Are you in search of a grease gun that suits your needs perfectly?
Whether you are a DIYer or a home mechanic, the first time of buying a grease gun can be confusing. Then you are in the right place.
With this article, you will be fully equipped with:
- Perfect guide to choose the right grease gun.
- Detailed review of the 7 best grease guns in 2021.
Excited? Let’s get started.
Grease gun buying guide
Basic features you need to consider
Hose length
For any machine lubrication to be effective, there must be a thorough grease application to all tight areas and hidden corners. Regardless, you can reach all corners of your machine with the aid of the flexible hose at the very front of the gun.
The length of hoses varies from grease gun to grease gun. While some may be as long as 48 inches, some are just 18 inches in length. If the hose length is short, you may not be able to apply grease in some very tight spaces. But with long hoses, easy lubrication of difficult machine parts is a sure bet. All in all, the longer the hose, the better.
Besides, if the hose is rigid, you may find it difficult to adjust and control the gun properly when applying grease to some hidden parts of the machine. So, go for the flexible.
Pressure rating (PSI)
The power of a grease gun to push out a large amount of grease lies in its pressure rating. Before making a purchase, you should check the gun’s pressure rating to be sure it has enough power. As you’d probably expect, the higher the rating, the easier it is to push out grease from the gun.
Types of grease guns
Manual grease guns
There are two types of manual grease guns: pistol grip and lever grip that use no other power source other than manual labor. Manual grease guns are the most popular and economical type, mostly found in home garages.
Of all grease gun types, hand levers are the most common. They supply as much as 1.28 grams of grease on a single pump. If you are working on machine parts or grease fittings where precision is not so critical, you’ll find some of the best hand pump grease guns handy.
- Lever grip grease gun:
Recommended hose length: 20″
Recommended pressure rating: 10,000 PSI
- Pistol grip grease gun:
Recommended hose length: 18″
Recommended pressure rating: 7,000 PSI
Battery-powered grease guns
Battery-powered grease guns are cordless ones, and they deliver both power and convenience in a small, lightweight package. Look no further for greasing tools that deliver the highest amounts of pressure.
These tools have variable rates of grease flow, and they can be easily adjusted to control the quantity of grease released on every flow. Best suited for heavy machinery, battery-powered grease guns are also perfect for precision grease applications.
- Recommended hose length: 42″ or 48″
- Recommended pressure rating: 10,000 PSI
- Recommended battery:
Voltage (V): Battery voltages vary from grease gun to grease gun, and they are usually of three types: 12V/18V/20V. When the voltage is higher, the power is higher. However, the weight is heavier, and of course, the price is more expensive. But in general, 18V and 20V are the most commonly used.
Capacity (Ah): The capacity of the battery decides how long the gun lasts. It also determines how powerful the tools are. Higher capacity batteries have more cells (with parallel connection), which will deliver much more current (amps).
For 18V: get a 4.0Ah battery
For 20V: get a 5.0Ah battery
Brand: It is most advisable you buy a battery with the same brand as the grease gun.
Pneumatic grease guns
For a grease gun to use air pressure, it can build up to 6,000 PSI. Awesome, right? But that’s not all; such grease guns can also be fine-tuned for precision.
Some models of pneumatic greasing tools allow you to adjust the quantity of grease released on every stroke, while some are set to deliver just a fixed amount. Regardless, you can use it all for more specific maintenance jobs that do not require a very high PSI.
- Recommended hose length: 30″
- Recommended pressure rating: 6,000PSI
Mini grease guns
As the name implies, the mini grease gun is the type of lubricating tool you can use for mini projects. Given its small size, it is mostly used in homes and private business places; and it is an essential tool for tweaking equipment or machines.
- Recommended hose length: 12″
- Recommended pressure rating: 3,000PSI
American-made grease guns
There are several greasing tools made in America, from Alemite to Milton, down to SAE products heavy duty lever action grease guns. With such tools, smooth lubrication is made a no-brainer. You can easily lubricate your equipment yourself without requiring too much effort.
- Recommended hose length: 18″
- Recommended pressure rating: 6,000PSI
Electric grease guns
Electric grease guns work just like the battery-powered ones, but they are not exactly the same. They must be plugged into a power source. In electric guns, the pressure is also driven by an electric motor, and the motor drives pressure at a very high level. However, it is usually less-handy and may require a longer hose.
