even when working with a gun, there is a possibility that glue will get on furniture, hands or other elements in the room. In this case, you will need to remove it immediately. To do this, it is advisable to use a solvent, but this option is only suitable for quickly removing fresh glue.

If the adhesive has already hardened, then only a special cleaner is used to remove it, and you can also use a scraper, but it can damage the coating.

A liquid nail gun, the instructions for use of which are indicated above, is considered an excellent choice if you need to use a high-quality adhesive to connect different specific surfaces. It greatly simplifies this procedure, and also ensures that the solution does not get on other objects in the room where the work is being carried out.

When carrying out repair and construction, finishing, installation work, as well as work on decorating a room, construction glue is used, better known in everyday life as liquid nails - Liquid Nails. This special construction adhesive is made on the basis of polymers and rubber and is supplied to the market in tubes of various capacities or in cylindrical cartridges (tubes). For the convenience of working with cartridges, it is customary to use a special construction (installation) gun for liquid nails, which is designed for dosed application of glue to the surfaces to be glued.

Liquid nails will help in tiling

This gun is used for working with various sealants, which are packaged in similar special tubes with a standard volume of 310 ml. This tool got its name because of the principle of operation - the adhesive composition is applied by pressing on the trigger, which is why it is compared to the weapon of the same name. Although the process of applying glue itself is more similar to the operation of a syringe.

When choosing liquid nails, study the instructions on the packaging to find out whether this construction adhesive is suitable for the types of surfaces that are to be glued.

Like similar construction tools, mounting guns are divided into two main types: household (mechanical) and professional (pneumatic and battery-powered).

Professional ones are usually used to apply all kinds of sealants, and three types of mechanical guns are used to work with liquid nails.

An inexpensive type of liquid nail gun is a semi-body gun. Such pistols are short-lived and not easy to use. The stand for the cartridge with construction adhesive seems to be cut in half and during operation the tube often warps, which interferes with the smooth movement of the rod.

For the home craftsman, there is a simple solution to this problem - the tube is tightly fixed in the gun body using wide tape. Wrap tape around the tube placed in the body, closer to the handle. At the same time, they protect the branded sticker, which is located on the case. There is a manufacturer’s warranty for such working tools, and in order for the gun, if necessary, to be returned under warranty, it is advisable not to damage this sticker.

The next type of mounting gun is the most popular among buyers and is called skeleton. It is a little more expensive than the half-body, but it holds the liquid nail cartridge more securely, allowing the glue to flow more smoothly. However, even here, tape is used to secure the tube tightly, since cases for inexpensive pistols are made of aluminum, which does not provide sufficient rigidity.

The most convenient for working with liquid nails is a tubular (syringe) gun. It tightly fixes the cartridge with glue or sealant, and is used not only for working with tubes, but also with foil packaging, which is used for packaging certain types of sealants.

Types of construction guns

Despite the existence of different types of mounting guns, they can all be grouped as follows:

• professional;
• household

Professional mounting gun Hilti

Professional pistols

Such devices are designed to regularly perform a significant amount of work and are more suitable for construction and repair specialists. They are necessary if speed of application of compounds is required, because their performance is at a high level. The cost of such devices is 2000-15000 rubles, so purchasing them for home use is impractical.

Depending on the design, pistols are divided into the following types:

1. Pneumatic. The glue is pushed out under the pressure of the air flow, which is regulated by the controller and the locking lever, and is activated when the trigger is pressed. These guns can operate continuously. They are suitable for most types of liquid nail cartridges.

Pneumatic gun for adhesive composition

1. Electrical. They are powered by the electrical network, are economical in terms of labor costs and composition consumption, and operate smoothly but quickly. The cost of such pistols is the highest. They cannot be considered mobile; they require a power outlet to operate.
2. Rechargeable. They also operate on electricity, but are powered by rechargeable batteries (accumulators). Such devices can apply liquid nails even where there is no power supply. One charge is usually enough for 1.5-2 hours of continuous work.

