A grease gun is used in garages and workshops to lubricate a variety of projects. Oil or grease is pumped through a grease nipple, making it easy to apply the lubricant to the openings or gaps on your project. With the help of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, you can learn about the different types of grease guns and how to use them.
Lever Grease Gun – A lever grease gun is the most common type of grease gun you’ll find. It’s a manual grease gun, meaning you have to pump the grease out with a hand pump.
Pistol Grip Grease Gun – With a pistol grip, you can apply grease with a single hand instead of two. There are a few different types of pistol grip grease guns. There’s a manual/hand-powered one, similar to a manual lever grease gun. There are also pneumatic pistol grip grease guns that use compressed air to apply the grease. Battery-powered grease guns work well for projects where a cord can get in the way, or you don’t have a power source to plug into.
To load a grease gun, unscrew the grease barrel from the trigger/handle part of the grease gun. Pull the grease into the barrel by pushing down the barrel with the plunger and pulling it up into the barrel. After the barrel is filled with grease, attach it back to the unit. Of course, it’s always best to check the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific grease gun model.
To use your grease gun, you’ll want to make sure you have the right one for the job. Proper output per stroke will help you figure out how much grease is being added every time you lubricate a piece of equipment. It’s also important to not mix grease/lubricants–each type of lubricant should have their own grease gun. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your grease gun and other tools.
