What is the best way to contact Albion?

Where can I purchase Albion guns and dispensing accessories?

How do I Load a Bulk Caulk Gun?

Which Piston Packing (Cup) is best?

How do I get the most out of my Albion cordless battery?

How do I stop blow-by (piston leaking) in my bulk gun?

Q: What is the best way to contact Albion?

A: You have several convenient options for contacting Albion Engineering Co:
For General Information , to receive a Catalog or to place an Order you can Call 856-235-6688 (M-F 8am-4:30pm US east coast time), send a Fax to 856-235-9460 or Email the Customer Service Department
For Technical questions choose one of the above or send an Email directly to the Technical Service Department

Q: Where can I purchase Albion guns and dispensing accessories?

A: We do not sell products from this web site. Instead, Albion products are stocked by hundreds of distributors throughout North America. Check for our tools at distributors of sealants, waterproofing, caulk, firestopping, roofing, log home supplies, and general building materials. If you would like a specific recommendation for an Albion distributor in your area please send an email to Customer Service . Be sure to include your complete address and zip or postal code.

Q: How do I Load a Bulk Caulk Gun?

A: There are four primary ways to load bulk caulk. One thing they all have in common is a properly maintained gun. The barrel should be clean and lubricated. The Pistons must be oiled and not excessively worn. The rod should move freely back and forth when the recoil is depressed.

1.) Direct from a pail: In addition to lubricating the inside of the barrel, spray a light lubricant such as WD-40, 3-in-1 or cooking spray on the exterior barrel cap threads. Remove the cap and nozzle assembly from the gun. Immerse the gun into the material to a depth of about 1". Move it about slightly to completely wet the barrel to ensure an air seal. Pull the piston rod back slowly, sucking the material up into the barrel. As the level of material in the pail decreases, sink the barrel deeper to avoid drawing air. When the barrel is full, remove it from the material. Clean the barrel first with a Spatula or Bucket Scraper, then wipe the threads clean with a rag. Invert the gun and tap the side to burp out any air pockets. Replace the cap and you're ready to go.

2.) With a Loading Sleeve: To help maintain clean barrel threads while loading bulk material, Albion developed the #33-1 Loading Sleeve. Thread this device over the end of your bulk gun barrel before plunging it into the pail. After filling your gun, unthread the sleeve, leaving it partially immersed in the caulking. Withdraw the gun from the sleeve and replace the cap and nozzle assembly with only minimal wiping of the barrel.

3.) With a Follower Plate: These handy accessories fit snugly inside 2-gallon or 5-gallon pails. There is a threaded ring in the center to accept an Albion 2" diameter bulk guns such as the DL-45 or DL-59 series. It is even cleaner than using a loading sleeve and has the added advantage of keeping air and other contaminants out of the caulking. To operate, place the Follow Plate. directly into the caulking and press down firmly to remove air pockets. Remove the front cap from gun and advance the rod as far forward as it will go. Thread the gun into the Plate. While exerting pressure down onto the plate, and pressing on the recoil or thumb release, pull back on the rod to fill the gun. When full, unthread the gun from the plate and replace the cap and nozzle on the gun. Cover the opening on the follow plate with a piece of plastic to limit material contamination and curing between fills.

4.) With a Caulking Loader: The easiest and fastest way to load a bulk gun. First, choose the correct size Caulking Loader based on the size (2 gal or 5-gal)and shape (straight sided metal, tapered metal or plastic) of the pail. Also, specify a neoprene seal for silicones and water-based materials or a Viton seal for solvent based products.
Secure the Loader onto the pail. Pump the handle several times to start the material moving up the outlet tube. Remove the front cap from gun and advance the rod as far forward as it will go. Hook the gun's recoil plate so the rod can move freely and thread the gun into the Loader. Pump the Loader handle until the gun is full. Unthread the gun and replace the cap and nozzle assembly. Cover the opening on the Loader with a piece of plastic to limit material contamination and curing between fills.