Household pistols

There is no need to use professional devices at home. There are mounting guns on sale that are inexpensive and quite suitable for one-time work:

1. Skeletal. The price of such devices starts from 200 rubles. They are an open aluminum “syringe” with a piston and two guides between which a cartridge of liquid nails can be clamped. The skeleton pistol will serve the master for quite a long time - at least 20 cartridge changes.
2. Half open. They are considered a very budget option for the home, costing from 120 rubles, however, they can break after a couple of used glue cartridges. A weak attachment of the tube, which will dangle in the gun, and for this reason the glue seam will remain uneven and intermittent, can also cause inconvenience to the master. The problem can be solved by gluing the tube in the gun with construction tape.

Semi-open type liquid nail applicator

1. Tubular. These are universal devices that look like hollow syringe tubes with a piston. The container with the cartridge is firmly fixed here, and it is also possible to use adhesives and sealants in “sausages” and other soft packaging. Tubular guns ensure uniform application of the compositions and are designed for fairly long-term operation (up to 50 cylinder changes).

Safety rules and completion of work with liquid nails

It should be remembered that the composition of liquid nails can be toxic and flammable. This applies to materials made from artificial polymers. Such components have a pronounced chemical odor. When working with such materials, you need to wear a special mask, gloves and a room with forced ventilation.

Water-soluble mixtures are more environmentally friendly. But they dissolve with constant exposure to moisture and are not recommended for adhesion of metal structures.

• Before starting work, make sure that the LG packaging is intact.
• Store installation materials away from heat sources, at room temperature and out of reach of children.
• If you use power tools to spread the adhesive, check that the voltage is correct and that the insulation is intact.
• If the product gets on exposed skin or eyes, rinse immediately with running water.

After the work is completed:

• Close the packaging with the material tightly, otherwise the solution will quickly harden and the packaging can be thrown away.
• If you use special tools, disassemble them and wipe them with liquid to remove the adhesive component.
• Store equipment unassembled.
• If excess glue has not yet dried, it can simply be removed with a clean napkin.
• Hardened residues can be removed using special liquids for dissolving repair mixtures.
• If there is no fear of damaging the surface, you can scrape off the dried glue using a mounting blade.
• After gluing the elements, you should wait at least a day for the final adhesion of the surfaces.

Some tips:

Precautions during operation

When working with the tool, you must follow the rules of its operation and safety precautions. Put on protective gloves, goggles, and a respirator in advance, because most types of liquid nails contain organic solvents, which are very harmful to health. Avoid contact of the product with eyes and skin. If this happens, immediately wash the affected areas with water. In the room where installation is carried out, high-quality ventilation is provided.

The product is applied to pre-designated areas. When the adhesive composition gets on the gun itself, the drops are immediately wiped off, preventing it from hardening. After finishing the work, remove the cylinder from the gun by pressing the lock, wash the tool with soap and water, and allow to dry.

When working with an electric gun, follow the standard operating rules for electrical appliances and ensure that the mains voltage complies with the instructions. If the wire insulation is damaged, stop working with the gun immediately! Tool batteries are fully charged and not left in the charger.

Pressure gun with spare battery and charger

A liquid nail gun is an effective and inexpensive device that will help speed up your work and improve the result. If possible, it is worth buying a high-quality device that will last for many years and will always be at hand!

Which liquid nails are best to use: advantages of Titebond

Glue has become an indispensable assistant in repair and construction work of varying complexity. It allows you to glue elements made of stone, concrete, metal, wood. Liquid nails are applied to various surfaces.

The greatest effectiveness of glue is achieved by using the appropriate brand for a particular situation. The instructions describe in detail the areas of application of the products. But among the large number of species, common characteristics are distinguished:

• Practicality and ease of use. People who do not have the skills to carry out repair and construction work will be able to use “Titebond”;
• Applying material to uneven surfaces. In this case, the load is distributed evenly along the entire perimeter. This reduces the pressure exerted on the bonding site;
• Construction adhesive remains flexible after drying;
• Titebond liquid nails withstand vibration and are resistant to deformation;
• Retain properties for many years. Construction adhesive is resistant to temperature changes and chemical influences - acids, alkalis, salts.

