Without a cartridge, the only way to load a grease gun is by using a bulk loading method. This involves attaching the filler nipple of the grease gun to a bulk container of grease, typically a large pump container.
Once the connection is made, levering the plunger of the grease gun to its maximum and then releasing it will create a vacuum, causing the grease to flow into the chamber and fill the gun. It is important to note that you should only use a grease gun specifically designed for bulk loading.
Using a grease gun that is not designed for bulk loading can lead to inaccurate measurements, seal failures, and possibly piston rod breakage.
How do you refill a cartridge grease gun?
When refilling a cartridge grease gun, start by removing the old cartridge and replacing it with the new one. Next, attach the the appropriate fitting to the gun and the cartridge by screwing it on. Firmly grip the handle of the grease gun and pump the handle.
You may need to pump the handle a few times to prime the gun and get the flow of the grease started. If the grease is not flowing, unscrew the fitting, pressurize the cartridge by pumping the handle, and then retighten the fitting.
If the grease is still not flowing, the release valve Safety-Valve may need to be cleared. Make sure to wear some protective gear—safety glasses and gloves—when refilling the grease gun. After connecting the grease cartridge to the gun, position it so that the lever handle is pointing down and squeeze the trigger to release the grease in the desired direction.
When finished, release the trigger and turn off the grease gun. Wipe off excess grease from the gun and put the safety cap back on the handle. Finally, remove the cartridge from the gun and properly dispose of it.
Can you leave a grease tube in a grease gun?
Yes, you can leave a grease tube in a grease gun as long as you take the proper precautions. Grease tubes are designed for convenience and can be left in the gun overnight, but to prevent hardening or contamination, it is best to clean the tube and gun before doing so.
Before leaving a grease tube in the gun, be sure to press the plunger completely. This will ensure that the remaining grease is forced from the tube and any air is purged from the gun. Clean the tube and gun with a rag and a suitable cleaner, such as solvents, to remove excess grease and dirt.
If the tube and gun are not properly cleaned, the grease can harden inside the tube, leading to a non-operational state. Finally, it’s important to store the grease gun in a secure area, away from dirt and other possible contamination.
Following these practices will help ensure that a grease gun and grease tube will remain in good working order and can be left in the gun for up to overnight usage.
Can I put oil in a grease gun?
No, it is not recommended to put oil in a grease gun as oil does not provide the same level of lubrication as grease does. Grease is made up of a base oil (such as mineral oil or synthetic oil) and a thickener (such as soap or clay).
The thickener makes the grease sticky, so it can adhere to the surfaces it contacts and provide a lasting lubrication. Oil, on the other hand, provides a temporary lubrication and can’t cling to surfaces.
That’s why a grease gun is designed to apply grease, rather than oil.
How long does a tube of grease last?
The answer to this question depends on several factors, such as how much grease is used and how it is stored. Generally speaking, a tube of grease should last anywhere from 1-3 years if it has been stored in a cool and dry place and has not been exposed to extreme temperatures or moisture.
If the tube of grease is exposed to heat or moisture, it can cause the grease to lose its lubricating properties and therefore, decrease its lifespan. It is important to always store tubes of grease in the refrigerator or in a room-temperature location, and to use the grease regularly before it passes its expiration date.
How do you remove an old tube from a grease gun?
Removing an old tube from a grease gun can be tricky, but with the right technique, it can be done relatively quickly and easily. First, you’ll need to make sure the gun is unloaded of any excess grease, if it isn’t already.
Next, if the grease gun has an internal follower rod, it must be removed before attempting to remove the tube. To do this, push the plunger all the way down, then use a pair of needle-nose pliers to grab the protruding end of the follower rod and gently twist until it comes out.
After this, the tube should be unscrewed from the back side of the gun using an adjustable wrench. Lastly, remove the O-ring seal from the tube and discard it as it typically cannot be reused. Once these steps are completed, the old tube should be successfully removed.
How do you get grease gun off ZERK?
Removing grease from grease gun off a Zerk fitting is relatively straightforward, but it does require you to take certain precautions and use the correct tools. The first step is to make sure that you do not damage the Zerk fitting.
Using a pair of pliers to firmly grasp the Zerk fitting, slowly but firmly unscrew the fitting counterclockwise. Keep a steady grip on the fitting when unscrewing, so you don’t cause any damage to the Zerk or your equipment.
Once the Zerk fitting is free, you can use a wrench to remove the Grease Gun. Place the wrench around the portion of the Grease Gun that meets the Zerk fitting. Turn the Grease Gun counterclockwise to unscrew, and carefully remove it from the now disconnected Zerk Fitting.
Place the Grease Gun aside for later use and inspect the Zerk Fitting for any damage. If everything appears to be in working order you can use a paper towel to wipe up any excess grease that may have been deposited from the Grease Gun.
What is the easiest way to load a grease gun?
The easiest way to load a grease gun is to start by removing the top of the grease gun and pushing the plunger all the way down into the cylinder. Then, insert the end of a grease cartridge into the grease gun.
After this, twist the cartridge until it is completely seated. Finally, pull the plunger back and the gun should be properly loaded. For more detailed instructions, you may want to check out the user manual for your specific grease gun.
Why is my grease gun not pumping?
If your grease gun is not pumping, there are a few possible causes. It could be due to a lack of air pressure, a clogged nozzle, a blocked grease reservoir, a blocked filter, a defective hand grip, or a faulty plunger o-ring.
Before attempting to troubleshoot the issue, make sure the grease gun is properly assembled and that all components are securely connected. If all parts appear to be connected correctly and the grease gun still isn’t pumping, it’s time to start diagnosing the problem.
If insufficient air pressure is to blame, make sure the air pressure regulator is adjusted to the proper setting. Also be sure to check for any blockages in the air hose.
If the grease gun is equipped with a nozzle, inspect for any clogs or blockages. Clean or replace the nozzle if necessary.
If the reservoir appears to be clogged, unplug the gun and flush the pump head with a cleaner designed for grease guns. If the blockage is severe, you may have to disassemble the pump head and clean each component individually.
To check for clogs in the filter, unplug the gun and remove the filter. Clean the filter and reinstall to the grease gun. Inspect and clean the filter screen, as well.
If the hand grip appears to be defective, replace the grip with a new one.
Lastly, check the plunger o-ring. If the o-ring is damaged or worn, replace it with a new one.
Once all of these components have been inspected and cleared of any blockages, replace the lubricant and try pumping again. If your grease gun is still not pumping, contact the manufacturer for support.
Which end of grease tube goes in first?
When installing a grease tube, it is important to ensure that the end with the nozzle goes in first. The nozzle end should point in the desired direction and is typically wider than the other end, making it easy to identify.
Once the nozzle is inserted, the tube should then be twisted so the nozzle and opening are the same. This will ensure that the correct amount and type of grease is delivered. Once twisted, the non-nozzle end should then be placed flush with the opening of the grease gun, which should then be locked into place.
Once the tube is inserted into the grease gun, the lubricant can be expelled from the nozzle of the grease tube by squeezing the handle.