How do you properly refill a grease gun?

A grease gun is an important tool that allows you to apply lubricant to parts and components of machinery and equipment. Keeping machinery properly lubricated is crucial for smooth operation, preventing wear and tear, and extending the lifespan of the equipment. However, in order to get the most out of your grease gun, it’s important to refill it properly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to properly refill a grease gun.

What You’ll Need

Before refilling your grease gun, you’ll need to gather the following materials:

• Grease gun
• Tube of grease or container of bulk grease
• Rags or paper towels
• Grease coupler (if refilling from a bulk container)

Make sure you have the appropriate type of grease for your particular application. The manufacturer of your equipment will often specify the viscosity, thickness, and composition of grease that should be used. Using the incorrect type of grease could lead to poor performance or damage.

Step 1: Clean the Grease Gun

Before refilling, it’s important to clean out any old or used grease remaining in the grease gun from previous use. Here is the process for cleaning a grease gun:

• Detach the hose and grease coupler if attached. Set them aside.
• Point the grease gun head/nozzle into a rag or paper towel.
• Pull the grease gun lever slowly to purge any remaining grease into the rag/towel until the flow stops.
• Use a rag to wipe off any excess grease from the head of the grease gun if needed.
• Inspect the barrel of the grease gun and use a long, narrow object (like a dowel rod) to scrape out any hardened grease chunks if present.
• Clean the exterior of the grease gun with a rag to remove any oil or dirt.

Ensuring all old grease is removed from the grease gun will prevent contamination of the fresh, new grease you are about to add.

Step 2: Detach Cartridge or Suction Tube

Next, you’ll need to detach either the cartridge or suction tube from the grease gun, depending on the style:

• Cartridge-Style – Unscrew and remove the spent cartridge tube. Discard if empty.
• Bulk-Style – Unscrew the suction tube/pipe and remove it from the grease gun head.

This will expose the grease gun barrel and allow you access for refilling it with new grease.

Step 3: Rest Brace Against Surface

Refilling a grease gun can get messy, so it’s best to brace the head of the grease gun against a solid, flat surface while you work. Some options include:

• Workbench or table
• Concrete floor
• Flat ground outside

Allow 2-3 inches for clearance so you can fill from underneath.

Step 4: Load New Grease

With the grease gun supported and the barrel exposed, you can now load it with fresh, new grease:

• Cartridge – Insert a new grease cartridge tube into the barrel. Screw it into place securely.
• Bulk – Scoop grease from the bulk container with a spoon or spatula. Load directly into grease gun barrel, packing it down with a dowel rod or stick.

For bulk-style, fill the grease about 3/4 full to allow room for the suction tube and pumping action inside the barrel.

Step 5: Re-Attach Suction Tube/Coupler

Once adequately loaded with new grease, you can re-attach the suction tube or coupler:

• Cartridge – Attach grease coupler to cartridge opening.
• Bulk – Insert suction tube back into barrel, screwing it securely into place.

Ensure all connections are tight to prevent grease from leaking out under pressure.

Step 6: Prime Grease Gun

Before using your refilled grease gun, it’s important to prime it to remove any air pockets:

• Point nozzle into rag or towel.
• Work lever slowly 10-15 times to pump grease until continuous flow emerges.
• Some air bubbles at first are normal as grease displaces air.
• Once smooth, continuous flow – your grease gun is primed and ready!

Priming helps ensure even grease flow and prevent air pockets which can cause uneven lubrication.

Helpful Tips for Refilling Grease Guns

Follow these useful tips for quick, clean refills and optimal performance:

• Wear gloves – grease can be messy, gloves keep hands clean.
• Use plastic spatulas/spoons – metal ones may damage barrel surface.
• Store grease cartridges upright – prevents grease plugging the tip.
• Check grease gun operation frequently – ensure proper lubrication.
• Refill when grease appears discolored – prevents contamination.
• Do not overfill barrel – can lead to leakage/seepage.

Troubleshooting Problems

Here are some common problems that may arise when refilling a grease gun and how to troubleshoot them:

Problem	Potential Cause	Solution
Grease leakage/seepage	Overfilled barrel	Empty excess grease, refill just 3/4 full
	Damaged seal/gasket	Inspect and replace seals if worn
Air pockets/bubbles	Gun not primed properly	Prime gun until smooth flow acheived
	Suction tube loose	Tighten suction tube securely
Grease too thick/won’t flow	Incorrect grease used	Consult manufacturer for proper grease type
	Grease too cold/thickened	Warm grease to room temperature before refilling

Being aware of these potential issues can help you quickly diagnose and correct any problems that arise when reloading grease into your grease gun.