How to use?

Nails are very often used during installation. Despite the fact that working with them is relatively simple, you still need to follow a few rules.

For example, you should remember that glue is applied only to a clean, dry surface. In addition, after spreading the solution, you must press the parts tightly in the desired position for 2 minutes.

You should also remember that the glue is applied in strips or dots. In this case, there is no need to spread the composition over the entire surface; gluing will be good without it.

Drying usually takes about 12 hours, but it can last 18 hours or a day - it depends on the brand and manufacturer. It is better not to touch the structure while it is drying.

If the gluing elements are quite heavy, then it is advisable to wait a week, then the glue will dry completely and will be able to completely hold the structure.

We should not forget that nails based on organic compounds are quite dangerous - you should not allow the composition to come into contact with the skin. The glue must be applied with a special gun.

In stores, liquid nails can be found in the form of cartridges, which helps to use the adhesive solution in doses and save money. At the same time, the shelf life of the composition is quite long.

However, everyone has situations when they need to not only apply glue, but also remove it. High-strength adhesive mortar is especially difficult to remove.

To remove newly applied liquid nail, you should try washing it off with water and solvent. You can use a regular sponge for this.

However, this option is not yet the most difficult, since the composition has not yet had time to dry. If the glue has already dried, you will have to wash it off with special substances that are available in stores.

However, not everyone has strong solvents on hand. For such cases, the use of a conventional scraper is indicated. You just need to work with it very carefully so as not to spoil anything.

You can try to heat the frozen glue. In this case, the mass will become liquid and viscous, it can be easily washed off, you just have to heat it up to 60 degrees.

Many people still have the question of how to properly use a nail gun. This is also quite simple - you need to press the metal tongue of the gun, then pull the piston in your direction, which will make room for the adhesive solution.

After fixing the cylinder, you need to press the piston back, and then you can squeeze out the nails by pumping the trigger.

Some people don't know how to open a tube of solution. This question is often asked by beginners, but in fact there is nothing complicated here.

The tube is either sealed - then you need to open it with a knife, or you just need to pierce it from the top if the container is tin. It is best to pierce with a nail, because there is a protective film inside.

A gun is used to apply an adhesive such as liquid nails to the surfaces to be bonded.

Let's look at what types of this tool there are, what to look for when choosing

Which mechanism to choose

Before purchasing a tool, you need to decide on the tasks that will be performed with its help. It is necessary to take into account not only the type of work, but also its volume, the type of surfaces being processed. Here are expert recommendations for choosing the right device:

• for large-scale processing, applying wide and long seams, it is worth buying a pneumatic gun;
• for single housework, a skeleton pistol or even a half-open tool is quite suitable;
• In order not to make a mistake during high-precision application of glue, you will have to purchase a battery-powered or electric gun - they are indispensable if great demands are placed on the quality of the seam.

A cordless mounting gun allows you to apply an even layer of glue.
Also, when purchasing, you need to pay attention to the handle of the product - if it has rubber inserts, the gun will not jump out of your hands. It is convenient when it is equipped with the ability to adjust the supply of liquid nails and the reverse stroke of the rod.

If the device is heavy, it will be impossible to work with it for a long time due to hand fatigue. Products made of plastic and aluminum are considered the lightest, and the latter are more reliable and less likely to break.

What is it used for?

Recommended uses include a variety of products including wood, silicate glass, ceramics, organic glass, aluminum alloys, natural cork, plasterboard, foam polymers, siding, wood fiber boards or shavings.

High-strength adhesives can be used to secure sinks and other plumbing fixtures, window and door frames, baseboards, countertops and mirrors. Sometimes craftsmen use liquid nails instead of sealants; they are used to insulate seams, fill microcavities, cracks in walls, ventilation ducts, and corner joints of design structures.

