Home Automotive Tools Best Grease Gun Reviews

Often, car owners and maintenance specialists face the need to lubricate various parts and elements. Besides the fact that a planned replacement of technical fluids is usually required, many parts also need lubricants without disassembling the unit or part itself.

And it is the grease guns that are used to fill the moving mechanical parts with viscous grease. In this case, grease guns are different. You must take this into account when selecting. Next, I advise you to consider what types of grease guns are available and how to choose the best grease gun, considering specific goals and objectives, how to use such a grease gun, etc. And my review will help you in this matter.

Types of grease guns

And I suggest you start by getting to know the tool. Grease guns are used to lubricate in relatively small quantities to various units and assemblies of the vehicle that function with the likelihood of increased wear. A grease gun for oil is a mechanism for displacing grease from the boy and the nozzle. In turn, there are:

Electric

The significant difference of these types of grease guns is that the electric motor carries an effort to supply the lubricant. And, also, such devices have a rechargeable battery to supply the motor.

Depending on the manufacturer, the device’s specifications may vary, but the average battery power is 18 W. Battery charging times may also vary. However, on average, it is about one hour. If you decide to purchase such a grease gun, it will be helpful to pay attention to its complete set. For more convenience, you can buy a device with a power cable from a machine battery; that is, it will work from a cigarette lighter.

Pneumatic

A pneumatic grease gun is used for pumping thick lubricants and working with large amounts of fluids. Unlike a hand-held device, it is more productive and does not require much effort from the user.

A pneumatic gun is more convenient to operate than a mechanical one. The tool has an oil cartridge. Also, the grease gun has an air hose, which is connected to the compressor. Compressor creates the pressure required for pumping out or pumping out the lubricant.

For access to the lubricated parts, a supply hose is attached to the end of the working part of the grease gun. Thanks to the power of compressed air, you can use a pneumatic grease gun or sealant. Specialists often use such devices at service stations. Differences between pneumatic guns can be in lubricant delivery rate, operating pressure, and weight.

Manual

Most often, such grease guns are used in the automotive industry. The principle of operation is quite simple: the translational movements of the piston push the grease out through the pipeline, and one gram of this grease is at the critical point on the surface. The simplicity of operation ensures sufficient reliability of such grease guns, which have been tested on special simulators. A standard cartridge holds up to 14 oz. of grease, and the piston exerts a pressure of 5800-8700 PSI. This pressure is enough for regular operation.

This refers to the operating pressure and the volume of the lubricant reservoir. The number indicating the volume will tell you how long the lubricant in the grease gun will last. And the intensity of lubrication is influenced by pressure, which means that the greater the pressure, the more intense the stream of lubricant will be.

Grease Guns Comparison Table

Name Type Hose length Bulk capacity Grease pressure Review
DEWALT DCGG571M1best electric electric 42″ 16 oz 10000 PSI Review
Lincoln 1134best manual manual 18″ 16 oz 7500 PSI Review
HORUSDY T97353mini manual 9″ 3 oz 2900 PSI Review
Lincoln 1162best pneumatic pneumatic 30″ 16 oz 6000 PSI Review

Best Electric Grease Gun Reviews

DEWALT DCGG571M1 – best electric

DEWALT DCGG571M1 front view

And let’s look at the first model in my review. It is a professional electric grease gun from DeWalt. Taking it in hand for the first time, it seems that this is a lightweight device, but it is powerful enough since the manufacturer has equipped it with an 18V battery and a motor to push 5 oz. of grease per minute.

In terms of using DEWALT DCGG571M1 in work, it will be helpful for you to know that there is a variable speed trigger for high-precision application and a debris filter in a tank. And the next thing I would like to show you, the tool is equipped with an LED flashlight, which I think is very convenient when working in the garage.

DEWALT-DCGG571M1 on a table

The motor generates a pressure of 10000 PSI, and a battery allows the application of up to 16 cartridges of grease. Given the instrument’s performance, it will need to be refueled frequently, and I think you and I want to stay clean. Filling the grease gun is quick and easy, just insert a cartridge into a cartridge holder or suck grease into a cylinder.

