A Quick Guide on Manual Grease Guns

The grease gun is indispensable to DIY car repair jobs. It makes applying lubricant on suspension parts easy. If you’re serious about performing maintenance and repair on your vehicle, you’ll need a grease gun that you can depend on.

Grease guns come in several types that differ according to their power source. The most common one is the manual type. Don’t let its simplicity fool you–the manual grease gun brings some practical benefits to the garage. Here’s how to get the most out of this type of grease gun.

What Is a Manual Grease Gun?

As its name indicates, it’s a grease gun that you power and operate by hand. You manually work one of the gun’s components to generate the hydraulic pressure to push the lubricant into the part or system that needs lubrication.

You have two types of manual grease guns to choose from: Lever-handle and pistol grip guns. They operate in different ways, and each type is better suited for certain situations.

Lever-Handle Grease Gun

The lever-handle grease gun has a lever mechanism. You work the lever to push lubricant out of the tool.

You need both hands to use a lever-handle grease gun. Grip the grease gun with your main hand to guide its tip into the aperture, and use your other hand to move the lever back and forth to pump the lubricant.

Lever-handle guns generally generate more pressure than pistol grip guns. Thus, they dispense more lubricant with each stroke. However, they require more room for proper use.

Pistol Grip Grease Gun

This type of manual grease gun features a grip handle with a trigger mechanism. You pull the trigger to release lubricant.

You can use a pistol grip grease gun with just one hand. Hold the pistol grip in your main hand and squeeze the trigger.

The shorter length makes pistol grip grease guns more suitable in cramped locations like underneath your jacked up vehicle.

How Does a Manual Grease Gun Work?

While lever-handle and pistol grip grease guns take different approaches, they follow the same principle. All manual grease guns rely on pressure.

Working the manual grease gun’s lever or trigger builds up back-pressure that pushes a piston through the tool’s body. The piston forces grease through the aperture and into the part or system that needs to be lubricated.

Why Do You Need a Manual Grease Gun?

A manual grease gun lets you lubricate the suspension and other systems without having to bring your vehicle to an auto repair shop, saving you the cost of labor.

The suspension uses lubricant to protect its internal parts from contaminants and metal-on-metal contact between components. In older models, many suspension parts require maintenance. These parts have grease fittings that accept grease guns.

Refer to your owner’s manual for the manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule on lubricating the suspension with a grease gun. It’s also a good idea to apply new grease whenever you change your vehicle’s oil.

How to Use a Manual Grease Gun

Operating a manual grease gun is a straightforward process. Start by loading the tool with lubricant. You can choose between bulk grease containers or cartridges–most grease guns accept both types.

Remove the metal cap that covers the container or cartridge and screw it onto the top section of the grease gun’s handle. After the top and bottom sections tighten together, loosen them by half a turn. Release the rod that forces grease through the cartridge. Squeeze the trigger to remove the air in the gun. Finally, tighten the sections together.

Next, find the zerk fitting on the part that needs lubrication. The fitting accepts the needle within the grease gun head, and it seals up after you pull the head away.

Press the manual grease gun’s hose nozzle into the grease fitting. Listen for the clicking sound that indicates a successful connection. Once you lock the grease gun in place, start working its lever or trigger to apply lubricant into the part.

Watch the grease fitting while working the grease gun. If fresh lubricant seeps from the fitting, the hose isn’t securely locked. Adjust the grease gun’s orientation until it locks correctly and stops leaking lubricant.

Keep applying lubricant until you top off the part. You can tell it’s full when old grease seeps out the grease fitting or dust boot, forced out by the new lubricant. Disconnect the grease gun and look for the next fitting. Repeat the process.

Once you finish the job, clean the manual grease gun. Wipe it with a fresh cloth to remove residue and prevent excess grease from accumulating on the tool.

You can either remove the grease cartridge from the manual grease gun or leave it in the tool to save time. If you choose to keep the cartridge in place, put the grease gun in a horizontal position. Store the loaded grease gun in a cool, dark, and dry place to preserve the lubricant for future use.

Manual Grease Gun Advantages

Aside from manual grease guns, there are pneumatic and electric grease guns available. Pneumatic guns use pressurized air to move the piston, while electric guns rely on a motor. They don’t tire you out like working the lever or trigger on a manual grease gun does, especially if you dispense significant volumes of lubricant.

There are several benefits to using a manual grease gun that you can’t get from a pneumatic or electric grease gun. These advantages are often enough for people to choose manual grease guns.

First is cost. A manual grease gun is affordable and gets the job done with only muscle power. In comparison, not everyone can afford a pneumatic or electric grease gun.

In addition to the up-front cost of purchase, the more complex tools also come with operating costs. Pneumatic grease guns use pressurized air that needs refilling, while electric grease guns add to the power bill.

Second is ease of use. Anyone can pick up a manual grease gun, quickly figure out how to operate it, and get to work.

Third is simplicity. Manual grease guns are standalone tools that don’t require other equipment during operation.

Pneumatic grease guns require a separate pressurized air tank and a connecting hose, both of which can encumber you in a cramped space. Similarly, most electric grease guns must plug into a power outlet. There are some electric gun models that run on internal batteries, but they weigh more than externally powered guns.

Find the Right Grease Fittings For Your Car

Only parts that have a grease fitting can accept a manual grease gun’s nozzle for lubrication. If a fitting is damaged or worn, it can cause issues like oil leaks and interference with refilling the part. Luckily, it’s easy to find a suitable replacement grease fitting here at CarParts.com.

When you visit CarParts.com, you can use our website’s intuitive vehicle selector to locate compatible grease fittings for your car or truck. Enter your vehicle’s details, and you’ll find the products in our catalog of automotive parts and accessories that meet your requirements. We exclusively source our products from trusted brands, ensuring you get the quality and performance you deserve. Have questions about our grease fittings? Our knowledgeable customer service team is on hand 24/7 to assist.

When you need a new grease fitting delivered to your doorstep, look no further than CarParts.com. Browse our selection of grease fittings and get your new part in several business days if you live in the continental US and order before noon ET.