How to Prime a Grease Gun: The Complete Guide

You've probably heard of a grease gun, but do you know how to prime a grease gun? Well, it is not rocket science! A grease gun uses a compressor and a fluid to apply lubricant. However, there are a few precautions to take when using a grease gun.

Or if you have ever tried to start a grease gun without first pre-priming it, you know what a massive pain it can be. You know how tough it is if you have ever attempted to get your grease gun primed with just your bare hands.

Grease guns are essential tools of any workshop or facility that grease other parts of cars. So, in this article, I will give you some ideas about how to prime grease gun.

What is grease gun priming?

Priming a grease gun is the act of filling it with oil or grease and then firing it up so that the compressor can create a propellant force to push the lubricant out. It is the initial step toward preparing it for use. When you prime your grease gun, you fill the voids inside the barrel and pump assembly with oil. And for this, when you press the trigger, friction will cause a rather vigorous release of pressure – This results in a more rapid and efficient application of your lubricant. You can do this by pouring about a cup of oil into the cylinder with your grease gun.

Over time, it is normal for a grease gun to harden up and lose some lubricity inside its barrel from use. The prime of your greased gun will eliminate these issues so that you'll have smooth-running gears in no time at all! Naturally, beginning hand-priming should be done after loosening the fitting cap.

Why do you need to prime a grease gun?

Priming a grease gun occurs in many forms. They are given below:

1.  Priming a grease gun is important because it fills in the voids inside of the barrel and pump assembly with oil so that when you press the trigger, friction will cause a rather vigorous release of pressure.
2.  Priming grease gun is necessary to overcome the static electricity that can build up on parts in a lubricating system during operation. The Static Discharge Phenomenon (SDP) can cause difficulty in starting grease guns and even causes them to wear out bearings due to particle build-up prematurely. A prime will clean the gun of this static charge and help it start easily each time you use it.
3.  Another reason to prime your grease gun is to eliminate issues with lost lubricity over time. Often, hand priming will eliminate these issues and make your grease gun work smoother than it ever has before.
4.  It makes it easier to start the grease gun by freeing up any built-up pressure.
5.  Another reason for priming is that the "leak-down" at the seal will prevent it from continuing to lubricate.

How to prime a grease gun? (Steps)

Here are a few steps to priming a grease gun:

Step-1 :

It's time to take out the T-handle and rod from the grease gun. Gently press down on the handle to hold it in the open spot. The handle slides into a small groove to keep it open while the grease flows into the gun when loading gun.

Step- 2 :

Detach the blank grease cylinder from the grease gun by unscrewing the metal cylinder from the grease gun. At the end of the gun, the cylinder screws into it.

Step - 3 :

Remove the rubberized cap from one end of your fresh grease tube.

Step- 4 :

Remove the metal tab from the other end.

Step- 5 :

Make sure that the metal-tab end of the new grease tube is facing the dispensing nozzle when you slide it into the metal tube.

Step- 6 :

Return the grease gun's cylinder to its original position.

Step- 7 :

Push the T-handle and rod through the fresh grease pipe 2 to 3 times after opening them. It will make a channel for air to escape from the back of the tube and grease to flow.

Step- 8 :

Squeeze the gun handle several times until the grease begins to flow more frequently through the dispensing nozzle. To avoid getting grease on your floor or work surface, do this over a trash can or a shop rag.

Step- 9 :

Remove the bleed screw from the grease gun's top and pump the grip twice to increase the flow. Once the grease has dispersed freely, tighten the screw. If the grease in your new tube is very cold and thick, you won't need to do this step.

As you are applying grease, pull out the T-handle and rod again. You may need to re-energize your grease gun by pumping it in and out just few times.

Tips for loading and priming the grease gun-

Here's a few clues on how to load and prime the grease gun.

1.  Make sure the end of your grease gun is clear of any debris or material that could get caught in the mechanism during priming.
2.  Prime the grease gun by loading it with a light coating of grease only, not oil or WD-40. It will help to maintain accuracy and function when using the Grease Gun later on in its life span
3.  After you have primed the grease gun, be sure to store it in a clean, dry container.
4.  Never bring the grease gun back into service without testing it to ensure everything works correctly before gripping and applying pressure.
5.  You should clean grease guns at least once every 6 months; use only hot water for this.

FAQ:

Is a grease gun necessary to prime?

No, a grease gun doesn't require priming. Priming the gun will help maintain accuracy and function when using the Grease Gun later in its life span, but you don't need to do it every time you use it.

Why is there no grease coming out of my grease gun?

Several grease gun problems could be going on that are making your gun not work. First, make sure that the end of your grease gun is free of any debris or material that could get caught in the mechanism during priming. Secondly, prime the Grease Gun by loading it with a light coating of grease only; this will help maintain accuracy and function when using it later on in its life span. Finally, after priming your grease gun, be sure to store it in a clean, dry container. Never bring the grease gun back into service without testing it first; then apply pressure if necessary.

What is the ideal method for removing the air from a grease gun?

To remove the air from a grease gun, use a rubber stopper. Place the plunger over the end of the grease gun and push down on it until the air is expelled.

How do you insert a cartridge into a grease gun?

To put a grease cartridge in the gun, you will need to unscrew the top of your grease gun. Next, place the cartridge over the opening on the top of your grease gun and screw it back on.

Conclusion:

Grease guns are a vital part of your shop, garage, or any other workspace. They're also an essential tool for mechanics and DIY-ers who need to grease their devices before use. The question is, how to prime a grease gun? Hope now you understand the whole process.