The workshop has gone through weeks of tireless work. Not only do the workers demand a refresher, but the machines are also in need of some oil-smearing and lubing. All you need is a little time off, some snazzy grease gun, and a bunch of oil to get the wheels and barrows to move smoothly as silk. But have you ever used a grease gun before?
Whether you spend your nine to five at a car garage, fixing up engines and fastening screw after screw, or own a motorbike that you love to death, a sturdy grease gun is the need of the hour for you. The lubricant flowing through an aperture in the tool to a pinpoint location will keep the motors revving up smoothly and the friction at bay.
We acknowledge that using a grease gun for the first time or troubleshooting equipment can be daunting with a hectic routine. So, we have tried to ease your troubles with our feature on How to prime a Grease Gun. Our article sheds light on the importance of prepping the grease gun before use and also offers different tips and tricks to get the job done. So let us dive in!
Contents
Priming- Brushing up your apparatus:
Whether you have just unpacked a brand new piece or the gun has recently run out of its grease supply and needs a cartridge replacement, priming is essential. With the absence of grease in the tool, the hose is empty of any lubricant. This vacant space leads to the buildup of air bubbles and gases.
Have you ever faced the frustration of pumping up the gun only to get blows and whistles from the nozzle in the middle of an important assignment? Priming is a process where you remove this air from the grease gun so the lubricant you inject in can flow out smoothly. This fluidity will help you draw forth the right amount of lube from the tip at a precise point.
Whether you use a hand-powered, air-powered, or electric device, priming is vital to grease up the nuts and bolts with remarkable accuracy. But how to prime a Grease Gun for the best results? Let us find out!
The game plan- Explaining the course of action:
Now that you know about the importance of an excellently primed grease gun, it would be wise to learn the procedure so you can touch up the machines in your shack and groom your automobile with the care it deserves. But first- load up the cartridge:
1. Loading the tube:
Once you have unboxed your brand new gun or figured out that the cartridge is as empty as Satan’s heart, rest assured that it is time for a refill. Pull out the T-handle till it clicks, indicating the opening up. Now unfasten the metal cylinder, and remove the emptied cartridge.
Place the refill tube into space with the opening side facing the nozzle. Once it gets set into place, unbolt the metal disc on the head and replace the front part. Congratulations! You have managed to fill up the grease gun with the much-needed oil with matchless expertise.
2. Twisting the air out:
Once the equipment is loaded up, it is time for the air removal, which helps accomplish the priming process. For this, you need to turn and twirl the barrel (the cavity where the grease rests), so the air will let itself out. Keep rotating the cylindrical body till you see strands of gooey, sticky grease peeking out of the nozzle, or the rod fails to budge anymore.
This mechanism will help you de-air your machine. Though, this is not the only one out there. If you have struggled with letting the air out through this procedure, let us move on to the next one to see if that will help.
3. The charm of the air-bleeder:
The modern grease guns cater to any problem that users have faced while using the pointy hose to polish up their joints and axles. One of them is the air-removal process. The latest guns come with an air-elimination knob or an air bleeder that will help rid the gear of any bubbles or gases.
All you need to do is unscrew the valve so the air can bleed out. Pump up the machine for extra force and stop once you see the oily and effusive paste coming forth from the pore at the side. This grease-voiding is indicative of adequate removal of air from the gun.
Once you get done, screw up the valve and go about your day’s work of honing your machinery.
4. The power of manual pumping:
If all has failed, you can eliminate all the air from the grease gun with your very own hands. Move the T-handle back and forth manually. The pushing and pulling will help ventilate the greasing tool from any air bubbles that may hinder the proper functioning.
Start with the first trick, try and get all the air out, and only move to the next if it doesn’t help you achieve your goal. If you are still left with air in the barrel after all that pushing, twisting, and turning, refer to an expert mechanic to avoid causing any damage to the equipment or yourself.
Now that we have discussed how to prime the grease gun in detail, it is time to move on. Let us go over some tidbits that will help you get any point you haven’t covered or any minute details you may have missed.
The little tips and tricks:
Greasing up the wheels and axles may seem all fun and games, but you have to be on constant vigilance to achieve better results and steer clear from any unforeseen accidents. Here is a quick word on how you may enhance the experience for yourself:
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Choose an appropriate product:
With so many brands offering greasing oils on the block, the product quality may differ. While you may read up on the importance of different grease consistencies, we would like to share the insight that different textures mean varying working powers.
The thick, gooey textures may take longer to get primed as the flow is hindered, so do not worry if the process is lengthier than expected.
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Stick to a product:
We recommend choosing a single greasing product and using it for most of your work. This choice will help you get better at working through its consistency and ensure proper lubrication.
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Keep up with the maintenance:
While grease guns may help groom all your other machinery, they need some care and protection of their own too. It is vital to take care of the maintenance to keep your gun working well over long periods.
Wipe off any dust or debris with a clean and wet washcloth after use, run regular quality checks on the equipment, and looks for any rusts, unhinged pieces, leaks, or cracks. You must leave the use of faulty equipment to the experts or mechanics and should not go beyond your expertise to repair anything.
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Protect yourself:
As you venture forth on your journey to touch up the rough and rusty spots on your gear, it is necessary to take precautions. Wear proper personal protective equipment to keep accidents at bay. You may don rubber gloves, safety goggles, protective clothing, and covered boots for your security.
Also, keep the nozzle off your face while you are pushing and pulling the T-handle or rotating the barrel to stay away from the risks of grease-gun injury caused by extreme pressures from the nozzle.
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Take your time:
Before you begin the priming and greasing, ensure that you have the appropriate equipment for the right job. Insert the right type and size of grease cartridges, do not fit the spare parts of one gun into another, and assemble the apparatus in the right way. Read instructions thoroughly and do not engage in any activity that may cause harm to the property or the lives of fellow workers.
Signing off:
Here is all we had to say about priming a grease gun. With the load of the work shared by the electric appliances and battery-powered devices, using a lubricating agent is inevitable in the workplace. With the right kind of knowledge and an expert hand, you can work through any hazards, obstacles, and challenging situations.
So read up, practice the craft and share knowledge with your fellows about using the latest equipment. Who knows what they might share with you, which will help you go a long way in your field. Keep learning, keep following instructions and keep working with your heart and soul to finish every project and grease up every nut and bolt with matchless efficiency.
And don’t forget to leave your feedback in the comments!
