Grease gun
A grease gun is a common workshop and garage tool used for lubrication. The purpose of the grease gun is to apply lubricant through an aperture to a specific point, usually from a grease cartridge to a grease fitting or 'nipple'. The channels behind the grease nipple lead to where the lubrication is needed. The aperture may be of a type that fits closely with a receiving aperture on any number of mechanical devices. The close fitting of the apertures ensures that lubricant is applied only where needed. There are four types of grease gun:
- Hand-powered, where the grease is forced from the aperture by back-pressure built up by hand-cranking the trigger mechanism of the gun, which applies pressure to a spring mechanism behind the lubricant, thus forcing grease through the aperture.
- Hand-powered, where there is no trigger mechanism, and the grease is forced through the aperture by the back-pressure built up by pushing on the butt of the grease gun, which slides a piston through the body of the tool, pumping grease out of the aperture.
- Air-powered (pneumatic), where compressed air is directed to the gun by hoses, the air pressure serving to force the grease through the aperture. Russell Gray, inventor of the air-powered grease gun, founded Graco based on this invention.[citation needed]
- Electric, where an electric motor drives a high pressure grease pump. These are often battery-powered for portability.
The grease gun is charged or loaded with any of the various types of lubricants, but usually a thicker heavier type of grease is used.
It was a close resemblance to contemporary hand-powered grease guns that gave the nickname to the World War II-era M3 submachine gun.[1]
Caution when using grease gun
- Keep your face away from the discharge port to avoid spraying. Some undesirable things such as machine dust and chemicals may spew out if you stay close to the tool
- Read the instructions carefully and perform maintenance regularly
- Always wear protective equipment (protective gear, shoes,...) when installing and disassembling
- Do a daily check
- Use strictly according to specification
- Stop using when you feel it is dangerous or unusual
- Prevent water and dust from entering the machine as these impurities may affect the grease quality
- Oil in the machine may be spilled, so please operate with care[2]
See also
References
- ^ Ingram, Mike (2001). The MP40 Submachine Gun. Zenith Imprint. p. 85. ISBN 0760310149.
- ^ "Everything about Grease gun". Daniel Duong. Retrieved Sep 20, 2019.