- Recommended hose length: 30″
- Recommended pressure rating: 7,000PSI
Keep in mind that this type of corded electric grease gun is not popular anymore because it is not portable. You may want to consider buying a battery-powered gun instead.
Top grease gun brands
There are many grease gun brands out there, but only a few can be classified as ‘best.’ The following brands have been found to be outstanding. So, before you ask, “what is the best grease gun to buy,” let’s check out the best brands available.
Milwaukee
Milwaukee is a brand everyone should love. Not only does it produce great greasing tools for the efficiency of work in homes and industries, but it also focuses on delivering innovative solutions that’d make users a thousand times more productive.
DEWALT
DEWALT has been around for about ninety-five years now. With headquarters in Towson, MD, the brand boasts a place on the list of biggest names in power and hand tools worldwide.
The company specializes in the production of quality equipment that can last for decades, and they frequently feature among the five-star sellers of the best grease guns.
Lincoln Industrial
Lincoln Industrial is highly reputed for making quality power and hand tools. And since the brand’s products are available worldwide, you can rest assured of a perfect purchase—the products will serve you till hell freezes over.
LockNLube
The LockNLube grease gun brand has its headquarters in West Lebanon, New Hampshire, and it specializes majorly in grease solutions for both heavy and automotive machinery. You can hardly ever ignore LockNLube’s products on the market—they are quite very much unrivaled in product selection.
Bravex
Bravex is a perfect choice for you if you’re looking for something not-so-premium yet with an absolutely decent greasing performance. The brand produces grease guns that work at a high-efficiency rate, and even though they come very cheap, they deliver the same 6,000 PSI power pressure as most of the other grease guns out there.
Lnchett
Lnchett makes one of the most powerful grease guns on the market. Besides being strong and powerful, its products come with loads of amazing features and perks that help to increase greasing efficiency and reduce friction in machines.
Astro
Astro pneumatic tool company is where you can access all kinds of contemporary automotive tools. They make grease guns you can use anywhere, any time, and without stress. With more than 40 years of expertise in sourcing and innovation, you can be sure to get the best from this brand.
Grease gun pricing
Under $20
This price point gives you just a few basic grease gun options to select from. The majority of the options available here are pistol grip, lever action, or mini grease guns, and they come with nozzles that can either be flexible or straight. Of course, the qualities of grease guns under $20 vary greatly, but you can get a perfect tool to keep your machines running smoothly.
Keep in mind that not all companies making grease guns can be trusted—some brands sell products that are way too low in quality. So, if you are going for something quite cheap, you should ensure proper cautions and confirm that the company is real.
$20-$70
Here’s some sort of middle-range pricing, and it consists of grease guns from $20 up to $70. You will find quite several quality options that are good and highly efficient in this range. Though many will be pistol grip and lever grip grease guns, there are still a couple of air-operated grease guns in the category.
Over $70
Grease guns that cost more than $70 are mostly battery-operated and electric. They are the best options for industrial purposes, and they deliver the highest amount of pressure per pump.
Under this range, you will also find products that work perfectly for automotive applications. However, they are a better plunge for professional mechanics—the home mechanics do not really need them.
Other considerations
Ergonomics
All over the world, grease guns are in different sizes and shapes. Whether you want them big and hulking or prefer yours to be small and portable, there’s one for you.
No one likes discomfort, so you may want to consider the gun’s convenience, among other things. Check out for grease guns that fit perfectly into your hand and can be used easily without stress.
Action types
Yes, abuse is inevitable when the purpose of a thing is not known. You’ve probably got a brand or two you admire the most, but before settling for any grease gun, you should ensure that it serves the exact purpose you need it for.
If you are not oiling up your car undersides, you might be looking to grease components on a chainsaw or lawnmower. And if none of these two options falls within the scope of what you need exactly, you’d probably be requiring a grease gun that’s truly multi-functional (one that can be used for quite a number of purposes, such as lever action grease guns). Grease guns are of different types, and each has its own particular use.
Tube length
Your grease gun might not deliver properly if the length of the nozzle tube is quite too short. To grease your machinery in the most effective way possible, you need a more extended, flexible nozzle.
Flexible nozzles are best for smooth greasing, and they help to make your work easier. You can find them in an array of lengths and choose one that suits your particular needs.
Quality
The operation of a grease gun can only be as smooth as its quality. If you are particular about running a hassle-free operation, you should consider your tool’s quality.
