In a world of equipment, tools, and machinery made from metal, friction is unavoidable. Metal-to-metal contact occurs to perform specific actions from industrial equipment and heavy machinery to automotive. Lubrication is necessary for smooth functioning and reduced friction. In such situations, the grease gun comes in handy to ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of the machines. It doesn’t matter if you’re a DIY enthusiast or an industrial professional, you’ll always need a grease gun to take proper care of your machine.

Let’s understand how a grease gun helps you to take better care of your equipment by delving deeper into the concept of a grease gun. This blog will provide a complete guide on grease guns to help you select the right grease gun for your needs and use it correctly.

What Is A Grease Gun?

A grease gun is a lubrication tool that applies lubricant such as grease to moving parts and mechanical components. Mechanics, industrialists, engineers, and DIY enthusiasts use grease guns to lubricate mechanical equipment, passenger vehicles, aircraft, lawn equipment, etc. This lubrication tool makes the lubrication process easy, quick, and precise. 

Without proper lubrication, the metal-to-metal contact between moving parts increases. This increases friction and wear and tear of the components further leading to expensive repairs and total breakdown. The grease gun allows one to apply the right amount of lubricant to the metal components such as bearings, hinges, and other moving parts. The lubricant creates a thin layer between the metal components so they don’t come in direct contact with each other.

Types Of Grease Guns

Grease guns are of different types as they are designed differently based on their application needs. There are four most common types of grease guns-

Lever Handle Grease Guns

Lever handle grease gun is a manual type of grease gun that is hand-operated. In comparison to other manual guns, it has the most volume or stroke. It needs to be held using both hands, one hand to hold the gun and the other on the pump of the lever. They offer high pressure and, thus are suitable for heavy-duty applications. They are used in applications where controlled lubrication is needed. However, such types of grease guns are not suitable for repetitive use and high production as they require more muscle strength to use them precisely.

Pistol Grip Grease Guns

Just like a lever handle grease gun, a pistol grip grease gun is also manually operated. But you can operate it using just one hand to pull the trigger and apply lubricant, thus requiring less energy. Also, they are suitable for tight and enclosed spaces. Although they do not offer as much pressure as lever-handle guns, these are convenient to use making them a great choice for repetitive maintenance tasks. 

Pneumatic Grease Guns

A pneumatic grease gun is a type of automatic grease gun that uses an air supply for applying grease. It offers power, as well as ensures a steady and consistent flow of grease. To use such types of grease guns properly, the user requires proper training. Due to their enhanced pressure, these are suitable for industrial applications.

Battery-Powered Grease Guns

As its name suggests, these are battery-powered automatic grease guns. These are cordless and have rechargeable batteries. They offer portability, as well as power. It allows one to apply grease at a high volume without applying human force. Such types of grease guns are capable of holding different types of lubricants such as lithium, calcium, and aluminum. 

Also Read: Lubrication Tools – Types, Importance, and Selection Guide

How Does A Grease Gun Work?

As there are different types of grease guns, each functions differently. But the basic mechanism of these guns is the same which is by pressurizing the grease from the canister to deliver it through a nozzle into the specific area of machinery. Here is the breakdown of the basic functioning of a grease gun-

• Loading the grease: The very first step is to load the grease gun. You can either load it via cartridge or pack it manually into the gun. 

• Pressurizing: When you push the lever, trigger, or air valve, the gun pressurizes the grease inside the barrel.

• Dispensing: The grease inside the gun is pushed through the hose or pipe and gets out from the nozzle attached to the zerk fitting on the machinery. 

Selecting The Right Grease Gun

The selection of a grease gun depends on your need or the tool you want to lubricate. Here are a few factors that one should consider before purchasing a grease gun-

Frequency Of Use

If you want to use a grease gun daily, then adopt the most durable and powerful model such as a pneumatic or battery-powered grease gun. Otherwise, the lever grease gun or pistol grip grease gun is right for occasional use. 

Compatibility With Grease

The grease you want to use should be compatible with the type of grease gun you are purchasing. Whether you are using standard, biodegradable, or synthetic grease, it is important to ensure compatibility with the grease gun. 

