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How to Use a Grease Gun

Two Methods:Loading by Suction from a Tub of GreaseCommunity Q&A

A grease gun can be a handy tool for the home mechanic because car parts often need to be greased to reduce friction and increase the life of the part. A grease gun can inject grease into areas that are difficult to reach. Using a grease gun can be easy once you have taken it apart and loaded it. By doing this, you immediately see how the gun works and you are ready to use it with no further directions.


  1. 1
    Remove the head of the gun from its barrel.
  2. 2
    Pull the rod handle back.
  3. 3
    Lock the rod handle.
  4. 4
    Open the new grease cartridge.
  5. 5
    Insert the new grease cartridge into the barrel of the gun.
  6. 6
    Note the pull-tag on the end of the new cartridge.
  7. 7
    Ensure that cartridge is pushed in enough so that the rim is in contact with the rim of the grease gun.
  8. 8
    Reinstall the barrel to the end cap but keep it loose.
  9. 9
    Release the rod handle by turning it out from the retaining groove in the end cap.
  10. 10
    Depress the rod handle; this will force grease into the head of the grease gun and force air out.
  11. 11
    Pump some grease through the nozzle and wipe it clean before attaching the nozzle to the gun.
  12. 12
    Tighten the cap and push down on the air bleeder to force out the rest of the air.
  13. 13
    Place the grease gun coupler at the end of the extension hose directly on the area to be greased.
  14. 14
    Pump the lever handle enough times for grease to begin flowing.

Loading by Suction from a Tub of Grease

  1. 1
    Remove the head from the barrel as above.
  2. 2
    Put a large amount of grease in the head and pack firmly.
  3. 3
    Position the barrel of the gun over a tub of grease.
  4. 4
    Insert the barrel down about 2 inches (5.1 cm) into the grease.
  5. 5
    Push down on the barrel while pulling up on the plunger or rod handle.
  6. 6
    Lock the rod handle when it is fully extended.
  7. 7
    Move the gun barrel from side to side to cut off the extra grease after the barrel is full.
  8. 8
    Clean off all parts with stiff paper, paper towel or rag.
  9. 9
    Attach the gun barrel to the rest of the unit.
  10. 10
    Unlock the rod handle.
  11. 11
    Pump the grease gun handle to start the flow of grease.
  12. 12

Community Q&A

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    • If there is no air relief valve on your grease gun, do not tighten the head completely and push the rod handle several times to prime the gun. You can then tighten the head and proceed.
    • The first time you use your grease gun, create a seal around the rubber plunger assembly by applying a layer of grease around it before inserting it into the gun barrel.


    • Before storing your grease gun, release the air pressure. Store horizontally away from heat and moisture.
    • Grease guns come equipped with several parts such as nipples and needles to get grease into small openings. Caution should be taken when using these attachments, especially the needles, because they can slip and puncture your skin. If grease gets into your skin, it can cause some severe medical problems, such as infections and even gangrene.
    • It is important that the grease being loaded into the grease gun is free of any contaminants, such as lint, dust or metal shavings.
    • All nozzles, nipples and needles should be cleaned before use to prevent clogs.

    Things You'll Need

    • Manual grease gun
    • Grease cartridge or tub
    • Gloves
    • Paper towels
    • Stiff paper, cardboard or rags
    • Protective clothing

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    Categories: Tools

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