Maybe you just bought a tractor or you got a riding lawnmower or trailer so now you need to grease it. Maybe you never greased anything before in your life and when you go to the store it can be very intimidating when you see all the different kinds of grease guns and all the different kinds of grease.
There’s a lot of different grease guns it’s a pistol grip grease guns, lever handle grease guns, electric grease guns, or pneumatic (air) grease guns. Which one is right for your situation? Maybe electric that looks easy or maybe a little lever handle pistol grip grease gun? So now we’re going to go through all those and hopefully narrow it down to the right grease gun for the right situation.
Grease guns are very useful tools. As you may guess from its name, a grease gun applies grease or some other lubricant to machines or mechanical parts. Mechanics, engineers, and hobbyists use them more commonly. These tools provide lubricant under pressure and force it into areas of rotary bearing. Without a grease gun, this would be difficult to do.
Contents
- Grease Guns Comparison Table
- 1. Bravex SW-02 – Best Heavy Duty Grease Gun
- 2. Lincoln 1134 – Best Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Grease Gun
- 3. LockNLube 151 – Best Lever Grease Gun
- 4. DeWalt DCGG571M1 – Best Cordless Grease Gun
- 5. Astro Pneumatic Tool 101 – Best Mini Grease Gun
- Buyer’s Guide: Types of Grease Guns
- How to Choose the Best Grease Gun
- Troubleshooting: Removing Air Pockets
- How To Set Up Your Grip Grease Gun
- FAQs
- How do grease guns work?
- How do I change the grease gun cartridge?
- What are grease guns used for?
- How do I store grease guns?
- What are the signs of under-greasing?
- What are the signs of over-greasing?
- Final Thoughts
All of our picks and reviews are based on extensive market research and expert opinions. We offer honest and genuine advice to help you find the best pick. We have compiled the best guns for our readers in this review. They’re very easy to find they are at almost every gas station every hardware store.
The list includes grease guns for both easy and difficult jobs. We have tried to cover all possible aspects including size, price, grease holding capacity, and power type. Now that you know the necessary stuff, let’s move on to our comparison list of the 5 best grease guns.
Grease Guns Comparison Table
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice 
| Bravex SW-02 - Heavy Duty Grease Gun
| Read Review |
Also Great 
| Lincoln 1134 - Pistol Grip Grease Gun
| Read Review |
Best Pressure 
| LockNLube 151 - Lever Grease Gun
| Read Review |
Best Wireless 
| DeWALT DCGG571M1 - Cordless Grease Gun
| Read Review |
Best Mini 
| Astro Pneumatic Tool 101 - Mini Grease Gun
| Read Review |
1. Bravex SW-02 – Best Heavy Duty Grease Gun
The Bravex SW-02 pistol grip or one-hand grease gun is an improvement of its predecessor models. Users find this quality gun convenient and easy to use. You can use it for tough and easy lubrication jobs. Its structure is rather simple with a non-slip rubber grip; this reduces the chances of dropping the gun and getting your hand numb. You can even hold this piston type gun with one hand due to its comfortable grip.
Bravex SW-02 has an o-ring sealed high-pressure piston design, which stops any lubricant from leaking from the pump head. The metallic head case is very durable and can easily survive a few falls. The air bleeder valve doesn’t let air bubbles block the grease flow. The canister of the gun is built with cold drawn steel tube. The grease refill tubes can be installed in the valve with ease.
The package includes a grease gun your flexible hose, zerk fitting, hardline, and a grease tip. I would recommend adding the Lock and Lube quick coupler. Sometimes does zerk fitting gets stuck. This will help with that problem. The hose seems to fit many fittings. It also includes a 5-½-inch hard metal extension tube with a sharp nozzle. There is also a battery included.
Bravex grease gun provides you with both good performance and durability. It provides non-stop lubrication with ease. The high capacity battery will last till your lubrication job is done. If you have never assembled a grease gun before, you may find it a bit challenging. Bravex grease gun has a pre-installed coupler, so that makes things a bit easier.
Bravex SW-02 comes with a 3-year warranty. It is very powerful and can even lubricate clogged fittings. Best results can be seen with automotive and trailer lubrication. Some may find the assembly a bit hard because grease guns have complex structures but the instruction manual will help. Bravex SW-02 is a powerful lubrication gun and is also very durable. Its ease of use and comfortable rubber grip makes it very convenient for professionals and beginners alike.
