How to Use a Grease Gun

Depending on the type of grease gun you are using, cordless, pneumatic or manual grease gun, you’ll first need to fill it with grease or lubricant before using it. In some older grease guns the grease was manually added to the gun from a grease drum, but most newer grease guns use a replaceable grease cartridge.

Most lubricants designed for use with grease guns today are normally sold in cartridges. The grease cartridge fits directly into a tight-fitting tube or cylinder on the body or handle of the grease gun itself. A plunger mechanism below the cartridge is often used to help release the old grease cartridge and fix the new one in place as well as priming it for use.

It’s important to note that there are many different types of lubricants and greases made for use in grease guns, and various different grease gun cartridge sizes available. You’ll need to know the recommended grease or lubricant type for the job or machine you are working on.

How to Replace a Grease Gun Cartridge

  • Unscrew the cylinder from the body of the grease gun and remove the old grease cartridge
  • Insert the new lubricant cartridge into the grease gun tube.
  • Open the tube from one end, inserting this end down in the cylinder, then opening the other end
  • Screw the refilled tube back onto the body of the grease gun until tight, then back it off one full turn
  • Push the plunger back in and re-tighten the threaded cylinder onto the body of the grease gun
  • For different grease types, pump a small quantity of new grease through the nozzle of the grease gun to clear out old grease

Once your grease gun has been fitted with a new lubricator cartridge, the way to use it will depend largely on which type of grease-gun you have. In the case of most manual or lever operated grease guns, just attach the grease gun nozzle firmly to a grease nipple fitting on the bearing you want to lubricate and apply steady pressure until you’ve dispensed the appropriate amount of grease into the bearing. For pneumatic or air-powered grease guns, you will need to get them set up correctly and attached to the appropriate air compressor first.

Best Practice Tips for using Grease Guns

  • Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves when using grease guns, as the lubricant will be often pressurised
  • Don’t mix old and new grease types – use only the correct type of grease for the job or application
  • Check that the grease gun you’re using is approved for the type of lubricant
  • If you have multiple grease guns for different lubricants or applications, mark them clearly
  • When loading a new grease cartridge be careful not to introduce any contaminants which could damage the bearing.
  • Always ensure that the grease gun nozzle is clean and clear of old material before applying any new grease
  • Make sure grease nipples and fittings on the equipment to be greased are clean before attaching the grease gun nozzle
  • Make sure all couplers, threading, and connections are closed tightly but not over-tightened as this could cause failures in pressure and flow
  • Always clean up any grease spillages immediately as grease left around on surfaces and floors can be a hazard
  • Store grease guns and cartridges upright in a cool and dry environment. Ideally
  • Place a cap or over on grease nozzles and grease couplers to minimise the risk of contamination

With a variety of grease dispensers on offer, GF Plant Spare’s grease guns come in different capacities, styles and pressures. Contact Gary at 086-253-2715 for more information or send your inquiry through the Ask a Question form.