How to clean the surface

The procedure for removing excess or residues of liquid gas has several solutions and depends on the time of application and the material on the surface of which it is applied. Let's list the main ones:

• Fresh residues can be removed with a sponge and warm water (or mineral solvent);
• Dried adhesive can be removed with a special cleaner. It is sold in hardware stores;
• If cleaner is not available, a scraper or blade can be used, although this is not suitable for all surfaces;
• Another option for dried glue is increasing the temperature. Since liquid gas generators are operated at a temperature (as a rule) of no more than 50°C, then when heated to 55-65°C, the composition goes into a semi-liquid state and is removed with a scraper;
• An exotic option for old glue is exposure to direct sunlight. Again, we use the “weak points” indicated in the instructions. Staying under the rays softens the liquid gas, subsequently mechanical cleansing with washing is carried out (see the first option).

In general, liquid nails are an effective “lifesaver” for small household repairs. The photo above shows my personal choice. This glue from the company Macroflex has proven itself amazingly in many repair work, especially since it has a very affordable price. Don't take this as an advertisement, take my word for it, I know what I'm saying. I will end here. I hope it was informative... Subscribe to the blog, introduce friends and comment on articles. Hearing an outsider's opinion is always useful...

An anecdote on the topic: Few people know that in the Moment glue production workshop there is always a rosy and positive atmosphere.

Good luck to you in your family affairs and, of course, in construction! Bye!

Wisdom Quote: If all men thought alike, no one would gamble at the races (Mark Twain).

Nuances of choice

Construction stores often carry many brands. but give preference to the one that has the best “specialty” for the work you are going to do.

• For ceramics, acrylic gels are good. There are brands with increased resistance to humidity (which can be used in bathrooms) and low vibrations;
• Skirting boards, moldings, etc. It is better to glue with quickly hardening compounds;
• For heavy elements, choose high-strength LG;

For example, the well-known “Moment” has ten varieties, allowing you to more accurately select the desired option. Including: for polystyrene, wood, mirrors, concrete, cork, stone. There are especially strong (usually more expensive) compositions designed for the installation of heavy structures.

Description of the device operation process

First you need to figure out how to properly place the container with “liquid nails”. It is unacceptable that the seal of the package is broken if installed incorrectly, otherwise the glue will dry out and it will hardly be possible to use it.

Before using the gun, you need to prepare the following things:

• a bottle of “liquid nails”;
• sharpened knife;
• glasses and gloves for protection;

• a breathing mask if you plan to use an adhesive mixture prepared yourself;
• a dry rag to remove excess adhesive;
• a solvent, due to the fact that the glue may accidentally get on the skin or some surface.

The principle of operation of the tool is quite simple - after pressure is applied to the cylinder mechanically, the adhesive substance “comes out” of the cylinder. The pressure is provided by a rod, which is activated by acting on the trigger lever. In pneumatic mounting units, pressure is supplied by air. Difficulties arise when you need to choose the appropriate glue. As a rule, manufacturers use the same standards, that is, glue can be selected for any gun.

Next, pull the rod out of the device; to do this, mechanically act on the lever and remove the rod. Instead, install the tube and press the release lever 2-3 times with little force to strengthen the balloon.

Poke a hole in the container, glue will flow through it to the tip.

If you decide to use a tubular tool, it is charged differently. First you need to make a hole in a container with “liquid nails”. The container with the adhesive must be fixed so that the cut end of the container is directed towards the tip from where the glue will “come out”. Before installing the cartridge into the tool, you must remove the rod.

As a rule, the kit comes with several nozzles with tips; use one of them to tighten the cylinder. If there is no hole on the tip, then you need to cut off a very small part with a knife at an angle of 45 degrees. Then gently press the trigger lever and move the glue along the pre-applied markings. If you use a skeletal or semi-open instrument, then in order to fill the void in the cap, you must first press the trigger lever several times, and then perform the actions smoothly.

