Grease Guns

Choose by drive type (lever for high pressure and manual control, pistol/ratchet for general-purpose ease, and pneumatic/electric for frequent or heavy-duty jobs), grease capacity (cartridge vs. bulk), required pressure (psi) for your fittings, and compatibility with common grease viscosities (NLGI grades 0–2)

Most automotive bearings use NLGI grade 2 multipurpose lithium or lithium-complex greases; use lower NLGI (0–1) for cold conditions or centralized systems. Always follow the vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s spec for thickener and additives

Grease guns range from budget hand models under $50 to professional pneumatic/electric units several hundred dollars; price reflects drive type, build quality (metal vs. plastic), pump pressure, and included accessories like hoses and couplers. The category average is around $100

Keep couplers and hoses clean and capped to prevent contamination, purge air from the gun after filling, inspect seals and replace worn couplers, and store cartridges upright in a cool, dry place; follow manufacturer instructions for periodic lubrication and seal replacement

Yes—many cartridge guns accept bulk filling by removing the empty cartridge and pumping or scooping grease into the barrel, then reassembling and bleeding air; follow the gun’s loading steps to avoid air pockets and ensure consistent dispensing

Look for a maximum pressure rating of at least 3,000–5,000 psi for standard chassis and bearing fittings; pneumatic and electric guns often deliver higher flow for quick servicing, while manual lever guns provide controlled high-pressure bursts

Flexible hose couplers allow access to recessed fittings and reduce strain, while rigid extensions provide direct reach; look for universal snap-on couplers compatible with standard 1/8" NPT or common automotive grease nipples and consider swivel joints for easier alignment