Ryobi 18V Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun Review

Caulking is a part of the job (especially for a certain electrician we know). When using tougher sealants like OSI Quad Max, a manual caulk gun is a pain in the hand. So why not let the Ryobi 18V Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun (PCL901) bear the brunt of the effort? We got our tired hands on one to see if it’s worth the price.

The PCL901B is Ryobi’s second-generation cordless caulk gun for the 18V One+ system. Like the first model (P310G), this one reaches up to 500 pounds of push force. While other brands such as Ridgid (750 lbs) and Milwaukee (950 lbs) have more force, you can still discharge higher viscosity sealants. It’ll just be a little slower than those higher-priced models.

There’s a variable speed dial to adjust the discharge rate and control the bead. On the older P310G model, the variable speed dial is on the side of the tool and features only a numberless meter-style control. The Ryobi PCL901B has a numbered variable speed dial that faces you while you use it, giving you a better idea of what setting you’re on with each sealant. If you need to, you’re able to adjust it on the fly without having to stop the flow first.

When you release the trigger, the plunger backs off slightly, helping you avoid the annoying drips that require extra cleaning.

When it comes to runtime, expect to get through 200+ tubes of caulk on a full 2.0Ah battery. Considering how much you get from a compact battery, there’s no need for the weight of a 4.0Ah or higher battery.

In addition to the speed dial change, there’s also a switch to a rotating carriage design. When you’re using a beveled opening at the nozzle, you can easily adjust the angle to hit corners or move from horizontal to vertical application.

One other upgrade for this model is the ability to remove the carriage that houses the adhesive tube. Simply hold the collar and twist the carriage to take it off for cleaning.

Despite its appearance, the tool’s weight is very reasonable. Bare, it weighs 3.2 pounds and a 1.5Ah battery brings it up to 4.2 pounds. Add another 15-ish ounces for a full tube of adhesive and your working weight is 5.1 pounds.

The Ryobi PCL901 retails for $79 as a bare tool at Home Depot. It will also be available in kit form, including a 1.5Ah battery and charger. As always, Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

Whether you’re replacing window trim, sealing a bathtub install, or a host of other sealant and adhesive chores, there’s no question the Ryobi 18V Cordless Caulk and Adhesive Gun makes the job easier. For folks like me on the north side of 40, your hands will thank you. If you’re one of the millions of people already on Ryobi’s 18V One+ system, the $79 price tag makes the decision that much easier.

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