Equipment World Digital Magazine
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/335762
The weapon Friction is our enemy and lubri- cation is our ally… if applied correctly. As with any alliance, proper lubrication requires careful equipment selection and maintenance. One way to approach lubri- cating construction equipment is comparing it to a soldier's responsibility toward his gun. A soldier knows his weaponry has to be kept in pristine condi- tion and that certain weapons are more effective for specific tasks. The ammunition has to be appropriate for the applica- tion as well, and also must be kept clean. Dirty ammunition can cause a weapon to misfire and jam – which also applies to EquipmentWorld.com | July 2014 43 maintenance | by Preston Ingalls and Mark Barnes Grease guns: a front-line defense in the war on friction How this simple tool can make all the difference – if handled correctly. Types of weapons: Grease guns There are three primary types of grease guns: hand, air and electric. The hand-powered grease guns can use either a lever or a pistol grip. One other major variation among grease guns is how the grease is to be loaded: by suction fill, cartridge (tube) or bulk. Lever (manual) – This is the most common type of grease gun and can supply between 1 and 1.5 grams of grease per pump. The grease is forced through an opening by manual pumping. Pistol grip (manual) – This variation of the lever-type grease gun allows for the one-handed pumping method and is often more desirable than the manual lever type. It provides a little less than a gram per pump. Pneumatic– This grease gun uses compressed air (up to 15,000 psi). Many times, the grease provided to the gun is stored in large barrels, and the air compressor applies the pressure from a pump placed at the top of the barrel, through a pneumatic hose and into the gun. Battery (cordless) – This is a low-voltage, battery-powered grease gun that works similarly to the pneumatic grease gun. It offers the advantage of being cordless. Graphic source: Bennett Fitch, Noria. Figure 1