Dumb question: how much grease is left in my grease gun?

[adirondackmtnman]

When you pick it up and it feels "kinda light" then you know you are going to run out before you get to the last zerk on the tractor. Happens every timeullinghair:

James K0UA

That's the way I gauge mine, just when it feels light...I always keep a few extra tubes hanging around...

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[rockinmywaypa]

we were harvesting hay and judging by a wheel bearing that gave out there was too much grease left in my grease gun.

 

[cqaigy2]

we were harvesting hay and judging by a wheel bearing that gave out there was too much grease left in my grease gun.

LOL. Maybe it will get more attention next time.

 

[JasG]

Simple rule to avoid this issue- Always have a new grease cartridge in the toolbox/on the shelf. When you put the new cartridge in the gun, make a mental note to buy another.

Gives you an excuse to stop by your local tractor dealer and chew the fat.

That still doesn't tell you how much is left.

Believe it or not I've seen more than a few people not even realize the gun they are using is empty. When that happens you can have a case of grease and it isn't going to help.

If I'm doing a lot of greasing I don't even push the charging handle back into the gun. Then as I'm using it I know exactly how much grease is left. It really sucks when you climb 40' in the air and the gun is only full enough to do 1/2 the job. Our at work are all battery, so it's hard to go by feel.

 

[Ross71]

That still doesn't tell you how much is left..

It does, it tells you that the grease gun is completely full, in a minute

Believe it or not I've seen more than a few people not even realize the gun they are using is empty..

So have I. I thought the guy must be a bit special

It really sucks when you climb 40' in the air and the gun is only full enough to do 1/2 the job. Our at work are all battery, so it's hard to go by feel.

I have never yet nor do I expect to ever park a tractor 40' in the air.

Seriously, you are right on all counts. i just don't really think outside the barn

 

[RalphVa]

The plunger is supposed to follow the grease level. As you use more grease, the plunger should move forward until finally it doesn't stick out at all, and the grease won't come out.

 

[cqaigy2]

The plunger is supposed to follow the grease level. As you use more grease, the plunger should move forward until finally it doesn't stick out at all, and the grease won't come out.

That's true, and one can do as jagyzf says, to determine how much is left. The only problem i see with leaving the plunger out is the possibility of bending it. One usually turns the handle to disengage it and push it the rest of the way in but you don't have to.

 

[adirondackmtnman]

It really sucks when you climb 40' in the air and the gun is only full enough to do 1/2 the job.

We have quite a few high/otherwise hard to access places on plants at work. Our solution to climbing to get there once a day
For maintenance was to install zerk banks at a convenient spot with lines running to the inaccesible areas...works great...of course then you have to retrain the monkeys to still check bearings and pivots when required, as they get a little lazy in the process...lol

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[JeffTerry]

Gents,
not all grease guns are the same.
Can you pull apart your grease gun with a half full cartridge? YES
Just make sure you pull and lock the piston rod back into the lock prior to unscrewing the canister.

Some grease guns, the charging handle can be fully inserted into the gun, some works its way down when being discharged.
and there is the electric style.
Great question, apparently your new the the grease monkey world. Just dont blow out your grease boots

 

[Larro Darro]

When I was an Electrician's Mate, working in the light shop on the USS Saipan, part of my job was to clean glass light lenses and rub a little grease on the rubber gaskets. They were from low down on the stern gate, all over the flight deck, and to the very top of the mast. You made sure you had what you needed before you climbed all those ladders. Going back to the shop for another tube of grease wasn't a short trip.