With high-quality greasing tools, your efficiency increases, and you eliminate stress that comes with working with a stiff machine. That’s not all; they dispense grease precisely and evenly. They also get rid of air pockets via a bleeder valve. For effective results with your grease guns, endeavor to use the best lubricant for guns.
Materials
The best grease guns on the market today are made with metal, so if you are looking for something that will stand the test of time and serve you till hell freezes over, you know what to select. The low-quality options are ones that are mostly fashioned with some plastic components too. Unlike the purely metallic guns, they are likely to break and wear out with frequent use.
Safety
Before you jump on a grease gun and cough up hundreds of dollars to have it in your arsenal, be sure it poses no risk whatsoever to your well-being. In some extremely rare cases, a grease gun might not be safe for use in particular regards. So, you should know which tool is best for what purpose and use such accordingly.
Best grease guns review
This best grease guns review 2021 highlights the 7 best grease guns available in 2021. The products are top choices for their features, price, and durability. Check them out while you prepare to make a purchase choice.
Milwaukee 2646-20 – Best 18V cordless grease gun
Pros
- Difficult-to-reach fittings can easily be reached with this tool
- The product’s electric motors are super cool
- It saves time and reduces frustration that comes with greasing
- Easy to use and work with
Cons
- The price is a little bit too high
- The grease gun tubes can sometimes be very problematic
This cordless tool is quite handy, and it gives users absolute freedom for control and movement. It also delivers a maximum of 10,000 PSI power pressure and makes greasing stress-free.
The Milwaukee grease gun is made with top-quality materials, and it is generally designed to minimize discomfort. It comes with an air bleeder valve that enables speedy priming, and it has two distinctive flow rates for users to choose from.
Thanks to the lock-on/lock-off trigger, users can grease machine conveniently without stress. The product also has a battery that can be recharged—the battery is strong enough to run about 10 different grease cartridges after a single charge.
The Milwaukee gun comes with a 48″ flexible hose that enables access to remote parts of the machine. And if properly taken care of, it can last for decades without a repair. In all, the product has a warranty of 5 years.
Verdict: The product is generally very helpful and easy to use. Though the Milwaukee product might not be the best for every kind of machinery, it is most suitable for professional and industrial uses.
DEWALT DCGG571B – Best 20V cordless grease gun
Pros
- The grease gun offers a high pump pressure
- Operators can rest the tool on flat surfaces
- It makes for easy handling and loading
- You can easily control the flow of grease from the gun
- Enables easy lubrication of dark fittings or gadgets
Cons
- Grease pumps out almost too quickly
- The tool is heavy and unsuitable for many applications
- The bare version does not come with a battery
Featuring a strong motor that delivers a whopping 10,000 PSI, DEWALT DCGG571B is arguably the best 20V cordless grease gun on the market. It has a lithium-ion powering cordless motor, and it can push as much as 16 cartridges on a single charge.
Also, DEWALT DCGG571B grease guns feature bright LED lights that enable easy greasing in dark spaces, plus an anti-dregs filter that keeps the pump system out of harm’s way. You can as well control the flow of grease easily by using the tool’s pressure-sensitive trigger.
The DEWALT gun boasts an anti-scuff foot feature that helps you to set down the tool on smooth, flat surfaces while it is still in use. Besides, the tool’s inner parts are designed with die-cast magnesium, which guarantees a top-notch overall quality.
This gun is quite very small and compact, yet it delivers a vast amount of greasing pressure. Though it doesn’t come at a very low price, it is a product you can always trust for efficiency.
Verdict: The DEWALT gun is best for users with enough cash to part with. Nevertheless, the tool is arguably the best quality grease gun out there. In general, DEWALT grease guns are best for heavy machinery and large vehicles, and they are just the perfect option for those who own one.
Lincoln 1162 – Best pneumatic grease gun
Pros
- Easily clean up hardened or contaminated grease residues on the gun
- Great quality and excellent construction
- It makes for easy handling and loading
- Gun has a very solid handle that is free of play
- The tool’s prime is arguably the fastest you’ll ever find on the market
Cons
- The product sometimes leaks oil and frustrates greasing
- Not a perfect tool for first-time handlers
Lincoln grease gun is entirely air-operated, and it operates continuously. It makes use of pressurized air when passing grease out of the nozzle and controls the speed of grease flow while in use. Depending on the kind of equipment or machine you’re working on, you can slow down or speed up the release/flow of grease at will.
