The purpose of a grease gun is to effectively lubricate contact points found in your car. These include suspension, brakes and other components that need lubrication in order to reduce friction and wear.
The best grease gun is the DEWALT DCGG571M1, which is a cordless unit that delivers 10,000 PSI and includes many intuitive features.
Greasing up components without a gun can be a messy task and often requires you to remove the components. However, using a gun solves this issue and comes with various spray attachments that allow you to grease hard to reach areas.
Table of Contents
Best Grease Gun
| Grease Gun | Type | Max Pressure |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCGG571M1 | Cordless | 10,000 PSI |
| Lincoln 1844 | Cordless | 7,500 PSI |
| Lincoln 1162 | Pneumatic | 6,000 PSI |
| OTC 2310 | Pneumatic | 4,800 PSI |
| Lumax LX-1152 | Manual - Pistol Grip | 7,000 PSI |
| Alemite 500-E | Manual - Lever | 10,000 PSI |
Depending upon your budget, you will have a choice of a manual, pneumatic/air powered or cordless unit. The battery powered cordless grease guns are the most desirable as you have the freedom to move around and still have excellent pressure.
Using a grease gun will completely transform the way you lubricate various automotive components. Not only is it less time consuming but it is less messy too.
Below is a list of the best grease guns that are easy to use and allow you to lubricate all the hard to reach contact points.
Dewalt DCGG571M1 Cordless Grease Gun
Dewalt are one of the most well-known machinery brands in the world and their cordless grease gun is by far the most popular. The battery powered motor delivers a powerful 10,000 PSI, which is more than enough power to push through clogged grease fittings.
It also uses a high-volume pump that is able to output 5.0 ounces per minute for application that need plenty of greasing.
Other features of the DEWALT DCGG571M1 Cordless Grease Gun include:
- 20V Max 4.0 Ah battery
- Variable speed trigger
- 42 inch long flexible hose
- LED light for clearer vision
- Long run time of 16 cartridges per charge
- Pump filter to prevent the pump clogging
Although it is an expensive unit, it is by far the best cordless grease gun available. Unlike cheaper alternatives, it has an extended run time and excellent power to output plenty of grease for larger tasks.
Lincoln 1844 Battery Powered Grease Gun
Lincoln dominate the grease gun market with multiple different types available. The 1844 is a battery powered cordless unit with a 2 speed transmission that provides a high volume output from the 18 volt battery.
The 1844 model is designed for heavy duty usage and this can be seen via the high strength composite body and casting construction.
Other features of the Lincoln 1844 Battery Powered Grease Gun include:
- 7,500 PSI max pressure
- Delivers 10 ounces per minute
- Dispenses up to 10 grease cartridges per charge
- Ergonomically designed
- Heavy duty torque motor
- Includes two batteries
- Dual overload protection
Although it may not offer as much pressure or battery life compared to the Dewalt alternative, it is still outputs more grease per minute. Lincoln are known for their grease guns and the 1844 is their highest performing model and will not disappoint.
Lincoln 1162 Pneumatic Grease Gun
The Lincoln 1162 is an air operated grease gun with a fully automatic variable speed trigger for controlling the flow of grease. Once connected to an air compressor, it is able to produce a maximum pressure of 6,000 PSI.
Other features of the Lincoln 1162 Air Grease Gun include:
- 30 inch high-pressure hose
- Check valve assembly for an easy clean out
- Lightweight at just 5.3 LBS
- Patented anti-cavitation pump
- Includes a 1 year warranty
Overall, the Lincoln 1162 is a popular pneumatic grease gun that provides great performance, durability and grease flow. If you prefer air operated tools, the 1162 model by Lincoln is the best option.
OTC 2310 Air Grease Gun
Another air operated grease gun is the OTC 2310, which is a more affordable alternative to the Lincoln 1162. It is suitable for 14 ounce grease cartridges and developers a maximum pressure rating of 4,800 PSI.
Other features of the OTC 2310 Air Grease Gun include:
- Heavy duty aluminum head
- 24 inch high pressure hose
- Automatic air bleeder system
- 3-jaw slim locking coupler
- Self primes with a fast grease flow rate
Overall, the OTC 2310 is a cheap air grease gun that is well-made with a reputable brand backing the build quality. However, compared with the Lincoln alternative, it does lack the performance.
