Grease Guns

About Grease Guns

Grease guns are essential lubrication tools designed to apply grease under pressure to machinery, vehicles, and equipment through grease nipples (also known as grease fittings or Zerk fittings). These precision tools deliver lubricant exactly where it's needed, reducing friction, preventing wear, and extending the operational life of moving parts. From maintaining agricultural machinery and servicing automotive suspension components to keeping industrial equipment running smoothly, a reliable grease gun is an indispensable tool for any workshop, garage, or mobile maintenance operation.

The range available at Tooled-Up.com includes manual grease guns in various configurations—pistol grip, lever action, and mini push-type models—alongside cordless battery-powered options from leading manufacturers including DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Draper, Sealey, and Lumatic. Manual grease guns offer simplicity, reliability, and require no batteries, making them ideal for occasional use or remote locations. Cordless models provide consistent pressure delivery, faster operation, and significantly reduce user fatigue during extended lubrication tasks, though they represent a higher initial investment.

Professional-grade grease guns typically feature heavy-duty construction with steel barrels, comfortable grip handles, and flexible hoses for accessing awkward grease points. Available in different capacities from compact 120cc units suitable for light-duty tasks to high-volume professional models for extensive maintenance schedules, there's a grease gun suited to every application and budget. Many models accept both standard 400g grease cartridges and bulk grease loading, offering versatility for different working environments and helping to reduce consumable costs on high-volume operations.

Jargon Buster

• Grease Nipple (Zerk Fitting): A small metal fitting attached to machinery that allows grease to be injected under pressure whilst preventing contaminants from entering the lubrication point. Available in various thread sizes including M6, M8, M10, 1/8" BSP, and 1/4" BSP.
• PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): The pressure measurement indicating how much force the grease gun can generate. Higher PSI ratings (6000-10000 PSI) are needed for heavy-duty agricultural and construction applications, whilst general automotive maintenance typically requires 3000-6000 PSI.
• Cartridge vs Bulk Loading: Cartridges are pre-filled disposable tubes of grease (typically 400g) that slot into the gun barrel, whilst bulk loading involves filling the barrel directly from a larger container. Many professional models accommodate both methods for maximum flexibility.
• Lever Action vs Pistol Grip: Lever action grease guns use a side-mounted lever for pumping, ideal for generating higher pressure in demanding applications. Pistol grip models feature a trigger mechanism for one-handed operation and easier manoeuvrability in confined spaces.
• Air Bleeder Valve: A valve that allows trapped air to escape from the grease gun barrel during priming, ensuring consistent grease flow without air pockets that can interrupt lubrication and cause uneven pressure delivery.
• Coupler: The end fitting that connects to the grease nipple. Different coupler types (standard, button head, lever) suit various fitting styles and working positions, with quick-release designs speeding up maintenance routines.

Who Uses Grease Guns?

• Vehicle Mechanics and Technicians: Servicing ball joints, suspension components, steering linkages, universal joints, and drivetrain parts on cars, vans, and lorries during routine maintenance schedules.
• Agricultural Engineers and Farmers: Maintaining tractors, combines, balers, slurry equipment, and other farm machinery with numerous lubrication points requiring daily or weekly greasing during intensive use periods.
• Plant and Machinery Operators: Keeping construction equipment, excavators, telehandlers, cranes, and forklift trucks properly lubricated on building sites and industrial facilities to prevent costly breakdowns.
• HGV and Fleet Maintenance Teams: Regular greasing of commercial vehicle components including fifth wheels, kingpins, suspension systems, and trailer connections to maintain road safety standards.
• Industrial Maintenance Engineers: Lubricating production line machinery, conveyor systems, hydraulic equipment, presses, and manufacturing plant to maintain operational efficiency and reduce downtime.
• DIY Enthusiasts and Smallholders: Maintaining garden machinery, ride-on mowers, trailers, workshop equipment, and implements to extend service life and ensure reliable operation.
• Marine and Boat Engineers: Servicing winches, trailer bearings, steering systems, deck equipment, and davits in marine environments where regular lubrication is critical to combat corrosion.

How to Choose the Right Grease Guns

Manual or Cordless: Manual grease guns offer reliability, lower cost, and no battery concerns, making them ideal for occasional use, remote locations, or where budget is constrained. Cordless models from DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita provide consistent pressure, faster operation, and reduced fatigue during extended greasing tasks, with the added benefit of battery compatibility across their respective tool platforms.

Operating Mechanism: Pistol grip models offer one-handed operation and excellent control for general workshop use and automotive applications. Lever action grease guns generate higher pressure for stubborn fittings, heavy-duty machinery, and agricultural equipment. Mini push-type guns are compact solutions for confined spaces, light-duty lubrication, and emergency tool kits.

Capacity and Loading Method: Consider whether you prefer the convenience and cleanliness of standard 400g grease cartridges or the economy of bulk loading from larger containers. Higher capacity barrels (400cc+) reduce refilling frequency on large jobs with multiple grease points, whilst smaller units (120-300cc) improve portability for mobile mechanics and field maintenance.

Pressure Output: Check the maximum PSI rating matches your application requirements. Agricultural and construction equipment often demands higher pressure (6000-10000 PSI) to overcome stiff fittings and reach blocked grease points, compared to general automotive maintenance (3000-6000 PSI) where moderate pressure is typically sufficient.

