The standard features of any grease gun tool - triggers, hoses and so on - tend to be fairly consistent across the full range of options for different formats and models. In other words, nearly all the different types of grease guns look fairly similar, regardless of whether they’re entirely manual, air-fed, battery-powered, or operated with a hand pump mechanism. Available in a variety of operational types, users can choose from hand-powered, battery, or pneumatic grease guns. Hand-powered and battery grease guns allow for cable-free working, while pneumatic guns feature hose attachments, but are more powerful. This is a popular design because they’re smaller than other levers, and you can use them one-handed. However, this can get tiring if used over long periods of time, so this type of grease gun is better for routine maintenance or short bursts of activity. In this guide from The Hosemaster, we’ll explain what grease guns are and how they can help you care for, and operate, your machinery. Keep reading to learn more… What is a grease gun?

In short, a grease gun is a tool used to apply grease to different types of machinery joints and bearings. Another variation is the grip type, with manually operated guns engineered with either a lever grip, which requires a two-handed pump method, or a pistol grip, which can be operated with one hand. Both battery and pneumatic grease guns feature pistol grip technology, and it's considered by some to allow for a more precise application of lubricating grease. There's no industry fixed meaning for the different colours of lubricating grease, and it can vary from brand to brand. Some manufacturers use colour to identify the type, but this is more of a marketing tool. All you need to do is attach the coupler to the grease nipple, and pump the handle (or press the trigger) to release the grease. Then, you just disconnect the coupler and move onto the next fitting. Battery-powered grease guns - The core mechanism of battery-powered grease guns is similar to the above models, except that the on-board batteries provide the power to create the required pressure build-up (rather than the user having to do so manually or via external means)

Clean your grease gun coupler and grease nipple thoroughly before use to prevent any contamination.

Lubrication is essential to maximise the safety, efficiency and functionality of any type of machinery with moving parts. But how can you properly lubricate those hard to reach areas? Instead, many use a specific fitting to bulk load their grease guns. This has a lever and nipple to connect from the grease drum to your grease gun, filling the barrel directly without needing to remove the lid of the drum. How to purge air from a grease gun Also known as grease zerks or fittings, grease nipples are a type of fitting attached to bearings or other mechanisms that need internal lubrication.Handle/Pump lever : this provides the power for this type of grease gun. In this case, pushing the lever pumps the grease through the hose and out the coupler. Alternatively, angled grease nipples can make tighter or awkward gaps more accessible, which combined with a flexible extension hose means you should be able to attach the coupler of your grease gun firmly. DIN - This is the awarding body of the standard, in this case, the Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardisation) Grease nipples can come in several different designs depending on the needs of your machinery. The simplest have a straight design, and can be attached wherever there is a need.

It also reduces heat building up, ensuring your machinery is safer to use for prolonged periods of time. Grease gun terminology This is because a grease gun is a sealed system, which should keep contaminants and dirt away from the lubricant. Ensure your grease gun coupler is securely attached to the grease nipple before pumping the handle. This ensures you’re not wasting any lubricant and it’s actually being applied. It’s important to store your grease gun appropriately, as this can help extend the lifespan and ensure your grease gun is safe for use. Grease gun head : the grease gun head holds the primary mechanisms, and is where the barrel is screwed into.

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Always wear protective safety glasses and gloves when using grease guns, as the lubricant will be highly pressurised Battery-powered grease guns are ideal for those who want an easier power system than a pump lever, as they’re trigger operated. This means you can use them one-handed. Grease guns use a pressurised system to force lubricant through a grease nipple that’s attached to the joint in question (see more below). This is much easier, and cleaner, than other methods of lubricating the area.