Type Of Machinery

The selection of grease also depends on the machinery that you want to grease. For example, heavy machinery requires high-pressure grease guns such as pneumatic and lever. Meanwhile, the grip and cordless models are suitable for smaller machinery and tools. 

How To Use A Grease Gun: Step-By-Step Guide

Although using the grease gun seems quite simple, following a step-by-step process is important for effective lubrication. To use a grease gun correctly, you can follow the following steps-

Load The Grease Gun

If you are using a cartridge then remove the cap and insert it into the grease gun’s barrel. Meanwhile, if you want to bulk grease, then you have to manually pack the grease into the barrel. 

Prime The Gun

Priming the grease gun is a key step in applying grease smoothly. Pump the lever or trigger to prime the grease gun. This removes any air pockets inside the gun to ensure smooth grease flow.

Attach The Coupler

Now connect the coupler or end of the hose to the zerk fitting on the machinery. It is important to double-check whether the coupler is securely attached to the fitting or not to prevent any leaks. 

Start Lubricating

Now your grease gun is ready for lubrication. Pump the lever, trigger, or activate the air supply to start lubricating. Flow the grease into the desired area and stop once the component is full or grease starts escaping from the fitting. 

Monitor Grease Levels 

Keep checking on the grease levels to prevent excessive grease buildups or leakages around the fitting. 

Mistakes To Avoid While Using A Grease Gun

There are a few mistakes that you should avoid while using the grease gun. These include-

• Overgrazing is a common mistake that one should avoid while using a grease gun. It can lead to overheating and cause further damage to the seal. 

• If you don’t apply a sufficient amount of lubricant to the machinery, the risk of premature wear increases.

• Selection of the right type of grease for the machinery is important. Thus, it is important to always refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure you are using the right type of grease. 

• Improper coupler attachment is a common mistake individuals make. It increases the risk of improper lubrication and waste of grease. 

Conclusion

A grease gun might seem like a small tool but it plays a big role in ensuring the longevity of your machinery and vehicle. By properly using a grease gun, you can properly lubricate the machines to ensure they run efficiently and smoothly. Proper lubrication reduces wear and tear of moving parts and increases the lifespan of equipment. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or an industrial technician, mastering the use of a grease gun can make your task easy and hassle-free. 

Get yourself a premium quality grease gun at JCBL Hand Tools. Here the grease guns, lubrication tools, and other hand tools are manufactured and supplied across the globe. Our products meet the quality standards of the international market for customer satisfaction. Click here to check our complete range of hand tools. 

FAQ’s

How often should I grease my machinery?

The frequency of lubrication depends on the type of machine and its usage. For example, heavy machinery needs to be lubricated daily or weekly depending on their use, whereas vehicles need to be greased based on their mileage. 

Can I use any type of lubricant with my grease gun?

No, you cannot use any type of grease with the grease gun. To check about the type of grease that you can use with a grease gun, it is important to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. 

Whether you are working on a DIY project or a professional task, you’ll need a caulk gun to make a clean and watertight seal. A caulk gun is helpful for a wide range of tasks such as sealing gaps, bathroom renovation, or bonding materials together. This tool makes your DIY tasks easier. Have you ever used a caulk gun in your projects? Don’t know the right technique to use a caulking gun? Don’t worry! In this blog, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to use a caulk gun like a pro in no time. Before delving deeper, let’s understand what is a caulk gun and its types-

What Is A Caulk Gun?

A caulk gun is a hand tool used for applying caulk, adhesives, or sealants to fill cracks and gaps. These are also used to block off the areas of windows, doors, walls, bathtubs, etc. The caulk is made of flexible material like silicone, latex, or acrylic varieties. It prevents water, air, or insects from getting through the crack. The caulk gun has a tube filled with caulk and when the trigger is pressed, the caulk comes out through the nozzle. 

“You can think of a caulk gun as your partner for completing the tasks of sealing and gap filling neatly.”

Types Of Caulk Gun

The caulk guns are of different types based on the application areas. A few common types of caulk guns are:

• Manual caulk gun: It is the most common type of caulk gun that is operated by squeezing the trigger to release the caulk. It comes in different designs such as skeleton type and half round. 

• Electric caulk gun: This is an electricity-powered caulk gun that is mostly used in large-scale jobs. It allows one to apply caulk with the minimum effort.

