Adam Funk Wrote in message:
I'm thinking of getting some "non-disposable" expanding foam for
various insulation & sealing jobs. I've read the wiki article
http://wiki.diyfaq.org.uk/index.php/Expanding_foam
but I have a few extra questions.

Are the cans & guns standardized & interchangeable, or is it important
to pick out a "reputable name" of gun to ensure a long-term supply of
foam for it?


AFAIK they are interchangeable. I've bought different brands of
foam and they have always fitted my gun.

The wiki says:

When using a gun, the gun can be left on the can for short periods
of disuse but must be taken off and cleaned if left for longer
periods. Cans of cleaner designed to fit the guns are available.

Do the foam cans seal themselves well (like gas cylinders) when taken
off the gun? Do you leave a can of cleaner on the gun when it's not
in use, or just blow cleaner through the gun & then leave it open?

Thanks.


I don't agree with the wiki on this point.

I leave the canister of foam on my gun, it's been many months
between uses sometimes and I've not had a problem with blockages
from foam drying in the gun.

I once tried to swap a part used standard foam for the low
expansion stuff, I just ended up with foam squirting out all over
the place. It stopped once I git the can off, but then the foam
set in the valve of the canister.

When I swap cans I usually run a bit of cleaner through if I have
it handy.

The foam sets at the nozzle, but it's easily cleaned off,
sometimes I need to scrape the ball in the end to free
it.

The are much better than trying to use the standalone cans.


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Chris French