Foam Gun Not Working? Watch This 

I've been a fan of these for over 30 years. One point from the video is that the can should be held upright when the gun is removed. That way you don't get foam released. I never use solvent cleaner, it's more trouble than it's worth. I always leave the can on the gun and even after several months it will be fine, but it might be worth using it in the meantime just to keep things flowing. I think the biggest advantage is the level of control. You can go from a 2mm bead to an absolute torrent, something that simply isn't possible with the one-shot cans. Also, you can use a small amount and come back months later and just continue from where you left off.

I’ve always found the best thing with a foam gun is to remove the can immediately after use and blow through cleaner as you did. The cleaner often come with spray nozzle to clean the external areas on the gun

Bloke I worked with used fire retardant to close a gap where two SWAs on ladder racking came out of a building across to a piece of plant. He went up about 30ft to fill the hole. Came away happy job done. Cup of tea later we went back to check and it had expanded more than he thought and it had rolled down the exterior of the building to the floor leaving a lovely pink trail. It's still there, looks ok from my house.

"Coming out of both ends" is never a good sign in my experience 🙂

Make a box for the gun with the foam canister attached. It will then have place for extra canisters, cleaner, gloves, nozzles, tubes and your foam tools. You'll look like a real boss with your RB312 Foam Fill Kit.

I keep spray bottle handy so if the foam starts to expand too much I give it a spray with water and that can make it start to set up sooner , not my idea pinched it off another RU-vidr , great job mate 😊

The best way to maintain these guns is to not let other people use them. When using the foam, we ask :have you got a gun? If they say yes, they get given a gun canister. If they say no, they get the spray can.

I made a foam gun holder (with canister attached) out of black down pipe I think it was, fixed to inside wall of van to keep gun out of harms way. Had a red Hilti foam gun back in the 90s, lasted years but eventually gave up the ghost, I generally end up buying a new £20 one every year now, not worth the hastle of stripping down. WD40 sprayed around the foam can inlet makes removal of hard foam easier on cannister changes. I also leave a 1 to 2" piece of that plastic tube permanently on the nozzle end to keep the end sealed, to clean it just remove the tube, poke a wood screw through it till its clear and slip it back on. I had one these cans come of the gun in somebodys house back in the 80s, all i had to save their new carpet was my fleece. It took days for the foam to stop expanding inside my fleece. Still a good invention. And I had no idea this stuff could alter the shape of a door frame, my double glazing company who fitted my new front door advised me of this fact, and I thought they were bullshitting me. 👍👍👍

My tips are, always keep builders wipes handy when using. If you do get any on your hands or anywhere you don’t want it, cleans off relatively easily, then when I’m done I tighten up the pin then clean the end with a wipe. Secondly, have a rubble sack or bin bag handy when changing cans. Put the gun in the bag when unscrewing. I’ve had cans that keep emptying after removing. 👍

Never thought I'd hear "it's coming out of both ends, that's a good thing"

I had the same foam gun for 2 years until I had to replace it. I’ve now had 3 in 2 weeks. My advise get a good one at the start

My foam has been flowing just fine thank you Richard!

I always pay a little extra for fire foam as most other foams are very very flammable.

Once again Roger for this tutorial. Explained in so much detail. Thank you so much. Your videos are so interesting and we can learn so much from your experience.

Dangerouss stuff. I once removed the can from the gun, without realising there was still pressure in the gun itself. As the gun was clogged up, I wanten to clean the gun by dismantling it. When removed the spring, foam exploded out of the gun. It was everywhere, on the walls, on my face. It missed my eyes by a cm. So lessons learned, always glasses on and make sure theres no presure left in the gun.

Useful info for a Diyer… looking fwd to the stripping down video as mine has come to that point and rather not 🗑 it! 👍🏼😋

Been using a foam gun for 20+ years. I've made all the mistakes. The foam guns used to cost £20+ but now the cheap ones are £5-£6 each. There is zero point paying extra for a fancy expensive foam gun because they all wear out at the same rate. Clean the foam gun out on a regular basis. That way it will last longer. The cleaner is great for removing/cleaning anything oil or bitumen based. It's only like nail varnish remover in an aerosol can.

Rodger you crack me up....love your videos keep it up mate.

Thanks for this. I'm definitely in the DIY category and was considering buying one as I've probably wasted more money than the cost of a gun on half used cans. I'll also follow your advice on orifice protection lol!

great vid roger very helpful thanks.

Here in Belgium we've got good quality guns (brand: soudal) less foam coming out while changing and last for many, many months while stored...

I just put a new tube on an (apparently) blocked foam gun. So I just unscrew it and will it stop or is it going to keep going once unscrewed?

Simple if ya know! Thanks Roger 😊

One word: ACETONE. you can melt and clean the foam with acetone. Simple works all the time.

Great advice! I do all the things same way!👍 I advice to use Adhesive, like drywall adhesive instead of standard foam... as adhesive expands less... and sticks better!!! And I use Fast cure one...😁

Thank you-excellent!

