Green Building Forum - Foam gun problems Mon, 11 May 2026 16:29:25 +0100 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/ Lussumo Vanilla 1.0.3 Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220569#Comment_220569 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220569#Comment_220569 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 18:53:29 +0000 bogal2 Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220571#Comment_220571 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220571#Comment_220571 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 19:02:26 +0000 Mike George Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220572#Comment_220572 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220572#Comment_220572 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:01:28 +0000 gravelld
1) Take the can off. Can be messy.
2) Spray cleaner where the can connects until it's visually clean
3) Put the cleaner in the gun, open regulator fully
4) Trigger the gun until the foam stops coming out and then it's just cleaner coming out
5) Take the cleaner off, last spray around
6) Close the regulator
7) Put the foam can on, nice and tight ready to use again]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220574#Comment_220574 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220574#Comment_220574 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:16:06 +0000 atomicbisf
Ed]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220575#Comment_220575 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220575#Comment_220575 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 20:44:15 +0000 bogal2 Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220577#Comment_220577 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220577#Comment_220577 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:24:26 +0000 Nick Parsons
Foam gun cleaner. It works for hardened foam too.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220578#Comment_220578 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220578#Comment_220578 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:41:52 +0000 Nick Parsons
You say:

1) Take the can off. Can be messy.

7) Put the foam can on, nice and tight ready to use again


are you suggesting there is a valve in the can, then? There did not seem to be when I took a can off too early and effectively decorated the room (including a Chinese silk lampshade) with foam until the can was empty.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220579#Comment_220579 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220579#Comment_220579 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 21:59:35 +0000 jamesingram Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220580#Comment_220580 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220580#Comment_220580 Mon, 02 Mar 2015 22:13:58 +0000 JT101
I've used tonnes of the stuff, many different guns and the best luck I've had is as Mike George said. Keep the cannister on until it is empty, and always screw closed the valve on the back to shut it off after use. When you need to change cannisters, do it immediately. Don't leave the gun exposed to air with all the foam inside it.

I've tried taking a gun apart, and it's pretty much impossible without damaging it, so once it's gunked, it's junked.

Even doing it Mike George's way, and I've done it religiously, some guns still managed to seize. I think it's an inbuilt flaw that forces you to buy more foam and more guns, but I certainly wouldn't waste time with the cleaner.

Maybe a better quality gun has better seals.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220582#Comment_220582 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220582#Comment_220582 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:24:41 +0000 Mike George Posted By: JT101Maybe a better quality gun has better seals.

Yes, certainly the valve in the nozzle at the end is brass on the better ones - the cheaper ones being plastic. just scrape the hardened foam off the end down to the brass with a stanley knife. Estimate my current gun about 5 years old only had two before that - one brass nozzle which got stepped on and a plastic nozzle that lasted a couple months]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220583#Comment_220583 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220583#Comment_220583 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:25:38 +0000 Mike George Posted By: JT101When you need to change cannisters, do it immediately. Don't leave the gun exposed to air with all the foam inside it.

Yes - I should have said that. foam begins to cure very quickly]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220593#Comment_220593 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220593#Comment_220593 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 08:56:49 +0000 danielbroad
It did say if you don't plan to use it for more than a month then you should run it through with cleaner, and you should expect to use half a can of cleaner to do it right.

This probably explains why my previous gun gave up as I was removing the canister and cleaning it after almost every use, but not with anything like half a can.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220595#Comment_220595 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220595#Comment_220595 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 09:44:38 +0000 rhamdu http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/fireball-engulfs-builders-arm-as-he-uses-foam-to-plug-mouse-holes-10079536.html]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220596#Comment_220596 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220596#Comment_220596 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 09:52:33 +0000 rhamdu Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220600#Comment_220600 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220600#Comment_220600 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 10:28:45 +0000 alexc
I tried the other way, with cleaner and thoroughness. did not work. I now have a gun per type of foam.
I have left one gun unused for many months and come back to use it. All good
If i lend the gun to anyone/let them use it, first thing I do is check the that regulator is screwed up.
Sometimes when taking cans off they have a life of there own. still plenty of foam, even though its not coming out via gun. As soon as a the nozzle from the top of the can gets stuck to gun, the gun is a write off.
I tried all metal guns and guns with just metal nozzle. No difference.