The tool has a variable-speed trigger for a top-notch control of grease flow. You don’t have to stop at intervals while working—the gun keeps running till the cartridge within is totally empty.
There’s a 30-inch high-pressure hose with both a coupler and an attachment clip, and it helps users control the flow of grease easily. Choosing the best grease gun is important, and the best coupler, too. A good coupler will help your lubrication easier. The product also has a combination of filler coupler and air bleeder for an easy release of trapped air.
The Lincoln gun delivers up to 6,000 PSI maximum grease pressure, making it strong enough to deal with tough and hard conditions. With this product, durability is a sure bet. You can use it for as long as you wish to and have it till hell freezes over.
Verdict: Well-built for all kinds of greasing jobs, the Lincoln 1134 is yet the best pneumatic grease gun you can purchase. Besides being suitable for home use, it makes work easy for those who work in industrial environments, even if they have to repeat the process daily.
Lnchett LN011 – Best pistol grip grease gun
Pros
- Lnchett grease gun is quite very affordable
- The safety clip enables a harm-free greasing process
- Product works exactly the way it is designed
- The tool’s pressure is solid enough to get a job done within minutes
Cons
- Internal parts loosen when disconnecting from zerk fitting
- Product may give off no pressure after multiple uses
Lnchett has a solid make-up of a great steel barrel that keeps it strong and durable. Under normal circumstances, you can use the tool for years without repairing it time after time. The product comes with 2 metal-extension tubes, 2 reinforced standard couplers, 1 sharp-type nozzle for smooth greasing, and an 18-inch flex hose. You may have tried other products with loads of amazing features, but with these features, greasing is made a thousand times easier.
There’s a thick, rubber-like sleeve situated around the gun’s barrel that provides extra grip when greasing gets slippery. Yes, working for long hours can make the machine (or even your hands) get slippery, but at those points when it seems like the gun would drop off your hands and land heavily on your feet, this will serve as a ‘Messiah’. Also, the tool’s pistol grip handle makes comfort a no-brainer.
The air-release valve feature is one crucial part of the Lnchett gun. With it, you can allow air to escape from the gun’s tube right after the addition of new grease. This makes room for easy lubrication and smooth greasing.
The tool’s spring is twice as strong as any typical spring out there, and it also provides some additional pressure to the gun’s plunger. If you really want to know how solid a grease gun is, check its spring.
Verdict: Product ranks highest among affordable and the best hand grease guns. It also stands distinct in many of the best grease guns review. It offers easy and safe pumping for use in any type of environment and is best suitable for heavy machines with so many hidden parts. With its long-lasting feature, you don’t need to fret over getting another grease gun in years to come.
LockNLube LNL151 – Best lever grip grease gun
Pros
- LockNLube is durable and well built
- Grease coupler locks into fittings allowing hands-free pumping
- Product offers maximum efficiency and a higher work rate
- Easy to use and replace loose parts
Cons
- More expensive compared to similar models
- Product may not fit into small grease tubes
The LockNLube product comes with a grease coupler that keeps the hose fixed to the grease gun’s head and enables a hassle-free greasing process. It also comes with a highly coveted 20-inch hose length and is reasonably lightweight at 3.94 pounds. You don’t have to worry about size; it is quite very portable.
The product comes with a spare kit for you to replace worn-out components easily, and the lever grip grease gun pumps as a maximum whooping pressure of 10,000 PSI–this makes greasing as easy as pie.
With a LockNLube grease gun, you can give up worrying about extreme pressures or angles. Once locked on, the gun’s coupler stays firm—it neither leaks nor pops off the tool’s zerk.
Every LockNLube grease gun comes with a spare kit for seal, and it is entirely free. If, in any case, the seal wears out, you can easily restore them without cost. You don’t have to break a bank or spend hours trying to replace a worn-out grease coupler. Here’s a better option. Grease goes directly into the gun, and it doesn’t spill over unnecessarily. This helps to keep your tool clean and maintained. You can now kiss the mess that comes with a greasing goodbye.
Verdict: Even though the product comes off as relatively costly, it offers excellent value for every dollar spent. What’s more? You get to access the best grease gun accessory kit when you purchase a LockNLube grease gun, and you can use the tool for just any kind of machinery. It’s your best bet for a grease gun with a top-notch work rate and easy pumping.
