Grease Gun Tips
Grease guns move lubricant from a prefilled tube cartridge into bearings. The grease is packed into presized tubes and inserted into the grease guns. Manual type grease guns shoot a predetermined amount of grease with every stroke of the mechanical lever. The three types of grease guns--manual, pneumatic and battery operated--are all used in the same manner.
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Amount of Lubrication
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Determine the amount of grease needed for each individual bearing. Adding too much grease can cause seals to rupture. Ruptured seals can allow contaminants to enter the bearing and cause premature failure. Install a bleed port on the bearing so older or excess grease can be purged. Test the amount of grease shot from the grease gun for each depression of the mechanical lever. This is where a manual grease gun has an advantage over a battery-operated or pneumatic gun. Knowing the precise amount of grease delivered per stroke will go a long way in lengthening the service life of a bearing. Do not mix the types of grease dispensed from the grease gun. Various greases have specific properties for lubrication. Mixing the different types of grease can shorten bearing life.
Loading the Cartridge
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Clean the outside of the grease gun before opening the gun. Remove all external contaminates so particles cannot fall inside the cartridge tube. Check the outside of the grease gun for any identification as to what type of grease is to be used in that particular gun. As stated above, mixing different types of grease can ruin bearings. After installing the new cartridge, inspect the exposed grease. Check for any small metal particles that could have been left behind when pulling off the lid. Test the flow of grease by shooting some into a clean rag. This will remove any air built up inside the delivery tube. If the delivery tube has lost its prime, place the end of the tube in the palm of your hand. Depress the lever several times while holding the end of the delivery tube against the inside of your hand. The grease should begin to flow after a few strokes. Wipe the end of the delivery tube with a clean rag.
Application to the Bearing
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Always carry a clean rag whenever greasing a bearing. Clean the end of the delivery tube and the grease fitting on the bearing. Contaminants can flow along inside the bearing if the fittings are not cleaned. Pay attention during the application process. Do not allow grease to exit from under the bearing seal. This can introduce contaminants to the bearing area. Remove any excess grease with a rag after each application. Store grease guns in a horizontal position. Oils can leak from the grease if stored vertically. Keep grease guns in a dry, clean and cool storage area.
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