There are various factors you need to consider when in the market for a grease gun. But, with so many types available out there, the whole process can be more complex than simply buying a grease gun from the first retailer.
A good grease gun will allow you to spread industrial lubrication evenly and accurately without making a mess.
In addition, refilling will be a breeze, but those are only some of the criteria you should have on your list when looking for the right tool to keep your industrial machinery well-maintained.
There are many types of grease guns, and to help you get the right one, we compiled a list of tips to ensure you are getting the best tool for your money.
A. What exactly are grease guns?
If you work with your hands and spend a lot of time in the workshop, you are well acquainted with grease guns.
This tool can apply lubricant on a specific point through an aperture, helping you maintain your machines while keeping your place clean.
If you run a business that relies on heavy machinery, grease guns can be regarded as the life extenders of that machinery. Thickly applied grease drastically reduced wear.
And since that is the case and every business owner wants to avoid the ramifications of completely replacing a machine, they stress the importance of industrial lubrication to individuals responsible for the upkeep of the installed amenities.
B. Types of grease guns
Now that we know what grease guns are used for let’s look at how different types of grease guns work.
1. Pneumatic grease guns
A pneumatic grease gun, or air pressure grease gun, is a tool powered by pressure designed to help with lubricant application to bearings and other machine elements.
Applications are swift and easy; an external compressor provides the pressure, and you must pull the trigger.
You might hear someone refer to this tool as the automatic grease gun, as the whole process is enabled by pressure rather than the user’s physical effort.
The compressor distributes the pressure via a stretch of a hose linked to the body of the grease gun. And, applying industrial lubrication with this type of grease gun is much faster and more efficient than it would be with a manual grease gun.
Bear in mind that the person using the pneumatic grease gun should have some experience as pneumatic equipment come with some risk if proper caution is not exercised.
2. Manual grease guns
Using a manual grease gun is much more straightforward than a pressure-powered one. You don’t have to connect the tool to an external device for it to function.
All you have to do is load the cartridge, and you are ready to go.
The operator of the grease gun controls the flow of lubrication by squeezing the handle or the piston, depending on what type of gun you have procured.
Manual grease guns are prevalent, and you might see them in every facility you find yourself in. They are easy to carry around but require an expert operator.
The speed and pressure of the grease coming out of the aperture are controlled by the operator, and it’s easy to go overboard if you don’t know what you are doing.
This is why you need to hire an expert that will be tasked with maintaining your machines well-oiled.
3. Cordless grease guns
These are battery-powered grease guns and are perfect if you are on the move. They are usually sold with at least two rechargeable batteries, and they also come with a carrying case.
This type of grease gun is trigger operated, portable, and convenient.
At its core, it functions like a pneumatic grease gun. The only difference is that lithium batteries power this one while the other pushes out the grease with the help of air pressure.
The main advantage of this tool is that it’s completely cordless, and the only hassle you will encounter is charging the batteries after an extended period of use.
C. How to choose the right grease gun?
We explored all the popular types of grease guns, and by now, you ought to have a general idea of what you need.
If you occasionally visit the workshop for a simple DIY project, you don’t need to procure a pneumatic grease gun; you can simply opt for a manual grease gun and save a lot of money.
On the other hand, if you run a facility that relies on heavy machinery, you can either go with cordless grease guns or air-pressure-powered ones, as they are easy to use and don’t require as much “eye-hand coordination” as manual ones do.
Final thoughts
The type of grease gun you settle for will largely depend on your needs and preferences. In addition, consider which grease gun will be easier to handle, as some require more careful handling than others.
So, go over our in-depth explanation of how grease guns work and determine which type you will benefit from the most.
