How to Fill a Grease Gun

Any home mechanic or do-it-yourself person knows the value of having a good grease gun. They are necessary for lubricating automobiles and lawn equipment. The problem is that they require new grease when the old grease has run out. One way to prevent the mess of filling with bulk grease is to fill the grease gun with a grease cartridge. Grease cartridges are available at home improvement centers and hardware stores. Cartridges are pre-filled with grease and slip into the barrel of the grease gun.

Things You'll Need

• Grease cartridge
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Hold the barrel of the grease gun in one hand. Grasp the top of the grease gun with your free hand, and turn the top counterclockwise. The hose and the handle attach to the top of the grease gun. Remove the top and set it aside.

2. Pull the plunger on the bottom of the grease barrel until it extends fully, and turn it clockwise to lock the plunger. Direct the open end of the barrel over a trash can and tap the side of the barrel to remove the empty grease cartridge. If necessary, pull the cartridge out with your fingers.

3. Remove the end caps on each end of the grease cartridge. The end caps have pull tabs, much like the type you see on soda cans. Insert the grease cartridge into the grease gun barrel until the top of the cartridge is flush or just below the top edge of the barrel.

4. Thread the top of the grease gun over the barrel until it is hand tight. Turn the plunger counterclockwise to unlock the plunger.

5. Place the tip of the grease gun hose over newspaper, and pump the gun handle until grease begins to come out of the hose tip. Wipe the tip with a clean cloth.

References

• Machinery Lubrication: Grease Guns - Learning the Basics
• Diff Lock: Grease Equipment