5 Types of Grease Gun: Choose The Best For You

Do you know anything about grease guns? How many types of grease gun are on the market? First, we will learn about the definition and purpose of their use.

What Is A Grease Gun?

Lubrication is to machines what oxygen is to humans. When you lubricate a machine, it reduces friction and ensures all parts run smoothly.

A grease gun is one of the most essential garage tools. It helps lubricate different parts of a machine including vehicles.

Grease guns a caulking gun-like shape and can easily spray grease in hard-to-reach places. They come in handy when you want to grease a part of the car or machine that has a gap in the range. In fact, it can lubricate narrow engine parts as well. To give you a more detailed idea for your grease guns’ choice, check it out in our latest Best Grease Guns Review [with Buying Guide].

There are various types of grease guns on the market, each serving the same purpose. However, they differ in terms of filling methods and features.

In this article, we’ll have a look at different types of grease guns to help you find the right one:

Types Of Grease Gun

1. Lever

A lever grease gun is one of the most widely used tools in the mechanical and auto industry. It can grease a wide variety of items such as car parts, machinery, and ball joints.

On average, a lever grease gun supplies about 1.28g of grease per pump. The fat (grease) comes out through a durable nozzle. They offer slow speed but better control, but require a two-hand operation.

How to Use: The gun is fairly easy to use. Point it onto the part that you need to lubricate. While holding the plunger down, pump the lever to force grease out of the nozzle.

• Step 1: Unscrew the top cap by rotating it. 

• Step 2: Now pull out the plunger and lock the rod by making it sit on the locking notch. Some models have an automatic locking switch as well.

• Step 3: Now push down the grease cartridge as far down as possible into the barrel. It should go inside inversely. Remove the top key on it to expose the grease inside.

• Step 4: Put the cap back on and release the lock to put the plunger back inside.

• Step 5: Pump the lever a few times to release air. Keep doing it until grease begins to flow.

• Step 6: Take the hose and screw onto the nozzle and it’s ready for use.

Note: Make sure to keep the gun immersed in grease to prevent air pockets when refilling. 

Who Is It for: This manual lever grease gun is perfect for users who want to lubricate car parts and machines. It may not be suitable for pros as it does not offer good speeds.

2. Hand Pump

It is also called a hand grip gun and requires a bit of a force to operate. It uses a firing mechanism which forces the grease out by building air into the pump set.

The amount of grease that comes out depends upon the pressure that you exert on the pump. They offer excellent control but slow speeds. However, they also require a two-hand operation.

How to Use: Point the hose towards the part that you want to grease/lubricate. Make sure the plunger is pulled down completely and there’s no air inside. Now, press the pump with force to make the grease flow.

• Step 1: Unscrew the top cap by rotating it. You may need a tool if it’s too tight. 

• Step 2: Pull back the plunger and lock the rod by placing it on the locking notch.

• Step 3: Now, push down the grease cartridge inversely and remove the top key.

• Step 4: Put the cap back on, release the lock, and press the plunger back inside.

• Step 5: Press the pump a few times to release air from the air-releaser cut on the top. Keep doing it until grease begins to flow. 

It is ready for use. 

Who Is It for: This is for users who enjoy manual work and want a good control on the amount of grease that comes out. It’s suitable for sensitive jobs but can be slow.

3. Cordless

Some people don’t like to use a corded grease gun as it often gets in the way. For them, there are cordless grease guns. They run on a battery that uses low voltage and eliminates the need to apply brute force like pump or lever guns.

Thanks to a lack of a cord, it is possible to use it with a single hand.

How to Use: There should be an air valve (knob) on a cordless grease gun. Move it anti-clockwise and pull the plunger in and out to release air and stop when grease begins to flow. Tighten the knob and it’s ready to use.

All you need to do is point the nozzle at the target and press the trigger: 

• Step 1: Unscrew the top cap by rotating it. 

• Step 2: Pull back the plunger and lock the rod by placing it on the locking notch.

• Step 3: Insert the cartridge inversely and pop the top key.

• Step 4: Release air by opening the air valve and pressing the plunger a few times.

• Step 5: Put the cap back on and release the lock. Make sure the plunger moves inside.

You’re ready to use it.

Who Is It for: This is suitable for mechanics, professionals, and people who want to lubricate parts and machines very quickly and without using any strength.

4. Air Power

If you are looking for a grease gun that can handle large commercial projects, then you need an air powered grease gun. They force grease out with the help of a built-in air compressor.

You can use it with a single hand but it can be a bit tricky to maneuver.

How to Use: These are also known as pneumatic grease guns. They have a trigger that is pressed to make the gun work. They are rated up to 6000 PSI.

• Step 1: Unscrew the top cap by rotating it. It should come off along with the pistol-type component. 

• Step 2: Pull back the plunger and lock the rod by placing it on the locking notch.

• Step 3: Now push down the grease cartridge invertedly and pop the top key to expose the grease inside.

• Step 4: Press the plunger back inside.

• Step 5: Put the cap back on and release the lock and the plunger inside.

• Step 6: Fire the trigger to make the grease flow. 

Who Is It for: It is suitable for professionals as it is quite expensive and more suitable for large commercial projects.

5. Pistol Grip

Pistol grip grease guns make it easier to lube hard to reach places. They offer excellent grip and can be used with a single hand.

These guns come with a flexible hose that makes it easy to do the job. 

How To Use: It works on a simple trigger system just like the cordless gun. A slight push on the trigger builds up pressure and forces grease to come out.

• Step 1: Unscrew the top cap by rotating it. It should come off along with the pistol-type attachment. 

• Step 2: Pull back the plunger to the point when it gets locked.

• Step 3: Now push down the grease cartridge in an invert position and pop the top key.

• Step 4: Press the plunger back inside. And while doing so, press the pump on the pistol to release air. Do it until grease comes out of the nozzle.

• Step 5: Put the cap back on and release the lock and the plunger inside.

• Step 6: Press the pump and let the gun do its job. 

Who Is It For: Pistol grip grease gun is suitable for DIYers and users who need to complete small jobs but do not want to use a gun that requires too much effort.

These are five of the most commonly used grease guns. Pick one that falls within your budget and suits your requirements.