Ryobi P310G - Manual (Page 6)

6 – English
OPERATION
LOADING CAULK
See Figures 3 - 4, page 9.

Lock the switch trigger by sliding the switch lock up.
 Using a utility knife, cut off the tip of the spout on a
standard 10 oz. tube of caulk. Cut the tip at a 45˚ angle.
Remove as little as possible, taking into consideration
the size of the “bead” of caulk you need.
 Check for a second inner seal at the base of the spout. If
found, insert the puncture tool inside the spout to break
the seal before using. If using a partially filled tube, use
the puncture tool to remove any hardened material from
the tip.
NOTE: An inner seal is usually found only in cardboard
caulk tubes.
 While holding the caulk gun steady with one hand, pull
the handle of the plunger rod away from the caulk gun.
Continue pulling until plunger base reaches the back of
the carriage frame.
 Load the caulk tube into the carriage frame, making sure
it is well seated at both ends.
ELECTRONIC OVERLOAD PROTECTION
The caulk gun has an electronic overload protection feature.
If too much pressure is exerted on the tube, the motor will
shut down. This helps to prevent damage to the tool and the
caulk tube. If the motor shuts off, make sure that:

Nozzle tip is cut
 Inner seal in the caulk tube is broken
 Hardened material is removed from the nozzle
 Caulk tube is not damaged or frozen
 Plunger rod is free of caulk/adhesive materials
Release the trigger and wait for 3 to 5 seconds to allow the
electronics to reset. If the motor again shuts off, move the
variable speed selector to the middle position and press the
trigger again. If the motor continues to shut off, try another
tube of material or take the tool to an authorized service center.
APPLYING CAULK
See Figures 5 - 7, page 9.

Prepare the surface to be caulked by removing any dust,
dirt, or remnants of old caulking. Make sure the area to
be caulked is clean and dry.
 Set the speed of the caulk gun to match your application
needs, using just enough caulk to do the job. Experiment
in an out-of-the-way area to find the best speed to use
to deliver the caulk bead you want.
 Hold the gun at a slight angle. If filling a crack, insert the
spout into the crack, if possible; otherwise, run the caulk
gun along the surface.
 Squeeze the trigger allowing the caulk to extrude from
the tube tip.
NOTE: If the bead of caulk is too narrow, re-cut the nozzle
to provide a larger opening. However, it is better to apply
a thin bead of caulk and add a little more if necessary than
to apply too much and attempt to remove the excess.
 Carefully move the caulk gun at an even pace along the
gap to be filled as you continue to depress the switch
trigger. Make sure the caulk comes in full contact with
both application surfaces. If necessary, use your finger
to gently press the caulk into a corner or crack.
NOTE: The best fill is usually achieved by pushing the
caulk out into the gap in a forward motion. However, in
some cases (particularly where the side materials are
rough or uneven), a pulling motion may work better as
the cartridge will be less likely to get snagged along the
joint.
 The motor will shut off automatically when a caulk tube
becomes empty. Pull the plunger rod back and replace
the caulk tube as necessary.
 To end the caulk bead, release the switch trigger.
 Draw a moistened finger or other “smoothing tool” along
the caulk bead after applying. This will help the caulk
adhere to the application surfaces and will create a clean,
finished appearance.
 Use a damp towel or rag to clean off any excess caulk.