This is superb and comes in handy in your car maintenance.

I think this is the best cordless grease gun for everyday maintenance applications, up to half the work time with the next electric grease gun in my review – Lincoln 1884.

Key specs

  • Type: electric
  • Hose length, inch: 42
  • Bulk capacity, oz: 16
  • Grease pressure, PSI: 10000

Lincoln 1884

Lincoln 1884 full kit

The Lincoln 1884 battery powered grease gun has all the essential functions you need in demanding jobs. I made sure the versatility of this two-speed device allows all lubrication points to be serviced with a single tool, having tested this tool a little.

And already in the process of work, I was able to compare these modes. The high-speed mode delivers fast grease when a large amount is required, while the reduced speed mode delivers pressures up to 10000 PSI. And also look at this feature, the Lincoln 1884 comes with three-point support to keep the grease gun stable, which none of the models taken for the review have.

Lincoln 1884 Grease Gun

A bright LED illuminates the work area, and a high-quality tracking plate prevents grease leakage, keeping the tool clean.

Having tried this tool at work, I can state that the model 1884 is suitable for a wide variety of applications, including the agricultural, construction, automotive, and engineering industries, as well as wind power and other industries. You can choose the right instrument compared to different versions of this grease gun: the basic 12-volt, single-speed model, the universal two-speed 20-volt model, or the 20-volt LCD model.

Key specs

  • Type: electric
  • Hose length, inch: 36
  • Bulk capacity, oz: 16
  • Grease pressure, PSI: 10000

Best Manual Grease Gun Reviews

Lincoln 1134 – best manual

Lincoln 1134 best manual

Now I suggest you consider a more straightforward but equally good type of tool. And the first one, Lincoln 1134, is the best manual grease gun for just about any job. Of the manual greasers we’ve reviewed, this is the fastest to prime. Mainly because of its tremendous performance compared to other hand helds.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the model 1134. This gun allows a pressure of up to 7500 PSI. Even considering such a lot of pressure, there is no effort when pressing the lever. Hands do not get tired.

Also, I draw your attention to the design. The tool’s head is made of cast iron, excellent durability and resistance compared to the usual material strength in a similar device, HORUSDY T97353. And I think you’ll like that the tracker has a superior seal and allows it to work both with cartridges and bulk.

As for me, this is a simple and reliable tool that will be indispensable in any garage and will last a long time.

Key specs

  • Type: manual
  • Hose length, inch: 18
  • Bulk capacity, oz: 16
  • Grease pressure, PSI: 7500

HORUSDY T97353 – mini, 3 oz

HORUSDY T97353 - mini, 3 oz

Next, I want to consider the best mini grease gun of all in this article. This device is only 13.7 inches long, making it the field tool of any craftsman.

For ease of use with one hand, the lever is placed on the front of the device. The working pressure that can be created is 2900 PSI, but this will be enough for routine inspections and adding lubricant to the primary units of a car or home petrol equipment.

Besides, the manufacturers have made this 3 oz grease gun very convenient thanks to the grooved body. It does not slip out of my hands. It is also worth noting another convenient feature – these are replaceable nozzles. Pay your attention to that you can use either a rigid metal nozzle or a flexible hose. Both have grease fittings.

After short tests, I can confidently say that this compact one perfectly copes with the role of a handy grease gun for everyday use.

Key specs

  • Type: manual
  • Hose length, inch: 9
  • Bulk capacity, oz: 3
  • Grease pressure, PSI: 2900

Best Pneumatic Grease Gun Review

Lincoln 1162

Lincoln 1162 - Best Pneumatic Grease Gun

And last on the list will be a Lincoln 1162 vacuum-operated grease gun. First of all, I want to say that it differs from conventional grease guns with a comfortable handle and enormous working pressure.

