How to Use a Grease Gun
A grease gun serves as a valuable tool used to lubricate various mechanical components, ensuring smooth operation and extending the lifespan of equipment. Whether you’re a revhead, a true-blue mechanic, or a DIY enthusiast, gaining a comprehensive understanding of its proper usage and implementing a few tips and tricks can greatly enhance your experience with this versatile tool.
Choose the Right Grease
Optimal performance hinges on selecting the appropriate type of grease. Consider the specific application, temperature range, load capacity, and speed requirements. Look for greases with the suitable viscosity and additives that align with your equipment. Always consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure compatibility and maximum effectiveness.
Get Acquainted with the Grease Gun
Before using a grease gun, familiarise yourself with its components. Most grease guns consist of a barrel, plunger, handle, coupler, and pressure release valve. Understand the functionality of each part and ensure they are clean and in good working condition.
Prepare for Grease Application
Thoroughly clean the grease fitting on the equipment to remove dirt, debris, and old grease. This step ensures better adhesion and prevents contamination. It’s also crucial to verify the compatibility of the grease and the equipment before application.
Loading Technique
To load the grease gun, unscrew the head of the barrel and place the grease cartridge inside. Remove the foil seal from the cartridge and securely replace the head. Pump the handle until you see grease oozing out of the nozzle or grease coupler. This guarantees the elimination of air pockets and indicates that the gun is ready for use.
Apply Grease Correctly
Attach the grease gun’s coupler to the fitting on the equipment, ensuring a tight seal to prevent grease leakage. Begin pumping the handle slowly and steadily, applying the right amount of pressure. Refer to the equipment’s manual for recommended grease quantities and intervals. Over-greasing can cause seal damage, while under-greasing may result in insufficient lubrication.
Regular Maintenance
After each use, clean the grease gun to prevent residue build-up and maintain its longevity. Wipe off excess grease and debris, and store it in a clean, dry place. Regularly inspect the gun for wear and tear, replacing worn-out or damaged parts as necessary.
Tips & Tricks
Grease Nipples
Grease nipples play an important role in lubricating mechanical parts. These fittings serve as connection points for grease guns and enable the precise injection of grease into equipment, , allowing for the efficient lubrication of critical components and reducing clean up. By delivering grease directly to these areas, grease nipples help reduce friction, prevent wear, and minimize the occurrence of corrosion and damage.
How to Bulk Fill a Grease Gun
Often when bulk filling, using a spatula or paddle to fill can sometimes result in air becoming trapped within the grease barrel and be an issue when operating the gun. This is most often played out in the lack of grease exiting the gun due to the trigger pushing on trapped air rather than grease. At the top of the grease gun, near where the nozzles would fit, is an air bleeder valve. By undoing the valve and depressing the trigger, the air is then purged from the system and the gun becomes fully functional again.
There are two ways to avoid this from happening:
- Tilt the gun over when filling, allowing the air to escape until the gun is full.
- If using the bulk fill method to refill, push the grease gun plunger fully in. Place the barrel into the tub, enough for the thread to be immersed in the grease, then slowly pull the plunger up, thus drawing the grease into the barrel and eliminating any air.
Please note: Grease is a reasonably firm product at average temperatures, but when it is left in a hot environment (except for high temperature grease) it tends to turn to a liquid (oil) and will leak. If you intend to have it left in a vehicle or caravan etc., it is best kept in cool place and inside a plastic bag or a leak proof container.
The HANSA KH600 Grease Gun and KH220 Mini Grease Gun are exceptional pistol grip grease guns that offer great quality at affordable prices.
KH600 Grease Gun
KH220 Mini Grease Gun
If you’re a 4WD enthusiast, caravanner, or just someone who wants a compact and lightweight grease gun, the KH220 Mini Grease Gun is the perfect choice for you. It can hold an 85gm cartridge and can be bulk filled with 120gms of grease if needed. With a knurled barrel body, replacing cartridges or refilling is a breeze, as hand slippage is reduced. The KH220 also comes with a flexible extension and a steel extension, both equipped with couplings, along with a free 85gm cartridge of general-purpose grease to help you get started.
Grease Gun Accessories
HANSA Grease Guns feature standard threads which allows the user to interchange with most other branded accessories. Standard accessories include, but are not limited to:
- Additional cartridges (Twin packs GP only)
- 475mm flexible extension
- 610mm flexible extension
- Quick release couplings
- Grease needles