Astro 101 – Best mini grease gun
Pros
- Perfect for motorbikes and small objects
- Easy to handle and apply
- Product is very budget-friendly
- Has a precision tip for targeted lubrication
Cons
- Not suitable for the object that requires a large amount of grease
- Requires drilling a hole in its tip before use
Astro mini grease gun is built with a needle nozzle for comfortable lubrication. Its needle nozzle and lightweight feature also make it perfect for handling with one hand. The Astro gun weighs only about 1lb, and this enables easy transportation.
The mini grease gun can hold as much as 3 ounces of grease, which is quite mind-blowing for its size. Astro affords buyers a one-year warranty that assures the product’s durability.
This is just a perfect option for those looking to grease machines and equipment around the home. Being a mini grease gun, the tool is quite portable and can be moved around without stress. When not in use, you decide to drop it back into your toolbox and continue with the day’s job.
The tool’s needle-tip nozzle makes it easy for users to target very small areas and carry out precision tasks. The product uses a hand-pump system, so it is the best option for mini projects. Also, you don’t have to empty your account to own this grease gun because it comes at a relatively low price.
Verdict: The Astro mini grease gun is one of the most compact and portable grease guns available. It’s extremely perfect for all household and vehicle needs. It is also the best grease gun for tight spaces. Despite its size, it promises durability and comfortable operation.
Bravex Gun-SW-02 – Best American-made grease gun
Pros
- Easy to lubricate small holes and fittings
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- It prevents leakage through pump heads
- Has perfect, powerful grip and durability
Cons
- Not suitable for household use or small objects
- Components tend to wear out easily
Produced in the USA, the Bravex heavy duty grease gun boasts a non-slip rubber grip at its bottom canister for easy and safe handling. The pistol grip gun also comes with couplers, an extension tube, and a highly durable spring guard that aid quick and easy greasing.
The Bravex grease gun is built with a highly flexible 18-inch hose that makes the control of grease flow seamless, and it affords a maximum pressure of 6,000 PSI that promises efficiency and a reasonable work rate.
The durability level of this product is super high, and it comes with a low variance ID feature that helps to prevent the leakage of grease when you’re applying in bulk. It also has the Air-valve feature that aids the elimination of air pockets. If you’re looking for a grease gun that’s totally made in America, here’s your luck.
Verdict: The Bravex grease gun is undoubtedly one of the best heavy-duty grease guns. From industrial to automotive uses, it is best suited to take on gadgets’ biggest and toughest. It easily passes off as one of the sturdiest and most durable grease guns in the market.
FAQs
1. Which is better, Milwaukee or Dewalt grease gun?
Both producers make some of the best cordless grease guns. They also offer a similar PSI pressure. So, the best grease gun depends on what you are looking out for. The DEWALT grease gun is perfect for big appliances and machines. However, its battery life is quite limited.
However, Milwaukee grease guns offer a lock feature and easy priming. Yet, it is relatively more expensive. Thus, your choice of either should be based on the function you’d like your grease gun to perform.
2. Should I oil the inside of a gun barrel?
Producers make the inside of gun barrels from steel. It’s possible for the steel to rust and destroy the grease gun. So, it’s best to oil your oil barrel to keep it lubricated and free from rust.
3. How much pressure can a grease gun produce?
The pressure from a grease gun depends on type and age. First, the type of grease gun determines how much pressure it produces. The lowest tier of grease guns produces as little as 1,000 PSI. On the flip side, higher-end grease guns can let out pressure of up to 15,000 PSI.
Moreover, the pressure of a grease gun reduces over the course of use. As a result, a 2-year-old grease gun’s pressure will be significantly lower than a brand-new gun of the same type.
4. How often should I clean my gun if I don’t use it?
It is best to clean your grease gun twice every month if you don’t use it. However, you should try to clean and learn how to maintain your grease gun before and after each use. If your gun stays too dirty for too long or are not used properly, you may have to throw it away.
Final Thoughts
Grease guns provide an excellent, stress-free method to lubricate your gadgets. Fortunately, there’s a wide range of the best grease guns for you to choose from. Yet, you must consider all relevant factors before deciding what grease gun to buy.
For household uses, manual and smaller size grease guns are perfect for you. However, industrial uses may require powered-battery, electric and pneumatic guns. Either way, ensure you don’t compromise safety and buy within your budget. Thankfully, this best grease guns review 2021 helps you make the right choices.