Before the gluing procedure, the surfaces must be cleaned and degreased. Then apply “liquid nails” in a thin layer or in dots. If the surfaces to be glued have a large area, for example, ceramic tiles, then it is necessary to apply the adhesive on them in the form of a snake or mesh. Afterwards, the surfaces to be glued need to be pressed against each other; if necessary, they should be fixed with special structures. Flat parts can be placed under the press. Some types of glue set within 1-2 minutes.

Applying glue with a gun: tips and tricks

Before squeezing the substance onto the materials to be glued, it is recommended to understand how to do this correctly. If you plan to glue large and heavy parts, such as ceramic tiles or gypsum structures, then it is better to apply the glue continuously in the form of a snake or mesh. This will increase the gluing area and also ensure the reliability of the connection.

The setting speed of liquid nails is from 1 to 2 minutes, which depends on the materials being glued. After applying the substance, you need to press them tightly together and hold for at least 1 minute, and preferably 2 minutes, which will be more reliable. If possible, a press can be used, especially when joining wooden structures.

This is interesting!
The more substance is applied to the connecting materials, the longer it takes for them to harden.

Device operation

An additional advantage of using guns is the simple operating principle of the tool. After placing the sealed cylinder on the platform and securely fixing it, you need to pull the trigger. It activates the rod-rod, which, in turn, moves the disk piston, which acts on the base of the cylinder. Under pressure, the glue flows out of the tip of the tube. How to use a liquid nail gun:

• You need to put a sealed package with glue on the tip.
• Before use, you must ensure that it is securely attached.
• To reduce the pressure in the tube, the trigger is pulled back slightly.

• If the bottle is not installed correctly, the liquid nails will dry out.
• Before installing the nozzle, you need to check that there is no restrictive bottom on the tube.

To open liquid nails for a skeleton or semi-open gun, you need to remove the lock from the base of the cylinder, remove the stem (retract it) and secure the tube. You need to press the lever with some force two or three times to finally fix the cylinder. You need to pierce a hole in the container through which liquid nails will flow to the tip. A tubular gun, which works on the principle of a syringe, is filled in the opposite way - with the cut end of the tube towards the tip. Before installation, the rod is removed.

The mounting adhesive is supplied with tips; after opening the container, the cylinder is screwed on with a suitable attachment for the job. If there is no hole on it for squeezing out liquid nails, you can do it yourself - with a small diameter at an angle of 45 degrees. By mechanically pressing the lever, the amount of glue is dosed and the gaps and seams are evenly filled.

Gluing process with and without a gun

The material can be applied in two ways: dotted, solid line. If the structure is massive or the area will be subject to increased loads, as well as if the bonded surfaces are used in conditions of high humidity, it is recommended to choose the second fastening method. In other situations, you can get by with spot application. This method involves reducing the consumption of adhesive material.

Half body liquid nail gun

Tip: After applying liquid nails, wait 5-7 minutes. and only after that forcefully press the surfaces to be glued together. More detailed information can be found in the instructions for the adhesive composition.

There are several ways to attach surfaces. Each of them uses a different gun for applying liquid nails:

1. Mechanical - involves the need to squeeze out the adhesive by pressing the release lever on your own.
2. Pneumatic. In this case, the rod moves under the influence of an air flow created manually (by releasing the handle).
3. Rechargeable. In this case, the process is fully automated, since a battery/rechargeable tool is used.

When the edge of the tip is cut off, you can start working. Considering that the mechanical method requires constant pressing on the lever, you need to constantly press on it. In this case, the glue will come out in doses. If you press the lever often, you will get a solid line. With rare pressure, it becomes possible to attach surfaces using a point method. If you need to glue large parts, liquid nails are applied in the form of a mesh/snake.

Using liquid nails to attach wall panels

Some types of adhesives set very quickly (in 1-2 minutes). If there is such a need, use a press on the area to be glued. In order for the parts to be firmly connected, it usually takes 12-24 hours for the liquid nails to dry completely. If the glue has come out in some places, use a rag soaked in solvent for cleaning.

Note: There is no need to apply the adhesive in excess, since in this case the strength level will be the same, but the drying time of the material will increase.