Safety Tips

Grease guns operate under high pressure, so it’s important to keep safety in mind:

• Wear eye protection – grease can spray if couplings disconnect.
• Ensure all connections are tight and secure.
• Point nozzle in safe direction when priming.
• Clean up any grease spills/drips immediately.
• Store grease gun properly when not in use.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance recommendations.

Exercising proper caution will help prevent painful injuries or dangerous mishaps while refilling and handling your grease gun.

Conclusion

Refilling a grease gun properly is simple and quick by following these key steps:

1. Clean out old grease thoroughly.
2. Detach spent cartridge or suction tube.
3. Brace grease gun securely on flat surface.
4. Refill barrel with fresh grease.
5. Re-attach all components securely.
6. Prime until smooth flow achieved.

Adhering to proper filling procedures, along with good maintenance and safety habits, will keep your grease gun operating smoothly for reliable lubrication. Remember to consult your equipment’s manual if you have any doubts about the appropriate grease type or refill methods for your particular model. With the right techniques, you can easily refill a grease gun and get back to lubricating in no time.

Refilling a grease gun is a relatively simple process, but proper techniques are important for optimal performance. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can clean out old grease, load fresh grease, and prime the gun to prevent air pockets. A few basic maintenance tips will also help prevent leakage, blockages, or other operating issues. And exercising some safety cautions like eye protection and proper storage are always advised when dealing with high-pressure grease. Equipped with this knowledge, you can now confidently refill your grease gun and keep equipment lubricated and protected from excessive wear and tear.

Grease Gun Maintenance

To keep a grease gun in proper working order, regular maintenance is required in addition to proper refilling procedures. Here are some tips for effective grease gun maintenance:

• Inspect regularly for damage – Check for leaks, loose or damaged hoses/couplers, worn seals and oil drips. Replace parts as needed.
• Clean exterior regularly – Use a rag to keep handle and body clear of dirt buildup which can work into the internal mechanism.
• Lubricate internal parts – Put a light oil on pivot points, springs and bearings. Check manufacturer guidelines.
• Bleed air after long storage – Air pockets can develop so prime gun to rebuild proper pressure.
• Replace seals periodically – Seals wear out over time, replace early to prevent leaks.
• Follow preventative maintenance schedule – The manufacturer’s guide will outline when to service parts.
• Use filtered grease – Unfiltered grease contains abrasives which can clog grease gun passages.

Proper ongoing maintenance and care will ensure a grease gun has a long, useful lifespan. Ignoring maintenance may lead to unexpected failures at inopportune times.

Grease Gun Storage

When a grease gun is not being actively used, proper storage procedures are advised:

• Store securely – Install wall mounts or keep in a tool chest to prevent damage or falls which could misalign components.
• Cap grease fitting – Protects fitting from dirt intrusion which could clog the gun.
• Relieve pressure – Open vent valve or crack coupler to prevent prolonged pressure on seals.
• Store grease tubes upright – Keeps grease from plugging the tip before next use.
• Avoid temperature extremes – Store between 40-90 °F. Severe cold or heat impacts grease consistency.
• Wipe off excess grease – Prevents oil drips from cluttering storage area.
• Disconnect hose – Reduces stress on the hose if left attached between uses.

Proper storage habits will help grease guns remain in ideal functioning condition when it comes time for the next lubrication task.

Disposing of Grease and Grease Guns

Once a grease gun has reached the end of its useful life or can no longer be repaired, proper disposal is important. Here are guidelines for grease and grease gun disposal:

Grease Disposal

• Never dump down drains or into ground soil – can pollute waterways.
• Absorb small amounts with rags or kitty litter – let solidify before trashing.
• Check for a local household hazardous waste collection facility – may accept for proper disposal.
• Contact a licensed industrial waste management company – large volumes may need professional disposal.

Grease Gun Disposal

• Disassemble completely – Separate metal, plastic, rubber and grease components.
• Recycle metal components at a scrap metal facility.
• Check for plastic recycling markings and recycle accordingly.
• Discard spent grease tubes/cartridges with regular trash (when empty).
• Dispose of rubber seals, gaskets and hoses in trash – not typically recyclable.

Following local regulations ensures grease guns and grease are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner.

Recap

Here are the key points to keep in mind when refilling a grease gun:

• Clean out all old grease thoroughly first.
• Detach spent cartridge or suction tube to access barrel.
• Brace against solid surface before refilling.
• Refill carefully with correct type and amount of grease.
• Securely reattach components.
• Prime gun until smooth grease flow emerges.
• Maintain, store and dispose of properly when finished.

By adhering to these best practices for refilling, you can ensure your grease gun continues providing reliable service and keeps equipment properly lubricated.