Build Quality and Materials: Professional users should prioritise heavy-duty construction with steel barrels, robust pump mechanisms, and quality seals. Features like reinforced flexible hoses, comfortable grip handles, anti-slip surfaces, and quality couplers ensure longevity under demanding site conditions and daily use.

Brand Reputation: Established brands like Sealey, Draper, and Lumatic offer reliable manual options with proven track records in professional environments. Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita provide professional cordless solutions backed by comprehensive warranties and widespread service support across the UK.

Popular Accessories

• Grease Cartridges: Standard 400g disposable tubes in various formulations including general purpose lithium-based, high-temperature, calcium-based, and EP (extreme pressure) greases for specific applications.
• Extension Hoses and Rigid Tubes: Flexible hoses (typically 300-600mm) and rigid metal extension tubes for reaching awkward grease points, working around obstructions, and accessing recessed fittings on machinery.
• Coupler Sets: Assorted coupler types including standard, button head, and lever couplers for different grease nipple configurations and working angles, with quick-release mechanisms for faster operation.
• Grease Nipples and Fittings: Replacement Zerk fittings in various thread sizes (M6, M8, M10, 1/8" BSP, 1/4" BSP) and angle configurations (straight, 45°, 90°) for replacing damaged or worn fittings.
• Bulk Grease Containers: Economical tubs, buckets, and drums of grease (5kg to 25kg) for bulk-loading grease guns in high-volume operations, reducing per-application costs significantly.
• Battery Packs (for Cordless Models): Additional lithium-ion batteries ensuring continuous operation during extensive maintenance schedules, particularly valuable for mobile mechanics and field service engineers.
• Grease Gun Holders and Storage: Wall-mounted brackets, van racking solutions, and protective tool storage keeping grease guns organised, protected from damage, and preventing grease contamination of other tools.

Safety Information

Pressure Hazards: Grease guns operate under high pressure and can inject grease through skin if the coupler slips or is mishandled—a serious medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Always ensure couplers are properly seated on grease nipples before pumping. Never point the nozzle at yourself or others, and wear appropriate safety glasses when greasing overhead components where grease or couplers could fall.

Skin Contact: Some greases contain additives that may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Follow COSHH regulations when handling lubricants, wear protective gloves where necessary, and wash hands thoroughly after use. Consult product safety data sheets for specific grease formulations, particularly when working with EP or industrial greases containing additives.

Equipment Damage: Over-greasing can damage seals, rubber boots, and bearings by creating excessive pressure that ruptures protective components. Follow manufacturer specifications for lubrication intervals and quantities. Release pressure from the grease gun after use by opening the air bleeder valve to prevent accidental discharge during transport or storage.

Cordless Model Safety: When using battery-powered grease guns, remove batteries during servicing, cartridge changes, or when leaving the tool unattended. Follow the manufacturer's guidance regarding charging and battery storage, particularly in accordance with HSE guidelines for lithium-ion battery safety on site. Never use damaged batteries or chargers, and store batteries at appropriate temperatures away from combustible materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a lever action and pistol grip grease gun?
Lever action grease guns use a side-mounted lever that typically generates higher pressure (often 6000-10000 PSI), making them ideal for stubborn grease points, heavy-duty machinery, and agricultural applications. Pistol grip models feature a trigger mechanism allowing one-handed operation, offering better manoeuvrability and control for general workshop tasks, automotive maintenance, and working in confined spaces. Both types are effective—your choice depends on the application, frequency of use, and personal preference.

Can I use any type of grease in my grease gun?
Most grease guns accept standard greases, but it's important to match the grease type to your specific application. General purpose lithium-based greases suit most automotive and workshop needs. High-temperature greases (rated to 200°C+) are essential for wheel bearings and brake components, whilst EP (extreme pressure) greases are specified for heavy-duty machinery, construction equipment, and high-load applications. Always clean the gun thoroughly when switching between different grease types to prevent contamination and maintain performance.

How do I prime a new grease gun or remove air locks?
When loading a new cartridge, unscrew the barrel cap and pull back the plunger rod fully. Insert the cartridge (with one end cap already removed), then unscrew the other end cap whilst the cartridge is in the barrel. Push the plunger forward gently until it contacts the grease, then reassemble the barrel cap. Pump the trigger or lever several times with the air bleeder valve open (if fitted) until grease flows steadily from the nozzle without air bubbles. This ensures consistent grease delivery and prevents frustrating interruptions during maintenance work.

Are cordless grease guns worth the extra cost?
For professionals performing regular lubrication on multiple vehicles or machinery—such as fleet mechanics, agricultural contractors, or plant maintenance teams—cordless grease guns from Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita significantly reduce fatigue, speed up maintenance routines, and deliver consistent pressure automatically. They're particularly valuable when servicing agricultural or construction equipment with dozens of grease points. For occasional DIY use, light maintenance tasks, or where budget is constrained, quality manual grease guns from Sealey, Draper, or Lumatic provide excellent value, reliability, and require no battery management.

How often should I lubricate equipment with a grease gun?
Lubrication intervals vary significantly depending on the equipment type, operating conditions, and manufacturer specifications. Passenger vehicles typically require greasing during routine servicing (every 6,000-12,000 miles), whilst agricultural machinery may need daily or weekly attention during intensive harvest or cultivation periods. Construction equipment working in dusty, wet, or corrosive conditions requires more frequent lubrication than equipment operating in clean, dry environments. Always consult equipment manuals for specific maintenance schedules, recommended grease specifications, and the number of pumps required per grease point to avoid under or over-lubrication.