DETROIT – Grease guns are a staple in the workbench of any mechanic and for a good reason. They’re lightweight, relatively cheap, and easy to use—just one of many features that makes them so popular. However, if you are not familiar with storing and using your grease gun, you may find it difficult to get the job done with speed and accuracy.

Storing greasy tools is a challenging task. You want to keep them clean, but you don’t want to get out the vacuum or any other chemicals just yet because your grease gun won’t function properly. You also don’t want to leave it sitting in the same spot with no protection. Due to these reasons and more, you need an effective solution.

Below is a list of best practices that will help you avoid some common mistakes and improve the way you use your grease gun.

Only Use Good Grease

First things first, using high-quality lubricants only, such as one that is made with high-quality thickeners and long-lasting synthetic base oils will provide outstanding adhesion and wear resistance. They must endure high weights, stay put despite heavy use, and resist corrosion for long component life. For that reason, if you want your grease gun to last, using only high-quality grease is a must. 

Test The Grease Flow Regularly

Because you have a grease gun to ease the lubrication process, keeping an eye on it is critical to ensure it’s flowing properly. It’s also a precautionary measure because inconsistency in flow might pose issues throughout a task if you’re suddenly experiencing a different degree of pressure than you’re used to.

For that reason, all you need to do is squirt grease onto a rag to test the nozzle before each usage. Additionally, with the use of a filter cart, make periodic filtration for drum storage after drums are connected with quick couplers. 

You also need to check and clean the coupler regularly, however, if you’re noticing that your coupler is getting outdated, it’s best to research the best lock on grease coupler for your needs and put it into use to prevent further damage to the gun. To preserve the consistency of stored lubricants, it’s best to disinfect the storage container, no matter how big or little it is.

Never Mix Greases

Different thickeners and base oils are used in different greases, which can be incompatible. Incompatible greases might fail to provide appropriate lubrication and break down if mixed. When replacing greases, cleanse the equipment as much as possible or flush it with a generous amount of new grease while the mechanism is running. Keep a close eye on the system for any discrepancies.

Always Keep It Tidy And Clean

When greasing equipment, it’s critical to keep a clean work environment. To avoid contaminant intake, wipe greased fittings clean before injecting grease. After greasing, wipe the fitting as well. Finally, clean the gun nozzle by wiping away any remaining oil and covering it with a cap to maintain cleanliness during storage.

Don’t Over-Grease

A grease cannon may reach pressures of up to 15,000 pounds per square inch. Most bearing seals are not intended to sustain this kind of pressure. Over-greasing can cause seals to rupture, resulting in increased friction, heat, and, eventually, downtime and maintenance.

Greasing correctly necessitates minimal to no weight behind the handle of the grease gun.  Stop greasing as soon as you feel back pressure, because the cavity is nearly or full, as indicated by back pressure. It’s tempting to believe that a couple of extra shots of grease will help, but it will cause more harm than good. 

Keep An Eye On The Moving Parts Of The Gun 

Your rifle has undoubtedly seen a lot of action, and the wear and tear on the trigger and oil barrel can be detrimental. So, double-check those moving parts before and after each use to ensure they’re clean and functional. If they’re not working properly, don’t use them until you’ve figured out what’s wrong.

It’s critical to be familiar with your grease gun so that you can detect discrepancies with these moving parts promptly and resolve the problem.

Store It Safely

Grease guns should be stored in a cold, dry position horizontally. As a follow-up to the last recommendation, make sure that all moving parts are synchronized and aligned while being stored. Don’t just put the gun on some random shelf and forget about it. Moreover, to avoid dust collection, depressurize the device and cover it with a cloth.

Final Thoughts

Grease guns play a critical role in keeping your equipment running smoothly. Whether you are in construction or another industry, they will serve as an important workhorse. Frequent cleaning and maintenance is the best way to preserve the components of the grease gun while helping to maximize performance.

However, that doesn’t mean you should take care of them any less than you would any other equipment. Every tool has its quirks, and this is especially true with grease guns. Hopefully, these practices will help you maintain your grease gun and get the best use out of it.

This article was provided by Paul Williamson