Features:
- Max operating pressure: 6000 PSI
- Hose length: 18 inches
- Has a three-way grease loading system
- Non-slip rubber grip
- 5-1/2-inch hard metal extension tube
- O-ring sealed high-pressure piston design
- Cold drawn steel tube canister
- Weight: 3.49 pounds
Pros:
- The rubber grip makes it easy to hold for long lubrication jobs
- Is powerful and stable
- The air bleeder valve removes air pockets
- Very durable
- Comes with a 3-year warranty
Cons:
- The coupler can become problematic sometimes
- Beginners may find the assembly a bit hard
2. Lincoln 1134 – Best Heavy Duty Pistol Grip Grease Gun
Lincoln 1134 delivers where other models fail. It has the power to withstand the abuse of even the harshest lubrication environments due to its encased piston assembly and cast aluminum head. It is extremely durable as well as comfortable. Its usability design adds to its worth.
Lincoln 1134 grease gun comes with a superb build quality at a reasonable price. Although it looks expensive at first, the price is nothing as compared to its classy features. Its cast head is a composition of highly durable metal so, it can hold out strong pressure and sudden blows. Moreover, it is also rust-resistant, and you can store it in open spaces.
The product comprises an 18-inch hose with a coupler and 6-inch rigid extension that provides easy access to all grease fittings. The coupler functions very well and can be attached and detached from the Zerk fitting easily. Its package comes with the main parts and some replacement parts of the grease gun. Moreover, the parts are not in the assembled form and you have to assemble them on your own.
It develops the operating pressure of 7500 PSI which is slightly higher than the standard for most of the standard grease guns. The tube is quite narrow but sturdy. Although its installation is tight, it is easy to remove for cleaning.
All in all, the Lincoln 1134 pistol grip grease gun provides its users with a pleasant experience. It serves as a must-have tool for all technicians as it can work efficiently even in the toughest environments.
This type of grease gun is very easy to use especially if you have a minimal amount of greasing order. Lincoln 1134 is ideal for compact tractors lawnmowers and different things like that. You can use a locking coupler with these guns as well if you just kind of want to make it cleaner overall. But it’s not as big of an advantage as it would be a lever-handle grease gun.
Features:
- Maximum operating pressure: 7500 PSI
- The grease delivery rate: 1 ounce per 50 strokes
- Hose length: 18 inches whip hose with coupler
- The hose comes with a coupler and a 6-inch rigid extension
- Comes with a combination filler nipple/air bleeder
- Loading options: Cartridge, suction, or bulk
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
Pros:
- Jam proof handle return mechanism
- Bleeder valve/filler nipple combination
- Offers three-way loading: cartridge, suction, and bulk that provides convenience
- The “flip over” feature eliminates grease bypass
- Rugged single-piece head casting
- The extra heavy follower spring guarantees positive priming and uninterrupted pumping action.
- Sturdy and durable built makes it the best grease gun
- Easy to set up and use
Cons:
- Sometimes gets vapor-locked and could not pump
- Rod is quite difficult to latch-up
- Return policy and customer service are very poor
3. LockNLube 151 – Best Lever Grease Gun
LockNLube has successfully made a name for itself in the past decade with its quality products and innovative designs. The LockNLube 151 is perfect for professionals. This grease gun will allow you frustration-free all day long lubrication. Its maximum operating pressure is 10000 PSI. As is clear from its name, it locks and doesn’t leak at all when not in use. The handle has an integrated clip and a lock and loop system.
This powerful grease gun comes with an in-line hose swivel and a 20 inches long whip hose. This pistol grip grease gun comes with the bestselling LockNLube grease coupler. It has an aluminum head which adds to the overall durability and lightness of the gun. The locking notch on the bottom plate makes reloading very fast and easy. It also reduces the risk of knocking the follower rod out of place. LockNLube 151 comes with a bulk-fill valve and an air bleeder valve.
LockNLube 151 can hold a maximum of 14.5 Oz of grease. The strokes per ounce rating is 28. It weighs about 3.9 pounds. It has a robust build and is very easy to use. The tip locks, so you won’t have to use both of your hands. It locks tight enough so no grease leaks from around the fitting. It may leak if it’s not tightened properly. Beginners may have difficulty assembling it.
LockNLube grease gun is durable, lightweight, and very easy to use. Its loop and lock mechanism makes carrying and storing it easy. Its long hose makes reaching any zerk fitting very easy. The replacement seal kit increases the life of this tool. It operates cleanly and efficiently.
Features:
- Max operating pressure: 10000 PSI
- The grease delivery rate: 1 ounce per 28 strokes
- Hose length: 20 inches
- Grease holding capacity: 14.5 ounces
- Comes with an in-line hose swivel
- Comes with an air bleeder valve and bulk filler valve
- Weight: 3.9 pounds
Pros:
- The loop and lock mechanism allows for secure and clean lubrication
- The pistol handle is ergonomic and comfortable
- The gun is light and durable
- Can reach tricky fittings with in-line hose swivel
Cons:
- If not tightened properly, it may leak from various spots
- Some users think that the locking tip is a tad bigger
4. DeWalt DCGG571M1 – Best Cordless Grease Gun
The DeWALT DCGG571M1 cordless grease gun delivers just the right amount of grease. It uses a Li-Ion battery that lasts for up to 16 cartridges. Its maximum operating pressure is 10,000 PSI. It is suitable for jobs that require a high flow of grease. Its pump can deliver up to 5 ounces per minute.