Using liquid nails without special tools

In this case, you need to put in a lot more effort. When solving the problem of how to use liquid nails without a gun, you should choose a wooden tool or wooden object that fits the size of the bottom of the tube. The fact is that the bottom of the container with the adhesive composition can become skewed if you use a tool of the wrong size, and then the composition will “go” in the opposite direction from the tip. To avoid this, take a piece wide enough so that it covers the bottom of the tube. This device is used to provide the pressure necessary for the release of liquid nails.

Regulating the process is much more difficult, especially if there is no physical training. In addition, the result can be very disappointing, since the material will appear unevenly and crookedly. The consumption of liquid nails in this case also increases. All these factors affect the quality of surface adhesion. As a result, the likelihood increases that the parts being glued will have to be cleaned of the adhesive composition, as the excess will be squeezed out. As a result, the appearance of the area where fastening work is being carried out deteriorates. However, if you already have experience in such work (without special tools), you can apply the glue in an even strip. The quality of the connection will remain high.

No. 1. Composition of liquid nails

Liquid nails were invented in the USA. There, in the 60s, Macco first decided to package regular glue in individual cartridges for ease of use. A couple of years later, a new development appeared - Liquid Nails

. In just a few years, liquid nails have conquered American users with a host of advantages, but they only entered the domestic market in the 90s.

The basis for the new type of glue was synthetic rubber
with polymer additives
.
A special type of clay
was used as a filler . In the USA, huge deposits of this clay are concentrated in the state of Texas, where the main industrial facilities of most local manufacturers are located. Today, instead of unique clay, ordinary chalk is often used. In this way, manufacturers kill two birds with one stone: on the one hand, chalk acts as a filler, but at the same time it gives the glue the necessary white color, which is achieved using classical technology by adding titanium oxide. Glue with the addition of chalk is significantly inferior in terms of quality.

Previously, toluene was added to liquid nails to improve adhesion and acetone to speed up drying. The increased toxicity of these substances forced them to abandon their use. However, some companies still use similar additives to reduce the cost of the composition. Their adhesives have an unpleasant odor and, as a rule, a suspiciously low price. Under no circumstances should such compositions be used indoors.

Product Features and Applications

Liquid nails are a construction and installation adhesive based on polymers and synthetic rubbers, which allows you to fasten materials of different structures, providing a high degree of adhesion (adhesion) of surfaces. The product is produced under several brands. The composition and properties of specific products may vary. In any case, manufacturers claim that the glue can withstand loads of up to 90 kg/cm². The product is sold in cartridge tubes with a volume of 0.3 liters or more.

The basic composition of liquid nails includes synthetic rubber, polymers and fine filler. It is the presence of the last component that distinguishes this glue from the rest. It allows you to firmly connect surfaces that do not fit tightly.

In the classic version of Liquid Nails, Texas clay, which has increased plasticity, is used as a fine-grained filler. Many manufacturers replace it with chalk (calcium carbonate), but its adhesive properties are worse.

An important point that you should pay attention to when choosing glue is the absence of toluene and acetone in the composition. The first component improves the adhesion characteristics of the product, and the second accelerates drying

But they are toxins for humans. A sign of their presence is a sharp, suffocating smell.

The main areas of use of liquid nails are fixation of various materials:

• ceramic tiles;
• cork panels;
• plastic;
• drywall;
• wood;
• aluminum, teflon;
• glass, mirrors;
• ceramics;
• chipboard, OSB, fiberboard;
• polyethylene;
• polystyrene foam;
• concrete, gas and foam blocks, bricks;
• heavy wallpaper on a natural basis and so on.

In addition, the adhesive can be used to seal seams and cracks in bathrooms, window and door openings, walls, furniture and so on. But its effectiveness compared to special sealants is questionable.

Considering the relatively high cost of liquid nails, it is not advisable to use them for connecting large structures. For example, you should not use it to tile the entire bathroom. But gluing individual parts is quite reasonable.