Lumax LX-1152 Pistol Grip Grease Gun
The Lumax LX-1152 is a pistol grip grease gun that is targeted towards those that are on a budget. Unlike other cheap units, the LX-1152 uses a heavy duty design with a cast-alloy head and reinforced walls for extra strength.
Another clever functionality of this unit is the three way loading system, which allows you to fill with a standard cartridge, suction or bulk fill.
Other features of the Lumax LX-1152 include:
- 7,000 PSI max pressure
- One hand operation
- 18 inch flex hose
- Air bleeder to prevent air pockets
- Oil resistant ergonomic grip
- Outputs 4 oz per 100 strokes
Overall, it is a heavy duty and affordable grease gun with the desirable pistol grip for easy application. The Lumax LX-1152 is highly rated by many professionals and can be used for a variety of different applications.
Alemite 500-E Hand Held Grease Gun
The Alemite 500-E is another manual grease gun that uses a lever to deliver a powerful flow of grease. As with the Lumax LX-1152, you are able to load the lubricant in three methods depending upon your preferences.
In terms of the performance, it is capable of producing 10,000 PSI and delivering 1 ounce of grease per 21 strokes of the lever.
Other features of the Alemite 500-E include:
- 16 oz cylinder capacity
- 18 inch hose
- Die-cast aluminum head
- Vinyl cover on the lever
- Includes coupler and loader fitting
It is fairly expensive for a manual unit but if you prefer the lever for pumping out grease, the Alemite 500-E is the best option. It is built to last and has excellent performance compared to similar powered alternatives.
Grease Gun Buying Guide
Using a grease gun allows you to lubricate the hard to reach areas with ease. It is also far less time consuming and messy, which makes them a very desirable tool for any mechanic. There is a choice of a battery powered cordless, air operated or manual units to choose. Depending on the budget you have will determine the type best suited to your requirements.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding grease guns.
Different Types Available
Depending upon your budget, you have a choice of grease gun types to choose from. The cordless unit is the most desirable but come with an expensive price tag. To help you understand the benefits and drawbacks, see the details below.
Manual – Pistol Grip or Lever
The manual grease gun types are the most basic and come with a cheaper price tag. They are available as a pistol grip or lever configuration where the pistol grip is the most popular. In terms of generating the pressure, the movement of manually pumping the gun pushes the grease through the hose.
Pneumatic/Air Powered
Air operated units are more commonly used by professionals and connect to an air compressor. The air inputted into the gun pushes the grease through the hose.
Cordless
Battery powered grease guns are relatively new and offer the freedom of movement and superior performance. They are expensive but if you choose the best unit you can get your hands on, it is a worthwhile investment that will improve your efficiency.
Attachments
When you purchase a grease gun, it will usually come with a flexible hose that ranges from 10 to 30 inches. Most will also come with a coupler but this can be upgraded from the standard hydraulic coupler to other types such as a three-jaw locking or angled couplers.
Another useful attachment that is an optional extra are needle injectors. Once attached, they allow you to lubricate hard to reach areas with the thin design.
When not in use, it is advised that you cover the gun with plastic dust caps to avoid dirt and debris getting inside the gun. They are fairly cheap but can safe you the hassle of cleaning the gun up each and every time.
Maintenance
To ensure that your grease gun doesn’t become problematic, it’s important that you regular maintain it. Before using the gun, you should always ensure that it is calibrated correctly. Failing to have it setup correctly can lead to damage and incorrect grease output.
You should also get into the routine of cleaning the grease gun and hoses after every use. You will want to ensure that there is no grease left in the hose because this can cause clogging during the next time you use it.
Over and Under Greasing
Whilst lubricating components of your car, you will want to ensure that you use the right level of grease. Over greasing can damage seals, motor windings and attract dirt whereas under greasing defeats the objective of using the grease gun.
You will also want to ensure that you use the correct lubricant when greasing too. Using the wrong lubricant can cause expensive damage.
Correct Cartridge
Depending upon the type of grease gun that you use will determine the cartridge that you require. The most common size is either a 14 or 16 ounce cartridge but you should read the specification of the unit before purchasing.
Once you have the cartridge, you will want to properly load the gun with it and you will be ready to begin greasing.
Conclusion
Lubricating your car has never been easier thanks to a grease gun. They are available in a range of different types but if you are on a budget, a manual unit would be the best option. Both the air and battery powered alternatives are expensive but make the job far easier than manually pumping the gun.
Within this article we have discussed the best options for each type of grease gun, which can all be used for greasing automotive components.