• Pneumatic caulk gun: These are air-powered caulk guns that are used in heavy-duty performance. They offer speed, precision, and a clean finish. 

How To Use A Caulk Gun

Now that you are aware of the caulk gun and its types, let’s learn how to use it properly. Here is a step-by-step process to use a caulk gun-

Loading the caulk gun

The very first step to use a caulk gun is to load it. To load the caulk gun, you need to cut the nozzle using scissors or a knife. The nozzle should be cut at the 45-degree angle. Keep one thing in mind the closer you cut to the nozzle, the smaller the bead or drop of caulk will be. The caulk pump is sealed from the inside of the nozzle to prevent spilling. You can open the seal using a long nail or built-in piercer to puncture it through the nozzle. Now, load the caulk gun by pulling back the plunger, inserting the caulk tube, and pushing back the rod, just like loading a weapon. 

Getting the perfect drop

After loading the caulk gun, you are ready to apply the caulk. Hold the gun at an angle of 45 degrees to the surface where you want to apply the caulk. Start applying even pressure on the trigger while slowly moving the gun. It is important to keep a steady pace as moving too fast or slow will lead to uneven caulking. 

Applying the caulk

While applying the caulk, make sure the drop should be smooth and continuous. In the corners, you can apply caulk slowly to avoid any mistakes. After applying the caulk, you can smooth it out with a finger or caulking tool for a perfect finish. Smoothening of caulk not only ensures that the seal looks clean but is airtight and watertight.

Tips For Perfect Caulking

To perfectly seal caulk, here are a few tips that you can consider-

• Apply the caulk in continuity.
• Make sure to cut the nozzle at an angle of 45 degrees. It does not only gives you more control over the drop of caulk but also ensures that it fills the gap neatly without spilling the caulk.
• Use painter’s tape at the edges to make clean lines to ensure that excess caulk can be removed.
• Run your finger along with the caulk bead to smoothen it.

Common Caulking Mistakes And How To Fix Them

Even the professionals can make mistakes. Here are a few common mistakes that one can make while applying caulk and ways to fix them-

• Uneven caulk lines are the most common mistakes that one makes while using a caulk gun. To avoid this mistake, you need to adjust the trigger pressure and move the gun at a steady pace.
• Sometimes caulk does not stick to the surface. To prevent this, make sure the surface is clean and dry, as dirty surfaces can prevent the caulk from adhering to the surface.
• Dripping of caulk is another mistake. One can engage the stop mechanism on the caulk gun to avoid excess material from oozing out of the gun.

Conclusion

Caulking might seem like an easy job to do but it requires precision to do it correctly. A little difference in the caulking can make a big difference in the quality and durability of the project. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast or a professional electric or carpenter, mastering the right technique of caulking is important for a clean finish. By incorporating the aforementioned tips, you can caulk seal, and crack like a professional.

Looking for a caulking gun, but don’t know where to get a premium quality caulking gun. Dont worry! You can get a high-quality caulking gun and other hand tools for your needs at JCBL Hand Tools. We are one of the most trusted suppliers of hand tools of varied types and designs that meet international standards. Visit our website to check out our complete range of products.

FAQ’s

Can I reuse a caulk tube after opening it?

Yes, you can use the caulk tube after opening it. But you need to seal its nozzle properly to prevent caulk from drying out. You can use a nail or cap to seal the nozzle.

What is the best type of caulk for outdoor projects?

The silicone caulk is one of the best types of caulk for outdoor projects. It is flexible, waterproof, and resistant to the temperature changes.

How often should caulking be replaced?

You can perform annual inspections on the caulking to find any issues. But usually, it needs to be replaced after every 5 to 10 years based on the condition and type of caulk used.

While hand tools might seem simple and low maintenance, they still require regular care and maintenance to prevent wear and tear. Proper lubrication of hand tools is important for maintaining their longevity, efficiency, and performance. It reduces friction between the moving parts, further preventing corrosion, wear, and tear of the tools. The lubrication tools come into the picture to properly lubricate the hand tools. How do you lubricate your hand tools and machinery? Which lubrication tool do you use? 