The grease body is separated from the handle and can be refilled with a grease blower or a cartridge. And I emphasize to you the fact that the thick walls of the case and the fine-thread cover make sure that the grease will not leak out.

Lincoln 1162 on a table

This grease gun is equipped with a long hose with a nozzle for grease fitting for access to lubricated parts. This hose can be replaced with a metal nozzle, but unfortunately, it is not included in the kit. And if constructively, the grease gun impressed me, then the poverty of the kit was annoyingly upset.

Even so, the long hose and good pressure result in minimum working pressure of 150 PSI. Alternatively, I can efficiently pump at a maximum pressure of about 6000 PSI.

I must tell you that the pneumatic grease gun is easier and more enjoyable to work with than any electric model like the Lincoln 1884.

Thanks to the sensitive release button, you can precisely adjust the lubrication supply, making this device probably the best air grease gun.

Key specs

  • Type: pneumatic
  • Hose length, inch: 30
  • Bulk capacity, oz: 16
  • Grease pressure, PSI: 6000
  • Air pressure range, PSI: 40 – 150

Buyers guide

What to look for before buying a grease gun

Hose length

The length of the hose and its flexibility directly depends on whether you can lubricate hard-to-reach components and mechanisms. The hose can also be replaceable, and you will be offered the opportunity to choose the required length and nozzles yourself for different types of grease fittings. Also, the length of the hose and its strength affect the operating pressure that the grease gun can handle.

PSI rating

Pressure is the primary indicator of the performance of a grease gun. Each type has its characteristics in this regard. For example, the working pressure of a manual grease gun is not very high – working pressure is from 2900 to 10200 PSI, with an average of 4300 to 5800 PSI. However, for electric and pneumatic models, it is much higher. These differences are due to the intended use of grease guns.

Ease of use and ergonomics

Since the grease gun is a hand-held tool, ergonomics is an essential aspect when choosing a device. You should pay attention to the shape of the handle, the comfort of the lever, and the materials. Manufacturers often cover the grips with materials that prevent hands from sliding over the instrument.

How do grease guns work, and how to use them?

These are simple devices for performing simple operations. You should put grease into a grease gun where there is a plunger and a spring. After that, it is necessary to close the instrument tightly. Next, you should press the handle. After pressing, pressure is formed in the container with grease, which will supply lubricant to the hose that should have been put on the grease fitting. I have prepared a full guide to grease guns, how do they work and how to use them.

Differences between different guns can be in the pressure when the grease is displaced and the total volume of the reservoir for oil or any other lubricant.

How to load a grease gun

Filling a grease gun from a container

  1. Remove the grease gun head from the grease container.
  2. Check the direction of the rubber plunger before filling the grease gun. The direction of the rubber plunger should be such that the exposed portion of the rubber plunger points towards the head of the grease gun.
  3. Dip the open side of the 2 inches container into the grease.
  4. Pull the plunger handle slowly, pushing the container into the grease until the pin rests against the back cover. Attach the head to the container.
  5. Disconnect the plunger handle from the back cover by pulling the plunger out slightly while pushing in the locking lever. This operation automatically disengages the plunger pin from the rubber plunger, allowing the pin to be inserted into the body.

Filling with a grease blower

  1. Repeat steps 1 and 2 from the previous paragraph.
  2. Pull the plunger handle back until it stops. The locking mechanism automatically locks the pin. Reattach the grease gun head to the container.
  3. Place the nipple on the grease gun head into the adapter on the grease dispenser.
  4. Use a pump to fill the grease gun. The number of strokes to fully prime the grease gun depends on the amount of grease dispensed by the dispenser and the size of the grease gun container.
  5. When the container is full of grease, remove the grease fill valve from the dispenser.
  6. Disconnect the plunger handle from the back cover by pulling the plunger out slightly while pushing in the locking lever.
  7. To prime the plunger grease gun: slightly loosen the grease gun head and push down on the plunger handle, placing the grease gun on some surface and pushing the container. To remove all air pockets from the grease gun, press the plunger handle. If your grease gun has a safety valve, press it down. Air pockets can also be removed by pressing the steel ball on the fitting if fitted on the grease gun head.
  8. Press the lever several times press the handle until grease emerges from the grease cap.

