A manual lubrication gun (also called a grease gun) is a hand-operated tool used to apply lubricants (grease or oil) under pressure to specific lubrication points such as bearings, bushings, machinery joints, and grease fittings (zerk fittings).
- Allows precise and controlled delivery of lubricant.
- Operates manually through a trigger, lever, or plunger.
- Can be used with cartridges, bulk grease, or refillable reservoirs.
- Commonly found in automotive, industrial, and agricultural maintenance.
Design:
- Reservoir/Barrel: Holds the lubricant (cartridge or bulk). Typically cylindrical.
- Piston/Plunger Assembly: Pushes grease or oil through the outlet under pressure.
- Lever/Trigger/Handle: Operated by hand to actuate the piston.
- Delivery Hose or Rigid Tube: Directs lubricant to the lubrication point. Flexible or rigid depending on design.
- Coupler/Fitting: Connects to grease fitting (e.g., Zerk fitting) for secure delivery.
- Air Vent/Spring: For smooth piston return (optional in lever and pistol types).
- Pressure Chamber/Thrust Bearing: Converts hand force into high-pressure output.
- Seals & O-Rings: Prevent lubricant leakage and maintain pressure.
Applications: Manual lubrication guns are used wherever periodic or precise lubrication is needed:
- Automotive: Chassis grease points, wheel bearings, universal joints
- Industrial Machinery: Bearings, bushings, conveyors, presses, rolling mills
- Agriculture: Tractor and combine pivot points, implement bearings
- Construction Equipment: Excavator pins, loader pivot points, heavy machinery
- Marine & Offshore: Rudder bearings, winches, deck machinery
- Food & Beverage: Food-grade manual lubrication of machinery (with NSF H1 grease)
Materials:
- Barrel/Reservoir: Steel, aluminum, or stainless steel – Strength, corrosion resistance, lightweight
- Piston/Plunger: Hardened steel or chrome-plated steel – Wear resistance, smooth operation
- Lever/Trigger/Handle: Steel or cast aluminum, sometimes rubber-coated – Strength and ergonomic handling
- Delivery Hose: Reinforced rubber, PVC, or steel braided hose – Flexibility and pressure resistance
- Coupler/Fitting: Steel, zinc-plated, or brass – Durable, corrosion-resistant connection to fittings
- Seals/O-Rings: Nitrile (Buna-N), Viton – Prevent leakage, oil and grease resistance