Its grease application is precise, which is ensured by the variable speeds. This tool has onboard lighting for working in dark places. Its flex hose has a length of 42 inches, which is quite long. The metal head casing is very durable. This 20V gun can withstand harsh lubrication environments. DeWALT grease gun comes with a kit box and includes a shoulder strap, charger, and a 20V battery.
It is most appropriate for use in automotive repair, heavy equipment maintenance, agriculture industry, and manufacturing, and MRO. Since it is cordless, you can easily operate it with one hand. It is user friendly and suitable for beginners. Its pump comes with a filter that keeps contaminants away from the pump.
DeWalt DCGG571M1 has a no-mar foot design so the user can rest it on any flat surface once they are done with the lubrication. The air bleeder valve removes air while the cartridge is changed. DeWalt DCGG571M1 cordless gun is rechargeable and lasts long in hard lubrication jobs. The LED lights allow you to work in poorly lit workspaces. It is durable and very powerful.
Features:
- Max operating pressure: 10,000 PSI
- The pump can push 5 Oz grease per minute
- Comes with a 20V battery
- The hose length: 42 inches
- The pump has a filter screen for keeping dirt away
- On-board LED lighting
- Has variable speed triggers
- Has an air bleeder valve
- Weight: 14.8 pounds
Pros:
- Is user-friendly
- The rubber grip makes holding it easy and comfortable
- Has a 3-year warranty
- Allows reaching hard fittings
- Smart no-mar foot design allows resting it on flat surfaces
Cons:
- Some complain that the factory-installed coupler is hard to remove in case you want to put your own
- May leak from some places if not tightened properly
5. Astro Pneumatic Tool 101 – Best Mini Grease Gun
The Astro Pneumatic Tool 101 mini lubrication gun can even be used for greasing heavy equipment. It weighs only 9.6 ounces, which is very light. You can use this gun for lubrication in narrow spaces without hurting your wrists.
Since it has a traditional design and works by creating a vacuum in the tube to pull the grease, it doesn’t require batteries or an adapter; this will save you from the extra cost. Astro Pneumatic grease gun needs to be filled manually, which is not hard to do at all. It can handle about 3 ounces of lubricant.
Astro Pneumatic Tool is very portable and can even fit in a toolbox but, if you want to use it for lubrication jobs that require more grease, then you might have to refill it multiple times. Astro Pneumatic grease gun performs efficiently with an uninterrupted flow. It is lightweight and very reliable. It is simple to use and doesn’t need any assembly at all. Astro Pneumatic is a very useful tool to have around your house or workplace.
Features:
- Has a needle nozzle
- Holds 3 ounces of lubricant
- Solid metal construction
- Warranty: 1-year
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
Pros:
- Very simple and easy to use
- Is very lightweight
- Sturdy construction
- Can be used with one hand
- Can lubricate many kinds of grease fittings
Cons:
- Clean up may take more time if an oil change is required
- Holds a small amount of lubricant
Buyer’s Guide: Types of Grease Guns
Grease guns can be small or large and are sold in various formats and configurations. The following are a few types of grease guns that can be found on the market:
Lever Grease Gun
They are also known as manual grease guns. The lever handle gun is probably the most common design and the most popular style grease gun 10-20 or more years ago. These guns use a simple trigger mechanism to operate. The user can control the flow rate of the lubricant by managing his/her physical squeezing force.
They are rather simple and don’t have to be connected to any external device. The problem is you need three hands to use this if you don’t have a rigid tube. And with a rigid tube, you can’t always get in where you need to get to greases fitting.
If you got a locking coupler it makes the lever handle grease gun pretty ideal. You can reach up to different zerk fittings that might normally be out of reach of a rigid tube.
Hand Pump Grease Guns
These grease guns have a pressurized hand pump or piston. This hand pump is primed before use to build up pressure. There is a trigger mechanism in place which then releases the pressure and forces the lubricant to flow out through the fitting. This is why they are even marketed as pistol grip grease guns.
Pneumatic Grease Guns
These guns find greater use in commercial and industrial applications. These air-powered models use an external air compressor to force the lubricant out; that pressure is provided to the tool in a mechanized way, which is why they are also called automatic models. These models are quicker and easy to use as compared to the above two.
Battery Powered Grease Guns
The basic lubricant oozing mechanism of these types of guns is the same as the above-mentioned guns. The only difference is that they come with batteries that provide power to the gun to build up the required pressure for forcing out the lubricant. That’s a great option if you don’t mind spending a little extra money and you have a lot of greases to do or if you just want something easy and clean to grease with.