Risks to machines caused by improper lubrication

Any part of the mechanism subject to constant movement, rotation, or friction must constantly be lubricated. The lubricant creates a layer on the surface of the metal that facilitates sliding. Improperly or insufficiently lubricated parts are at risk of rapid wear. This occurs due to friction, which is accompanied by an increase in the temperature of the parts. After that, signs of wear or even cracks appear on the parts.

Besides, parts may not be adequately lubricated. Certain parts of the mechanism require specific lubrication. It is thick. Always check the type of lubricant to use before lubricating.

And one more important point. Always dispense the correct amount of lubricant. When working with a grease gun, you will be able to see this when old grease comes out of the part cavities. If you lubricate closed units, then do not exceed the required dosage since too much lubricant can negatively affect the operation of some consumables, for example, oil seals.

Safety tips when working with a grease gun

During any work, it is essential always to be safe and to minimize the chance of damage to the tool and self-injury or injury. When using a grease gun, follow the most straightforward safety precautions:

  • Make sure the grease gun is in good working order and tight.
  • Perform a test cycle to make sure the hose is not clogged.
  • Use gloves and, if possible, glasses. Do not allow the lubricant to come into contact with damaged skin. If spilled, flush with plenty of water.

Recommendations for effective use of grease guns

Today the market offers many types, brands, and models of grease guns, which often complicates their selection. For the correct purchase and subsequent practical work, I think it is necessary to allocate areas of use of the grease gun and its performance characteristics.

For professional use, I advise you to choose grease guns of various sizes capable of developing pressures up to 10,200 PSI – this will allow servicing multiple units of any vehicle. It will be helpful to purchase a transparent lever grease gun – its use will prevent mixing different types of grease, visually determine the kind of grease used, etc.

For private usage to service your car, you can give preference to a small grease gun (up to 13 oz.) – usually, one filling of the tool is enough for several maintenance hubs, propeller shafts, and other units. Simultaneously, for you as a car owner, an automotive tool that develops pressure up to 6,000 PSI is enough.

Besides, you need to think about the convenience of its operation. In most cases, a two-handed tool will work, but it is challenging to work in confined spaces or situations where fittings, wires, shrouds, etc., have to be swiveled aside to access the grease fitting. In this case, a grease gun will be convenient for one hand, the other hand remains free, and it can be used to perform related operations.

FAQ

What is the highest pressure grease gun?

Some of the highest pressure grease guns on the market today can reach pressures of up to 10,000 psi. This makes them perfect for use in heavy-duty applications where a high level of lubrication and protection is required.

Are electric grease guns worth it?

Electric grease guns are definitely worth the extra expense when compared to pneumatic or manual versions. They offer greater convenience and speed, torque, and pressure.

How do you bleed a pneumatic grease gun?

Pneumatic grease guns typically do not need to be bled; however, bleeding should be performed each time the air compressor is changed or before storage. This involves removing the pressure from the gun and placing a few drops of oil where the nozzle attaches to ensure that it seals correctly when in use.

What is a grease loader?

A grease loader is a device used to fill grease cartridges with grease. It is often used in conjunction with a grease gun and can make the process of lubricating machinery much simpler and faster.

What are some of the most common problems with grease guns?

The two most common problems with grease guns are poor pressure and leakage. Leakage can be prevented by ensuring the gun is clean and lubricated, while pressure problems can be resolved by bleeding the air hose.

How do you know when a grease gun is empty?

It is not always easy to tell when a grease gun is empty, as the grease level in the cartridge will depend on how much has been dispensed. However, one way to tell is to look for air bubbles coming from the nozzle – this indicates that there is no more grease left in the cartridge.

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