The Best Grease Guns
Cars, motorcycles, boats, and other machines require proper lubrication in order to run smoothly and efficiently. That's why every garage and machine shop needs a quality grease gun. Grease guns are designed to apply lubricant through an opening to a specific point, usually dispensed from a cartridge to a grease fitting (also called the nipple). Most grease guns use the same basic design, but the options and features are as varied as the mechanic using the tool. To help you sort through the various makes and models, we donned our coveralls, put our Impala up on jacks, and went to work to find you the best of the best in the world of grease guns.
Milwaukee 2-Speed Grease Gun
Gun In a Million
Milwaukee’s 2-speed grease gun delivers a whopping 10,000 PSI operating pressure along with a patent-pending pre-set grease counter that allows mechanics to dispense precise amounts of grease. The tool’s 2-speed design offers users the option to choose between max pressure and max flow rate, while the plunger rod includes markings to gauge how much grease is left in the barrel. Other features include a lock-on/lock-off trigger, an on-board LED light, shoulder strap capability, and a 48-inch flexible hose that offers greater accessibility when greasing hard to reach fittings. Powered by an M18 “Red Lithium” battery pack, Milwaukee’s grease gun is the only 18-volt unit with a battery that’s compatible with an entire system of tools.
Pros:
- Compatible with a clear barrel accessory
- Built for lock and lube tips
- Battery included
Cons:
- Difficult to prime
- The first speed will lock up and not turn if your pin doesn’t accept the grease
DeWalt 20-Volt MAX Cordless Grease Gun
Grease is The Word
DeWalt’s cordless grease gun is the perfect combination of power and dependability. It features a high-volume pump that pushes up to five ounces per minute or up to 16 cartridges per charge with its 20-volt MAX battery. Better yet, a variable speed trigger offers precise control of the grease flow. But it’s the 42-inch flexible hose that really sets this grease gun apart. It also has an integrated LED light that helps in locating hard-to-see grease fittings and an innovative pump filter screen that prevents dirt and contamination from clogging the pump mechanism. Its special design allows users to set the tool on flat surfaces without fear of leaking, while priming is made convenient with an assistive air-bleeder valve.
Pros:
- Includes shoulder strap and kit box
- Can be purchased with a coupler and grease
- Heavy pressure for stubborn fittings
Cons:
- Battery not included
- Heavy at nearly 15 pounds
Bravex Professional Pistol Grip Grease Gun
(Grease) Gun for Hire
If you think that the old school is the best school, Bravex has the grease gun you’re looking for. It’s durable for sure, made with a cold-drawn steel tube and low-variance ID to prevent leakage from occurring in bulk applications. The non-slip rubber grip provides not only strong-gripping capacity but generates 6,000 PSI through the 18-inch reinforced flex hose. An O-ring sealed, high-pressure piston design prevents the grease from leaking from the pump head, while the air bleeder valve quickly eliminates air pockets. The Bravex is a modern take on an old design and provides a value that’s unmatched in its class.
Pros:
- Includes a 5.5-inch metal extension tube with sharp nozzle)
- 3-Way Grease Loading
- Compatible with 14-ounce cartridges
- Includes coupler for flex hose and a metal nozzle
Cons:
- The fitting collet is very difficult to release from a grease fitting
- No case included
Lincoln Lubrication PowerLuber Cordless Grease Gun
Have Grease, Will Travel
Lincoln Industrial has been making automotive and industrial lubrication tools out of St. Louis since 1910, so it’s no wonder they’re a name that professionals trust. The PowerLuber is a complete, cordless, 12-volt grease gun that disassembles into a 4″ x 24″ die-cast carrying case for convenient, on-the-go use. Powering a 14-inch, stainless steel cartridge and a 30-inch flexible hose, the included battery generates upwards of 7,000 PSI. We especially like that this kit comes with two replacement batteries as well as a convenient 100-volt charger, which also fits in the carrying case.
Pros:
- Includes a 2-inch needle-bearing final drive
- Rebuild kits are inexpensive and provided by Lincoln
- Can drain 10 grease cartridges per charge
Cons:
- Battery life is shorter than other brands
- Heavier unit
Alemite 500-E Grease Gun
Under Pressure
If there’s beauty in simplicity, then the Alemite is absolutely gorgeous. The first thing you notice about this grease gun is its large, crank-style handle. This is where the power resides, as the lever mechanism generates upwards of 10,000 PSI. That much power is typically reserved for the most powerful, electric grease guns. Simplicity also means durability, as the Alemite is made with a die-cast aluminum head for strength and a long-lasting vinyl cover on the lever for easy gripping. And at just over 3.5 pounds, it won’t strain your muscles after prolonged use.
Pros:
- Delivers an ounce of grease per 21 strokes
- 16-ounce cylinder capacity
- Features 3-way grease loading
Cons:
- The 18-inch flex hose is shorter than most
- Difficult to hold cylinder, nipple, and handle at once
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you leave the grease in your grease gun for storage?
If you decide to leave a cartridge tube in your grease gun, start by depressurizing the grease gun, wipe it with a clean cloth to remove any contaminants, then store it in a horizontal position inside a dry, clean, cool area to keep the oil from bleeding out of the grease. It’s most important that cartridge tubes of grease be stored upright at all times.
How much grease is a “shot” of grease?
Most people agree that a shot of grease means one stroke from the grease gun. Of course, the amount of lubricant dispensed from one stroke of a grease gun handle depends on the model of the grease gun. But generally speaking, most guns deliver about a tenth of an ounce of grease per shot.
What exactly is grease?
Grease is a petroleum-derived or synthetic oil containing a thickening agent that’s a soft-solid at room temperature. Machinist grease is made from oil with a thickening ingredient added, typically a metallic soap. By maintaining its thickness, grease allows oil to stay in a specific place until it’s needed, instead of seeping out or draining away.
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