M12 VS M18 Caulk Gun

M12 VS M18 Caulk Gun: How Do They Compare?

When it comes to sealing cracks and gaps around your home or on the job site, nothing performs better than a good caulk gun. You can apply caulk or sealant without a caulk gun, but it’s a lot harder to do, and the results are never as good. 

Using a caulk gun gives you a much neater and cleaner application, plus it’s just a lot easier to do. Milwaukee is one of the leading manufacturers of caulk guns, and they offer two great models, which are the M12 and M18. 

But there are some differences between the M12 vs M18 caulk gun. We’re going to take a look at both models and see what the differences are, so you can make an informed decision about which one to buy.

M12 VS M18 Caulk Gun Review

M12 VS M18 Caulk Gun

Both the M12 and M18 caulk guns from Milwaukee are great performing hand tools, but they differ in some ways that you should be aware of. 

For your convenience, we’ve put together an M18 and M12 caulk gun review so you can see the main differences. Let’s examine each. 

1. Milwaukee Caulking Gun M12

For applying caulking and adhesives, having a lightweight and compact cordless caulk gun is essential for getting into tight spaces and maneuvering around obstacles.

Key Features:

  • 400 lbs of pushing force for handling stubborn caulking application
  • Variable speed trigger that provides control over the caulking flow
  • 360-degree rotation collar for maximum precision
  • Auto-reverse anti-drip function to avoid messes
  • Seal puncture tool for easy opening of sealant tubes
  • A durable hang hook included for easy storage

The Milwaukee Caulking Gun M12 offers you this convenience, as well as impressive power for its size. There are 400 lbs of pushing force, which allows these cordless power tools to handle even the most stubborn caulk.

It has a variable speed trigger that allows you to control the flow of caulk, which is helpful when trying to avoid bubbles or streaks. The Max-Speed dial lets you choose the right speed for the job, so you can work quickly and efficiently.

Through the 360-degree rotation of the collar, you have maximum control around turns, ensuring precise everyday construction sealants every time.

With its auto-reverse anti-drip function, this M12 10 oz caulk gun keeps your work area clean, and a seal puncture tool makes it easy to open the seal on tubes of caulk. It is capable of working with an M12 red lithium battery and charger.

When working, you can keep the products within easy reach by using the durable hang hook. It fits cartridge-style containers holding 10 oz of material.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and compact
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Max-Speed dial
  • 360-degree rotation
  • 10 oz cartridge capacity

Cons:

  • Cold weather is not compatible with this device
  • Can’t handle large projects

Verdict:

Due to the compact design, variable speed trigger, and 360-degree rotation collar, the Milwaukee M12 Caulk Gun could be a good option for those seeking a powerful and versatile cordless adhesive gun kit. 

2. Milwaukee Caulking Gun M18

The Milwaukee 2641-20 M18 caulk gun is designed for professionals who need a high-quality, durable caulking gun that can complete challenging projects.

Key Features:

  • 18-volt motor for plenty of power to achieve desired results
  • All-metal gears and 950 lbs of force that can handle maximum workloads
  • Anti-drip function prevents the gun from oozing material
  • Constant flow technology eliminates motor oscillation

Featuring a 10 oz cartridge capacity and an 18-volt motor, this Milwaukee Caulking Gun M18 provides plenty of power to achieve the desired results.

With its all-metal gears and 950 lbs of force, this power tool can handle the toughest viscous materials. 

Its constant flow technology eliminates motor oscillation for a steady, even bead every time. perfect for any caulking or sealing job.

Thanks to the variable-speed trigger and six-position speed dial, you can customize the flow rate to fit whatever you’re doing, while the comfortable grip lets you work with precision.

In addition, the anti-drip function prevents the gun from oozing material and thereby assists you in keeping your work area clean.

A rotating collar provides greater control of beads in addition to having a quick-change carriage, enabling the machine to switch between 10-oz, quart, and sausage-shaped containers easily.

One charge allows you to dispense more than 200 10-oz tubes of adhesive with its REDLITHIUM battery pack (sold separately).

Pros:

  • 10 oz capacity
  • All metal gears
  • 950 lbs of force
  • Constant flow technology
  • Variable speed trigger
  • Anti-drip function
  • Quick change carriage

Cons:

  • The battery is not included

Verdict:

The Milwaukee M18 caulking gun is an excellent option, perfect for all types of projects. With a 10-ounce cartridge and an 18-volt motor, the bare tool caulking gun provides sufficient power to achieve the intended results.

Milwaukee Caulking Gun M12 Vs M18: Which Is Better for You?

Milwaukee Caulking Gun M12 Vs M18

After reading about both of these caulking guns, it is time to decide which one would be the best fit for your needs. 

There are some similarities between the two devices. Both are cordless, durable, have a variable speed trigger, and both can use 10 oz cartridges. Now let’s look at some of the differences.

The first difference is in terms of power. M12 caulking guns have 12-volt motors, while M18 caulking guns have 18-volt motors. This makes the M18 caulking gun more powerful than the M12.

Next, the M18 caulking gun has all-metal gears, whereas the M12 caulking gun does not. Due to this, the M18 caulking gun is more durable.

When it comes to pushing force, the M12 Milwaukee tool has 400 lbs of force, while M18 caulking guns possess 950 lbs of force. Clearly, M18 is more powerful.

Specifically, the M12 is designed for small projects, while the M18 is designed for larger projects. In cold weather, the M12 cannot be used. However, the M18 is still suitable.

It is, therefore, up to you to decide which one to select based on your needs. Caulking gun M18 is the better choice if you need a powerful and durable caulking gun for large projects, even in cold weather. 

In contrast, if you are looking for a caulking gun for small projects and compact size is a priority, the M12 caulking gun would be a better choice. Compare the features and decide which one is better for you.

Frequently Asked Questions:

There are many questions that people have about caulking guns in general. Let’s take a moment to review some of the most frequently asked questions with answers.

1. Are Electric Caulking Guns Worth It

If you are planning on doing a lot of caulking, then an electric caulking gun is definitely worth it. They will spare you a ton of time and hassle.

2. How Long Does a Battery Last in Cordless Caulking Gun?

This will depend on the specific caulking gun model you have. Also, the size of the battery will play a role. Generally, big batteries will last longer than small batteries.

3. How Long Does a Cordless Caulking Gun Take to Charge?

Depending on the model you own, this will differ. It is best to consult your user manual. Typically, a 12V 2.0 amp battery will take about 30 minutes to charge.

4. What is the Best Way to Store a Cordless Caulking Gun?

When storing your caulking guns, you want to ensure that the battery is disconnected. This will help prevent any accidental discharge. You also need to make certain that it is in a cool and dry place.

Conclusion

After reading this article, we hope that you have a better understanding of the differences between the Milwaukee M12 vs M18 caulk gun. These two tools are both excellent choices, and it ultimately comes down to what you need the caulking gun for.

You can now make an informed decision regarding which is the optimal fit for your needs. Consider the features of each caulking gun carefully to help you determine which one is best for you. So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get the caulking gun that most suits your needs!

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