Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun

By Phil Benevides on Tool and Product Reviews

The Makita 18V  10oz Caulking Gun on the ACC Job-Site

The caulking gun is the Rodney Dangerfield of tools on the job-site, it “don’t get no respect”. From frame to finish you will always find yourself reaching for a caulking gun for many various, but critical applications. Whether you are applying construction adhesive or caulking trim before paint, a consistent and quick bead ensures quality and speedy installation.

Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun 8

So we here at Concord Carpenter were very excited to get a cordless power version of this tried and true tool on our job-site. We installed over 30 windows and doors on a new construction project and replaced a few window units on a kitchen remodel using the Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun. And we never got such clean beads or applied caulking as fast as we did with this tool.

Specifications

  • Capacity: 10 ounces
  • Dispense Force: 1,100 pounds
  • Inches Per Minute: 0-66 IPM (variable speed)
  • Speed Settings: 5
  • Battery Platform: 18V LXT Lithium Ion
  • Length: 15 7/8 inches
  • Weight: 5.1 pounds (includes battery)

Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun 7

Out of the Box

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun requires some simple assembly out of the box, you simply need to insert the rail, screw on the tube basket, and affix the plunger with a small screw. Your caulking gun is now fully operational and ready to wow the crew on your job-site.

The tool has five speed settings on a dial at the rear of the body, a lock/unlock two-way button, found where the forward and reverse buttons usually are on a drill, and a variable speed trigger. Additionally the gun has an LED light mounted at the base of the tool to help get light to the the working surface as the tube of the caulking is so long. This design modification makes me wonder if Makita will place the LED light at this location on some of their drills?

 

The tool features an automatic pressure release after you disengage the trigger and when you need to reload the rail slides back easily with a little resistance. Right out of the box this caulking gun seems like a smooth operating tool. Check out some of the features before we review its performance.

 

Features

  • 5 Variable Speed Settings
  • Variable Speed Trigger
  • LED Light mounted at Base of Tool
  • Lock Button
  • Removable Basket for Convenient Storage

Part of the World’s Largest 18V Li-Ion Line Up from Makita –  70+ Tools on ONE Battery

 

 

Performance

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun is a game changer for applying adhesives, silicone, or any other material dispensed by a standard 10 ounce caulking gun. Operation of the tool is very easy to get used to, depending on size of bead and speed you want to dispense you can literally dial in the speed setting (1 – 5) until you get the desired effect. As I mentioned earlier the tool features an automatic pressure release, but depending on the substrate you are using you may want to pull back the rail further after you disengage the gun after each application to prevent dripping.

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The biggest difference you’ll notice in this tool versus a standard caulking gun is the weight. Surprisingly your forearm and arm will actually feel less fatigue while operating this tool because the awkward squeezing and stabilizing  motion you constantly experience with a standard caulking gun is eliminated. The efficiency of the tool ensures the operator can continuously apply flawless beads of caulking or adhesive much faster than a manual gun.

Purchasing Options

 

18V LXT Li-Ion 10 oz. Caulking Gun Kit [LXGC011]

  • (1) Caulking Gun [LXGC01Z]
  • (2) LXT Li-Ion Batteries [BL1830]
  • (1) Makita Rapid Charger [DC18RC]
  • (1) Contractor Bag

Average Retail Price: $355.00

18V LXT Li-Ion 10 oz. Caulking Gun Tool Only [LXGC01Z]

  • (1) Caulking Gun
  • Tool Only [Battery and Charger NOT included]

Average Retail Price: $235.00

Overall Impression

This is definitely a game changer for caulking guns. The speed, consistency, and ease of use of this tool is well worth the cost especially for professionals who use caulking guns everyday. For the remodeling and residential construction industry, framers and siding guys should seriously consider looking at this model, especially considering the popularity of Makita among carpenters.

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A few things I’d like to see modified in future models would be the addition of a rafter hook. Inherent in the design of manual caulking guns is the hook at the end that allows you to easily hang the tool from ladders or framing, the Makita model lacks this feature. Finally, I’d prefer a safety switch to engage the trigger much like cordless circular saws versus the lock-unlock button on the tool now. In the event you forget to lock the tool and it falls or is placed down on the trigger it will spew out the contents of the tube, if left unattended that could create quite a mess. This may or may not have happened to me a few times…

Regardless of the minor shortcomings I’d easily recommend this tool to dedicated users of caulking guns. If you find yourself applying silicone, caulking, or adhesives daily this tool is well worth the investment, it’ll speed up production and improve quality. Ultimately saving you time and money. A tool definitely worth respecting.

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium Ion 10oz Caulking Gun is ACC approved!

 

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About the author

Phil Benevides

Carpenter / Assistant Editor

Phil is a 28-year old Air Force Veteran who decided to transform his passion for construction and home improvement into a career. Inspired by his Grandfather who built his home from the ground up with his bare hands in Portugal, he received his formal training in Carpentry at the North Bennett Street School in Boston, MA.Phil continues to grow his skills as a carpenter and leader, while exploring new products, methods, and tools!

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