In this blog, we will explore different types of lubrication tools, the importance of lubrication, and the right ways to lubricate. This blog will guide you in selecting the right lubrication tool for your needs.

What Are Lubrication Tools?

Lubrication tools are specialized systems or devices that are designed to store, handle, and apply lubricants to the machinery. There are different types of lubricants including oil, grease, and other fluids. The lubricants create a thin layer reducing metal-to-metal contact between the moving parts. The lubrication tools make this task easier and allow one to apply lubricant with precision. From DIY enthusiasts to professionals, lubrication tools are a must to have. These are specially designed to supply accurate amounts of oil or grease to even the hardest-to-reach area. This further ensures the smooth functioning of the tools and machinery without any interruption.

Components Of Lubricant Tools

In the lubricant tool, several components work together to ensure a proper supply of lubricant to the tool or machinery. The basic components of a lubricant tool or system include-

Pump mechanism:  Creates pressure to distribute lubricant through pipes and valves.

Reservoir: Stores the lubricant.

Pressure gauge or Control Valve: Present in advanced tools that monitor and adjust pressure.

Trigger or lever: Operates the pump to release lubricant.

Piston or plunger: Pushes the lubricant out of the tool.

Coupler or connector: Coupler ensures secure attachment to the equipment.

The placement of these components may vary in the lubrication tools depending on their type. Also, there can be additional components in the tools for additional features.

Types of Lubrication Tools

There are numerous types of lubrication tools available in the market for different types of jobs. Let’s discuss about the most common types of lubrication tools and their roles-

Grease Gun 

A grease gun is the most common type of lubrication tool. Its design allows one to apply grease to a specific point on the machine or tool. It comes in different types like push type, pistol type, manual, air-powered, and battery-powered. These are popular for precise lubrication even under pressure through a nozzle or hose-to-zerk fittings. They have applications for greasing joints, bearings, steering components, and heavy machinery and industrial equipment.  

Caulking Gun

A caulking gun is mainly used to apply viscous materials like sealants, caulk, or other adhesives. But, it can also be used for thick lubricants like heavy-duty grease. It comprises a frame to hold a tube or cartridge of lubricant and has a trigger mechanism to control the flow. This allows to ensure even flow of lubricant even on the hard-to-reach surfaces. This lubrication tool is suitable for applications where the lubricating parts require thick and adhesive grease or sealant-like lubricants. This is also used in automotive repairs and large home equipment.

Oil Can

Oil cans are designed for applications where small amounts of lubricant with great precision are required. They come in different varieties including Wesco, pistol, and perfetto type. Each of them has specific design and use cases.

• Wesco oil can is the traditional type of lubricant tool. This is made with metal with a long, flexible spout and thumb-operated pump. These are specifically used for lubricating small machinery and tools. Common application areas of Wesco oil include sewing machines, bicycles, and small motors.
• Pistol-type oil cans are operated with a pistol grip. This allows one to have better control over the supply of oil. These are feasible for the machinery where quick and precise oiling is required with limited accessibility.
• Perfetto-type oil cans have a pump-action mechanism. This makes it suitable for high-pressure oil applications. in such oil cans, the spout is longer and rigid which makes it ideal for hard-to-reach areas.

Suction Gun

A suction gun is a lubrication tool that is used to fill or remove non-corrosive liquids in vehicles and machinery. It is popular because it is a faster and cleaner method for oil filling and removal. Common applications of suction guns include the transmission of oil in gear cases, crank cases, and other applications. 

Bucket Grease Pump

Bucket grease pumps are specially designed for greasing applications that require a large volume of lubrication. This lubrication tool is perfect for quick and effortless greasing in everyday use. It has a removable handle and a lever-operated pump. It has applications for excavators, earth-moving equipment, agricultural equipment, and automotive applications. 

Rotary Barrel Pump

A rotary barrel pump is used to transfer non-corrosive petroleum-based fluids of light to medium viscosity from one container to another. These are also called drum pumps. To fulfill the industry-specific requirements, these are also available in different models, lengths, and accessories. Barrel pumps come with handles, plungers, and levers to dispense the fluid. 

Why Lubrication Of Tools And Machinery Is Important?

