See full version: How to Load a Grease Gun
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Grease guns are used to apply viscous lubricant onto moving mechanical parts, used commonly in machine shops and garages. Properly lubricating moving metal parts helps to increase the service life of machines and avoid abrasions. Grease lubricant is applied with a grease gun, available at most hardware and auto parts stores. Loading one can be a bit messy, but uncomplicated, whether you've got a cartridge loader or a reservoir-style grease gun. more
We are planning on stocking a pistol grip grease gun soon for those who don’t like the lever style. here
If the grease gun uses a cartridge then these steps should get you through the process. One convenient difference might be that most pneumatic grease guns have a simpler air release valve, which would make clearing any air pockets easier. here
Without knowing more specifics about the grease gun itself its hard to say what might be going on. Is it a lever or pistol grip style? What is the brand and model? [links]
If you want to know how to load a grease gun we have a how-to video that includes directions for how to prime a grease gun that is air-locked and step by step instructions with photos that detail the process.
Thanks for the question David. [links]
The most common cause is an air lock. This can be fixed by continuously pumping to see if the air will pump out. Secondly by unscrewing the barrel one turn and continuously pumping, then tightening the barrel when the grease pumps. If these methods are not successful, use a clean rag on your fingers and push the grease up inside the cartridge from the plunger end so there is a small dome of grease on the opposite end of the cartridge. Install the cartridge with the dome of grease filling the space under the grease gun head and eliminating air locks. All types of grease guns can have air locks – manual, electric, air and mini grease guns.
Many of the cheaper needle point couplers are not case hardened so if they are dropped and the point is damaged, grease won’t pump through. Arlube have a case hardened needle point which tends to avoid this problem. more
This is a common occurrence when a coupler fails. A coupler is designed to fit over a standard sized grease nipple. Unfortunately, the are many oversized grease nipples and the coupler can be stretched past its elasticity to fit an oversize grease nipple. After this it will no longer hug the nipple enough to create the seal needed to push the grease into the nipple and the result is grease squeezes out the edges of the coupler. This gives the perception that the gun is faulty whereas it may be a damaged coupler at fault. Remove and replace the coupler. (ArLube grease nipples are the correct size and hardened for long life).
Grease guns are an essential part of any mechanical workshop or facility. Grease guns make it easy to distribute lubrication to the moving parts of all types of machines. In a mechanic's workshop, a grease gun might be used to apply grease to ball joints, U-joints in the drive shaft, tie rod ends or wheel bearings. When using a grease gun, you will want to have an even distribution of grease with each pump of the gun's handle. This can be achieved by priming the grease gun before placing the nozzle of the gun next to the equipment.
Pull the rubber or plastic cap off one end of your new grease tube. Pull the metal tab off the other end. Slide the new grease tube into the metal cylinder so that the metal-tab end faces down toward the dispensing nozzle. Screw the cylinder back into place in the grease gun. more
Pull the T-handle and rod out of the grease gun. Push down on the handle slightly to lock it into the open position. There is a small groove into which the handle fits to hold it open while you load the gun with grease.