Q: Which Piston Packing (Cup) is best?

A: Albion manufactures a wide variety of pistons. Choose the best one for your gun based on the type of material you are dispensing:

#21-1 SOFT LEATHER: Low friction, tough and durable, excellent chemical resistance. Soak in motor oil to maintain. Not recommended for water based materials. Add a #222-2 Expander in front of leather piston if you are experiencing leakage or blow-by. You can purchase these individually or as a complete replacement kit (leathers, washers, nuts): #47-7 is the kit with soft leather pistons, #47-13 includes #222-2 expanders also.

#21-7 IMPREGNATED LEATHER: Similar to soft leather piston but stiffened with wax to reduce blow-by.

#21-16 NITRILE RUBBER: Good seal, elastic, moderate friction. Excellent for water-based materials. Preferred by chinkers. Not recommended for use with solvent-based materials. For a complete replacement kit order part #47-10.

#21-26 NYLON: Springy, moderate friction. Good chemical resistance.

#21-20 TEFLON: Low Friction, Excellent chemical resistance, expensive. Very good for bulk or sausage packs. For a complete replacement kit order part #47-42.

#21-24: HYTREL: Higher friction, good chemical resistance. Excellent for sausages also.

#29-H25: POLYETHYLENE: Finger design - use with #21-1 soft leather for sausages.

#21-25: POLY PLASTIC: Lowest cost alternative cup.

ADJUSTABLE WEDGE PISTON KIT _patented: Tightens or loosens piston cups to easily compensate for variations and wear. Total dispensing control. Order #47-35 for leather pistons, #47-36 for Teflon.

Q: How do I get the most out of my Albion cordless battery?

A: To get maximum battery life out of your Albion ni-cad cordless follow these important do’s and don’ts:

DO:
• Charge new battery before initial use (1 hour).
• Recharge battery pack when the gun no longer performs with the power and torque required.
• Charge battery pack when air temperature is between 60oF & 80oF.
• Allow the battery pack to cool for 5+ minutes before and after charging.
• Remove the battery pack from the charger after completing the charging cycle. Occasionally, (~ once a week) leave the battery on charge overnight to take advantage of advanced charging features. Battery left on charger after indication of a full charge will continue to receive a trickle charge.
• Store battery in a cool dry location. Clean the contacts with a rubber eraser. After prolonged storage, check the battery every two months and recharge if necessary.

DON’T:
• Use the tool until it won’t run and the battery is “dead”. Avoid heavy overloading and / or stalling of the tool. Never tape the trigger in the ON position to fully discharge.
• Forcibly heat or cool down batteries. A low battery will reach suitable temperatures without assistance of heating or cooling devices.
• Charge a battery pack if the air temperature is below 32F or above 105F
• Top-off battery pack, repeatedly recharging it after short usage (memory effect).
• Store a battery pack where temperatures may reach or exceed 120F, such as sheds, metal buildings, or cargo areas of trucks or vans

A 14.4 volt battery is expected to have a life of 650 to 800 charges

Q: How do I stop blow-by (piston leaking) in my bulk gun?

A: We use leather pistons in our bulk guns because they are tough, chemical-resistant and long-lasting. However, they do require maintenance.
Whenever your piston cups become stiff or dried out they should be removed from the gun, cleaned and soaked overnight in motor oil. Thoroughly clean and oil the inside of your barrel at the same time. Then they can be reassembled in the gun. Be careful not to overtighten the rod nut as this can squeeze the leathers too tight against the barrel.
If you are still experiencing leakage behind the pistons, and they are not so worn as to require replacement, consider adding a #222 Piston Expander .
For the ultimate in piston control, consider using the Albion ADJUSTABLE WEDGE PISTON KIT _patented. It tightens or loosens piston cups easily to compensate for variations and wear. Order #47-35 for leather pistons or the #47-36 for Teflon pistons.