Cleaning foam from clothing : my approach has been slow attrition. Minor scrape of foam before a wash, wash item, then another minor scrape. Its just gets into everything. If its gets on me, leave for a few days as per glues and minor attacks on it when gets to annoy me .]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220603#Comment_220603 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220603#Comment_220603 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 10:56:52 +0000 gravelld Posted By: Nick ParsonsGravelld,

You say:

1) Take the can off. Can be messy.

7) Put the foam can on, nice and tight ready to use again


are you suggesting there is a valve in the can, then? There did not seem to be when I took a can off too early and effectively decorated the room (including a Chinese silk lampshade) with foam until the can was empty.
Seems a crapshoot to me, sometimes when removing a can whatever valve exists doesn't spring back and it continues dispensing for a while - that's what I meant by can be messy. Sometimes it just works.

TBF Mike has much more experience so I'll probably end up doing it his way in a few years.

I'm just using the screwfix products (gun and foam).]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220610#Comment_220610 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220610#Comment_220610 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 11:57:48 +0000 fostertom Posted By: gravelldI'm just using the screwfix products (gun and foam)Prob as gd as any - rebadged Soudal.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220623#Comment_220623 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220623#Comment_220623 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:02:05 +0000 skyewright Posted By: rhamduAnd no, I can't imagine what kind of mouseholes needed 8 cans of foam, either.
and mice seem to just love making tunnels through foam...]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220624#Comment_220624 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220624#Comment_220624 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 14:05:58 +0000 skyewright Posted By: alexc
I have left one gun unused for many months and come back to use it. All good
Same here. I eventually killed one by leaving it for over a year on a very nearly empty can.

Posted By: alexcAs soon as a the nozzle from the top of the can gets stuck to gun, the gun is a write off.

Come to think of it, that's just what happened with the dead gun when I came to take the last can off.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220647#Comment_220647 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=220647#Comment_220647 Tue, 03 Mar 2015 21:21:35 +0000 borpin Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262752#Comment_262752 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262752#Comment_262752 Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:32:41 +0000 Victorianeco
My cheap screwfix one is kaput

Thanks]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262760#Comment_262760 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262760#Comment_262760 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 09:08:15 +0000 fostertom
The can that was left on is half full, is clean, but has no puff when put on a new gun. Any trick - does it just need clearing somehow?]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262765#Comment_262765 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262765#Comment_262765 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 11:51:47 +0000 DarylP Unscrew the adjustment knob at the back, remove keeper spring, grip rod with molegrips, rotate and 'unscrew'.
The pin/rod will have debris stuck to it, that need to be wire-wool-removed, but be careful where the pin enters the tube 'chamber' by the trigger... laborious but can resurrect a dead gun.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262769#Comment_262769 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262769#Comment_262769 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:06:38 +0000 skyewright
If anyone has any bright ideas I have two dismantled and probably dead guns that I'd love to refurb...]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262770#Comment_262770 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262770#Comment_262770 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 14:10:38 +0000 DarylP ]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262773#Comment_262773 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262773#Comment_262773 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 19:14:27 +0000 Victorianeco Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262781#Comment_262781 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262781#Comment_262781 Tue, 07 Nov 2017 22:35:16 +0000 Beau Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262787#Comment_262787 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262787#Comment_262787 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 07:34:33 +0000 Nick Parsons Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262809#Comment_262809 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262809#Comment_262809 Wed, 08 Nov 2017 20:03:49 +0000 MikC
https://www.uksealants.co.uk/concept-pu-expanding-foam-gun.html

There are obviously more expensive models. But the main think is that it regulates the foam output in a controlled and adjustable manner.]]> Foam gun problems https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262944#Comment_262944 https://www.greenbuildingforum.co.uk/newforum/comments.php?DiscussionID=13162&Focus=262944#Comment_262944 Sat, 11 Nov 2017 16:28:07 +0000 borpin