I couldn't hear a word you said cos' I've got 2 streams of foam expanding out of my ears.

If someone finds a gun stored that has a can on it that expired more than 2 years ago, do you recommend just throwing out the entire thing? It doesn't seem to work at all but I'm wondering if it's fixable.

Great tips Roger. I find when changed cans to have a rubble sack and squeeze the trigger that way you don’t get the splash back like you got.

Great timing Roger, my gun needs a quick clean..😉

Never felt quite the same about expanding foam since watching "No Offence" some years back.

Very good information.

I never use on dry surfaces. Slight wetting helps with bond. For small jobs I carry a heavy duty misting bottle around with me when working with these guns. For larger jobs I spray water though a Graco Ultra Max cordless sprayer.

I always change the can next to the skip 😉

Always keep a can of brake cleaner on you! Half the price and cleans up most glues and adhesives, secret to those guns is keeping the foam inside fluid. Make sure its full shut after use.

Thank you for the information, I am Thinking of Buying 1 gun and cleaner tin

If you heat the nozzle a little bit what ever form that is in the nozzle will release and come out if it has hardened

You looked pretty clumsy at start roger with that change over 😉😁 I have tried all measures to stop clog ups and found put a small section of plastic pipe on tip and after use rinse with cleaner it seems to keep the tip nozzle working and if you forget to clean pop off pipe and run thru with drill bit or similar or replace with new pipe . I also found wd40 help smooth action on a gun that stuck up

the 80´s early 90´s foam hade the power to push window and doors.. todays not so mutch.. but ofc i have not tested wetting area before... and dont unscrew the turnscrew.. when goes off the threads the spring will shut out and valve is fully open and bottle is emptyed in seconds ^_^ and for added servics you can unscrew the top whats connected to bottle and the pipe

Great tips .. as always.. no fun if it goes off in the back of the van ,!

I’ve never used the gun. I like the flexible tube on the ‘diy’ version which means I can get into awkward areas and I can squeeze the end flat to get into the thin gaps. The gun seems like a waste of money and energy. I can make a can last for a few months by stuffing the stopper they supply in the end. I’m a builder so I use the handy stuff here and there especially around small gaps in insulation.

I've tried a few times too remove can but the can does not seal so screwed it back on

We keep them guns inside cuttings of 4 inch pipe. Screwd in a place where its not likely to be damaged

Yeah i leave the can on the gun now, after I used to switch to the cleaner after every use, but found that the cleaner can would loose its plastic bit inside the gun when I wanted to switch back, very frustrating, as I ended up with 2/3 full cans of useless cleaners. I always remove old cans over a bin now too.. don't ask me why...haha

Useful tips, Cheers Roger 👍

“best to wear safety glasses “. too late Roger! 😂. Hardly use the stuff because of all the operational problems. great for upvc guys though. great video as usual.

I didn't know the guns had a flow control, that is useful to know

Does expanding foam seal? Used one of these guns in the summer and was well impressed with it. Prior to that it was just occasional use with the nozzle that chimes with the foam and like you said, chucked half a can away several times. Thanks Rodger 🙂👍🏻

Where I live there aren't any cheap guns available, only 2 expensive guns specifically made for 2 seperate companies (Gorilla and Sika). Very traumatic experience. Bought the standard gun for $130

I just use a cleaner after use. Also, use a blade to clean up the tip before putting it away, done.

I just wish it was easier to remove the needle, so if it does gum up, it's easy to clean and get going again

My mate works for the council.

Damned useful for allsorts of work. Bunging up holes, sticking stuff together etc. But how many times been in trouble with wife for coming home with black hands (foam + dirt) that takes a week to wear off! Should wear surgical gloves I know, but ........🙄 Had the bowed plastic window frames too. Now use wooden struts/props inside the frame until it sets

I have a cheap gun from Aliexpress $10. I have been using it problem free for 5 years now. I leave the can of foam connected to it and close off the flow valve when not in use. If it plugs up I will take it off the can and clean it with acetone and an acid brush. If that does not fix it I then take it apart to do a more thorough clean with acetone.

after years of using foam I found out that the best is not to use it at all :D

Ive seen people use foam as an adhesive, are there two types of foam, adhesive and general filler? Worst experience I had with foam was the first time I used it. Squirted it into the gaps along corrugated roofing sheets, poking it in with me fingers, then stuck me hands under the tap to wash it off, three weeks later, I was still picking it off me fingers! 😡😔

How do you use a foam gun for ceiling work, where the can has to be held with the bottom pointing to the floor?

I’ve never had luck with guns. Cheap or expensive. They always jam up. So I’ve given up and just use the retail grade tubes.

Pro tip. Spray the gun first so you don't get foam all over the cleaning spray can.

