29-06-2021, 10:06 AM
After a couple of times trying to use a standard grease gun, it occurred to me that filling a gun without mess requires a plan. Don't know what others do, but I unscrew the barrel and trap the the gun vertically in a Workmate to hold it, then pull back the plunger against the spring and trap it by wedging in an old box spanner. Grease is then spooned into the barrel (using a tea spoon kept for this purpose) and air bubbles coaxed out until it can be levelled off at the top. The barrel is then screwed back into the rest of the gun (trapped in the Workmate) and any small excess wiped from the barrel. Removing the box spanner applies the spring pressure.
Originally, I used to juggle two guns under the car because of the two types of nipple. Some of the clip-on ones were worn and did not seal well. So, I decided to put new nipples everywhere. Greasing has been simpler since. I have enough of the brass originals should the next owner want to swap them back.
Once there is no leakage or other loss, the amount of grease used is small.
Originally, I used to juggle two guns under the car because of the two types of nipple. Some of the clip-on ones were worn and did not seal well. So, I decided to put new nipples everywhere. Greasing has been simpler since. I have enough of the brass originals should the next owner want to swap them back.
Once there is no leakage or other loss, the amount of grease used is small.