How to Choose the Best Grease Gun
To buy the best grease gun on the market, you must keep in mind the important aspects that make it stand out. You have to keep the following factors in mind while selecting the best device for yourself:
Durability
You must consider the durability of the device. If it cannot stand the rigor of the job, then you should probably look elsewhere. Avoid a plastic build. Plastic grease guns will not be able to handle falls. A grease gun should be able to handle scratches and bumps.
Ease of Use
These devices must be user-friendly, especially if you have never used one before. Avoid grease guns with difficult assembly. The gun should be simple to use. A gun with multiple features may sound tempting but that will make it complicated to use. Ease of use saves time and unnecessary frustration.
Amount of Lubricant
Determine the amount of lubricant you usually need to use for your lubrication jobs. Do you need the grease gun for your DYI projects or is it for your automotive repair shop? Defining the purpose of the grease gun will let you know whether you need a high-end, high-volume gun or just a portable small gun such as an Astro Pneumatic grease gun.
Max Pressure and Strokes per Ounce
Manufacturers often mention the features of the gun in the product description – they vary from gun to gun. A more powerful and expensive grease gun will have more PSI rating and strokes per ounce. If you don’t understand these things and buy a gun that is not suitable for the job, then you might end up under or over lubricating your machine.
Points to Be Lubricated
Identify the unusual areas that you need to grease. Some areas are much easier to reach with a certain type of grease gun. By identifying the lubrication points, you’ll also find out what type of gun you need. You may need a rigid or flexible extension depending upon your purpose.
Fittings and Attachments
The type of grease gun you need can also vary with the type of fitting you may use. Different guns work best with some fittings. Some fittings have a ball check at the head, which prevents dirt from reaching the bearing.
Loading Manner
While reviewing the device you want to buy, also check its loading manner. Different guns use different manners of grease loading. It may be by bulk, suction fill, or cartridge. Choose whatever you find the most convenient and easy.
Troubleshooting: Removing Air Pockets
Sometimes when you’re using the pistol grip if this doesn’t bleed out the air. You can loosen the barrel. Give it a few pumps and it should prime taking their backup and once she has primed you’re good to go stand. It’s time you change your tube grease. It should not give you any more problems.
How To Set Up Your Grip Grease Gun
FAQs
How do grease guns work?
A grease gun is called a gun because of its shape and basic mechanism. Manual grease guns force the lubricant out of the gun. Triggers can also force the grease from the barrel to the hose. The barrel is the area where the grease is stored. This oil is initially supplied to the barrel from the cartridge.
Some grease guns have paths for the grease to travel to a fixed or flexible tube. Guns have a part called the filler nipple; this is where the fluid is instilled from the pump. When the grease enters the head of the pump, the air escapes it. Springs provide pressure for the plunger. The follower rod helps the plunger as it puts the necessary pressure on the tube.
How do I change the grease gun cartridge?
Twist the body of your grease gun to separate the head of the cartridge and gun. Remove the head. Remove the string in the back of the grease gun, this will help in popping out the cartridge. Use paper to remove the cartridge.
What are grease guns used for?
Grease guns lubricate the joints and bearings of your machine; this reduces friction and increases the life of the machine. Greasing is important for the proper maintenance of mechanical equipment. Grease guns provide an exact and efficient application of the lubricant fluid. Grease guns have a variety of applications in various industries and DIY settings, but the following are its more common uses:
*Agricultural vehicles and machines
*Automobile maintenance
*Factory, plant, and processing systems
*Lawnmowers and chainsaw etc.
How do I store grease guns?
Store the cartridge tubes upright. Depressurize the gun if you are leaving the cartridges in it. Wipe it clean and place it horizontally in a cool and dry place; this will prevent leaking.
What are the signs of under-greasing?
If you under-grease your machinery, the bearings will starve; this will lead to wearing and contamination.
What are the signs of over-greasing?
If you apply too much grease, then you may notice ruined seals, high heat production, increased use of energy, and high oxidation of grease.
Final Thoughts
Bravex SW-02 is the best heavy-duty pistol grip grease gun available on the market. Some customers are extremely satisfied with its performance. They are in love with its amazing features such as the jam-proof handle return and three-way cartridge loading. On the other hand, some customers are also complaining about the poor performance, but it may be due to the improper setup. Users should be very careful while setting it up so that they can get the maximum performance. All in all, this tool is worth your consideration, and you should go for it if you want to do some quality work.
Grease guns are very useful tools if you work with machinery a lot. They also come in handy in your daily life sometimes. There are various types of lubricant guns and we have enlisted the 5 best powerful and small grease guns in this review. Some are more portable, while others hold high grease volume and are large. We would recommend only selecting a gun that fits your needs. If you have any questions please let us know.
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