Lubrication of tools is essential for several reasons:

• Reduces friction between two surfaces which further reduces wear and tear. 
• Allows the equipment to keep operating without overheating.
• Protects against rust and corrosion. 
• Reduces noise and vibration of moving parts in tools and machinery.
• Improves efficiency, performance, and safety of tools and machinery. 

Best Practices for Tool Lubrication

Lubricating the tool or machinery is an important part of their maintenance, but, implementing it correctly is as important. The improper application of lubricant or over-lubrication can also cause problems. Thus, it is essential to adopt best practices for proper lubrication. Here are a few tips that you can consider while lubricating the tools-

Clean before lubricating

Make sure to clean the equipment before applying the lubricant. Any dirt, debris, or grime on the tool can make the lubricant less effective. This can further lead to build-ups causing rust and corrosion. To avoid this, wipe out the tool or machinery with clothes to clean it before applying lubricant.

Keep a check on the lubricant

Regularly analyzing the lubricant is also important so you don’t end up using expired ones. This can reduce the effect of lubricant.

Keep the lubricant tool or dispenser clean

The tools that you are using for dispensing lubricant should be clean. Dirt and debris in the dispenser can contaminate the lubricant further reducing the life of equipment. using a clean dispenser can prevent cross-contamination.

Make sure to use the right lubricating tool

Based on the application area and your needs, choose the right lubricating tool. The uses of lubricating tools vary based on your needs. For example, hand tools like pliers and wrenches require simple oiling, thus there is no need to use complex tools. On the other hand, tools with moving parts like adjustable spanners and ratchets can be lubricated using a grease gun.

Record observations

Keep track of the lubrication program to improve the performance and efficiency of the tool. This can prevent over-lubrication and under-lubrication of the tool or machine.

How To Choose The Right Lubrication Tool For The Job

With a variety of tools available in the market, selecting the right one can be confusing. However, choosing the right one is important to correctly lubricate the tool or machinery. Here is the guide to help you in making the right decision-

Lubrication Tool	Best For	Applications	How to Choose
Grease Gun	High-pressure grease application	Bearings, joints, steering mechanisms, automotive repairs, industrial machinery	Manual for occasional use Pneumatic/Battery-powered for frequent, large-scale applications
Caulking Gun	Applying thicker lubricants or sealants	Automotive repair, home maintenance, sealing and lubricating hard-to-reach areas	Manual for small, occasional jobs Battery/Pneumatic for larger tasks requiring frequent lubrication
Oil Can	Precise oil dispensing	Sewing machines, bicycles, small motors, intricate machinery	Wesco/Pistol-grip for basic use Perfetto-type for high-pressure oiling in tight spaces
Suction Gun	Fluid removal or addition	Gearboxes, crankcases, hydraulic systems, transferring oil or other fluids	Choose based on the volume of liquid needed for extraction Opt for durable materials
Bucket Grease Pump	High-volume grease application	Heavy machinery, agricultural tools, industrial plants	Manual for small-scale use Lever/Pneumatic for large operations requiring frequent lubrication
Rotary Barrel Pump	Fluid transfer from large containers (drums/barrels)	Transferring oil, petroleum products, or lubricants in industrial settings	Choose based on the viscosity of the fluid Ensure durable, chemical-resistant construction

Conclusion

In conclusion, lubrication is important to improve the efficiency and performance of the tools and machinery. By using the right lubrication tool, you can ensure the smooth functioning of your equipment. through regular lubrication routines and adopting the aforementioned best practices, you can extend the life of your tools. A lubrication tool is not an accessory but a maintenance partner that you must have. 

Are you looking for lubrication tools? Your search is over. At JCBL Handtools, we manufacture and supply a variety of lubrication tools and hand tools to your needs. Visit our website to check out the products. 

FAQ’s

How often should I lubricate my tools?

The frequency of lubrication of the tool depends on how often you use the tool. Also, the tools that are used and stored in dusty environments require often lubrication. It is recommended to lubricate your tool once per month.

What is the best lubricant for hand tools?

For simple hand tools, you can simply use the machine oil. But, tools with complex or more moving parts need to be lubricated using grease.

What happens if I don’t lubricate my tools?

Due to a lack of lubrication, the tool might easily wear down. Also, the probability or rust and corrosion increases, further causing tool failure.