What gun would you recommend?

always leave that can of foam ON even if you run whole can of cleaner through it still going to be blocked

I have an unused can of foam, from a while back. When I shake it it doesn't rattle, To mix the foam I can't remember if it should. Help 😱

Roger, the ball bearing wasn't seating correctly and thus allowed foam to come back. Clean the area the bearing seats by removing the spring and spring allen keyed seating nut. Replace the bearing, spring and tighten the nut slightly. With the trigger pressed, blow down the nozzle. Air should not come out of where the can connects. If it does, screw the allen key in slightly. If you press the trigger and blow from the can side, air should come out of the nozzle. If it doesn't, you've screwed the allen key in too far. It's a shame people clog them and then throw them away. It's worthwhile taking them apart for a complete clean.

Hi Ridger did you know that you can get a TEFLON coated gun its a game changer having a non stick gun..

You may eventually get it off your hands but the one time i used it without due care, i found it was impossible to get off clothes - hard foam doesn't wash off and as a single user you are unlikely to have suitable solvent around the house for it. Also it's too easy to underestimate how much it expands on contact with surfaces.

No one like a little saw up the back 😂❤

Anyone know of a water thin water dispersant and sealer ??? Got a leak somewhere on a wooden window seal???

I've had plenty of times where a can of foam stays open after removing the gun and I end up with a large ball of foam as memory of my wasted money. I'm pretty sure I would have spent less using smaller cans and no gun

When you're finished the job, reduce the flow to zero, then thoroughly spray with cleaner.

I've had my gun for over 10 years, if you look after it and keep it clean, (I use a little UPVC Chemical cleaner) it will last ages. I'm a bit of a tight wad tho!

I can see why you’re having trouble 😂 Rodger. If I’m not using mine for more than a week I clean mine out. Also the cleaner needs to be inside the gun for 15 minutes minimum. If you keep the gun clean it will last you years. When Rodger says about cleaning the area that screws on it’s normally the ball bearing and spring that gets residue on them if not cleaned properly

What other orifices have you tried?

Roger, watched a number your vids and they are so much better than this one. It is if you were not prepared. My thoughts are this use, clean thoroughly, by using clear through the gun, leave for 2 - 5 mins and then run more cleaner through gun. I have had one gun for all my projects, probably 25 years use so far the last ten years it has been using it in USA, yep the cans fit. However of course there is always that time you clean it and leave few good while and it is fully clogged up. Throw it away or throughly clean, owners choice. To clean completely dismantle it include the long tube (nozzle one and and gun part the other) , meticulously clean, all parts, picks and tweezers sometimes required. The long tube is quite easy to clean with a 8 inch large construction screw, the thread is great to get a scraped clean. Just some thoughts, hey if that's too much trouble, or time is money pops into you minds, buy a new one. Best regards.

Why the holes in your jumper sleeves?

I had a can of foam in the back of my van.. It got pierced by a hand saw.. Very messy.

Jesus Roger, that foam fun nearly had you, then the spray laid eyes on you 😁🤣🤣

👌👌👌👌👌👌

Those things and the cleaner is one of my biggest bug bears in the industry. Convinced they are designed to fail. Tried everything with various guns to no avail. Stripping them, leaving cleaner on them. Spraying it down after every use. Frustrates the hell out of me can you tell 😂😩

Gloves and eye protection just take care

Here's a tip for changing a can. Keep spraying until the gas totally runs out then you'll have no mess!

This channel should be a normal lesson in primary schools these days... just to prepare youngsters for normal life and to teach them common sense!😁😎

Best tip is to put a dab of grease on the thread and nozzle on the can before insertion 🎯

Soooo many puns 😂😂😂😂

hey, just a quick thing on cuttting the foam when it dry: The foam has smalll cells on the outside and large on the inside. The small cells are fire resistant, the large cells are not. You could be creating a fire hazzard

If you need to use foam gun then the gap is too big. I hate that the construction industry use this production so much

I don't touch my foam gun or a can without safety glasses

Foam cleaner will ruin your gun! I’ve had guns last years without putting any cleaner through it.. the best thing you can do when your can is empty is unscrew it and put your new can straight on…

Nightmare stuff if it gets in your hair.🤕

Can you add your link to dismantling the foam gun please? This is the most annoying thing about RU-vid Channels - There is no search tool for subscription content with that content creators channel.

Where’s your gloves and mask?

Isocynate alert. No mask can stop it for to long. for how long? No one knows.. Check occupational exposure limit regarding ISO and get the thrill.

Hahaha any other orifice. 😂

Ime guns are not worth it, disposable cans are the way to go, you can buy half size cans aswell, harder to find but they exist.

Expandable foam, the excuse of poor workmanship!!!

I remember fitting door linings and they bowed because of the foam but this was years ago, I'm sure that foam is not as strong now as it use to be as i never seem to have problems like this now. Check this news report out happened not too far from me. www.itv.com/news/calendar/2013-12-11/newark-house-explosion-due-to-foam-fumes

I beg to differ Rog , coming out of both ends is definitely not ok 🤮💩😆🧱👍🏽