The Great Grease Gun Coupler Showdown

[Gary Fowler]

I have one of these, along with the LockNLube. The grease coupler is well made, and smaller so it fits in places the LockNLube won't. But, there are problems, often it takes considerable pressure to get it to lock on. I've tried it on some zerks were it absolutely, positively refused to lock (the LockNLube locked right down on that recalcitrant Zerk and did the deed with no fuss). So the grease coupler is somewhat picky. Also, in some applications it's hard to release as you have to grab that boss at the back and pull it, easy if there's good access, sometimes not so much. Nicely made, but at times frustrating.

I still cant see how you guys see value in these couplers. A pneumatic grease gun or battery operated one frees up the other hand to hold the coupler in place and no issues with it getting stuck in tight places or if under pressure. I just see these things as a FAD that are really not needed if you have the proper gun to start with. AS for you guys using the pistol grip type gun, you must have much stronger hands than me. Mine get cramps from using a spray pump bottle when needed to do large volumes like with weedkillers. All these issues is why I have power tools and pumps to do my chores. With a power grease gun, you don't need a fancy high dollar coupler that still wont work on worn zerks either.

 

[DK35vince]

I still cant see how you guys see value in these couplers. A pneumatic grease gun or battery operated one frees up the other hand to hold the coupler in place and no issues with it getting stuck in tight places or if under pressure. I just see these things as a FAD that are really not needed if you have the proper gun to start with. AS for you guys using the pistol grip type gun, you must have much stronger hands than me. Mine get cramps from using a spray pump bottle when needed to do large volumes like with weedkillers. All these issues is why I have power tools and pumps to do my chores. With a power grease gun, you don't need a fancy high dollar coupler that still wont work on worn zerks either.

After years of fighting with grease fittings/couplers I find the Lock & Lube a Huge improvement.
If I get a pneumatic or battery powered grease gun I would still immediately put the Lock & Lube end on it. It is that much better IMO

 

[k0ua]

After years of fighting with grease fittings/couplers I find the Lock & Lube a Huge improvement.
If I get a pneumatic or battery powered grease gun I would still immediately put the Lock & Lube end on it. It is that much better IMO

My opinion as well, it really speed ups the greasing process. I still have good strength in my hands and operate a pistol grip model. When and if that changes, I will be getting a battery powered one, but as you said it will have a LNL on it. I haven't tried the other one.

 

[ovrszd]

After several cases of grease using all three types, here's my opinion.

The standard coupler is the most versatile. For complete success it requires a pistol grip or powered gun. Some zerks it simply won't lock onto and hold without a hand. If using a lever gun it's very cumbersome. If using a pistol grip gun or powered gun it's definitely the most versatile and useable with the least hassles.

The LockNLube works well in open situations where the zerk is easily accessible. It generally stays locked on the zerk. It is very bulky and I found several zerks that I simply could not use it on. I'm not impressed with the mechanism involved and see it as short lifed. It leaks more than I think it should. I do not find it "clean" to use and always end up with grease on the device and thus on my hands, the grease gun and my clothes. I find it helpful with a zerk that is frozen and doesn't want to take grease. If using a lever gun it would be an improvement over a standard coupler. If using a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but still has it's place.

The Univer-Co coupler well in most situations. It's only drawback is on a zerk that is in a "well". It's possible to get it locked onto a zerk and not be able to reach the collar to release it. It generally stays locked on. The mechanism if very durable and I would expect a long useable life. It leaks some on worn zerks as all couplers do. It's "cleaner" to use than the LnL but not as clean to use as a standard coupler. It is very very effective on a frozen zerk and will almost always make them take grease. It too is an advantage if using a lever gun. On a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but I prefer it over the LnL. This is because of it's durable and simpler design.

I've owned the LnL for over a year. I've owned the Univer-Co for over six months. During Summer months I use over a case of grease a month.

The LnL and Univer-Co couplers have a space in a drawer of my tool box. The standard coupler is on all of my guns, powered or pistol grip. I have no use for a Lever Gun.

 

[DK35vince]

After several cases of grease using all three types, here's my opinion.

The standard coupler is the most versatile. For complete success it requires a pistol grip or powered gun. Some zerks it simply won't lock onto and hold without a hand. If using a lever gun it's very cumbersome. If using a pistol grip gun or powered gun it's definitely the most versatile and useable with the least hassles.

The LockNLube works well in open situations where the zerk is easily accessible. It generally stays locked on the zerk. It is very bulky and I found several zerks that I simply could not use it on. I'm not impressed with the mechanism involved and see it as short lifed. It leaks more than I think it should. I do not find it "clean" to use and always end up with grease on the device and thus on my hands, the grease gun and my clothes. I find it helpful with a zerk that is frozen and doesn't want to take grease. If using a lever gun it would be an improvement over a standard coupler. If using a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but still has it's place.

The Univer-Co coupler well in most situations. It's only drawback is on a zerk that is in a "well". It's possible to get it locked onto a zerk and not be able to reach the collar to release it. It generally stays locked on. The mechanism if very durable and I would expect a long useable life. It leaks some on worn zerks as all couplers do. It's "cleaner" to use than the LnL but not as clean to use as a standard coupler. It is very very effective on a frozen zerk and will almost always make them take grease. It too is an advantage if using a lever gun. On a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but I prefer it over the LnL. This is because of it's durable and simpler design.

I've owned the LnL for over a year. I've owned the Univer-Co for over six months. During Summer months I use over a case of grease a month.

The LnL and Univer-Co couplers have a space in a drawer of my tool box. The standard coupler is on all of my guns, powered or pistol grip. I have no use for a Lever Gun.

Your experience seems to be the opposite of mine.
My lock & lube has been much cleaner, with much less leakage than any standard coupler I have ever used.

 

[ovrszd]

Your experience seems to be the opposite of mine.
My lock & lube has been much cleaner, with much less leakage than any standard coupler I have ever used.

I replace my standard couplers as soon as they continue to leak after being properly adjusted. Standard couplers are bought tightened. Before installing on the gun I break them loose so I can adjust them by hand. Then as I use them I occasionally adjust them if they start to leak. But I'm sure you already know that.

I only have leaks on worn zerks such as on a ground engaging piece of equipment where the zerks wear.

 

[Copperhead]

I have had great results with the LockNLube coupler in everything. I actually go thru less grease than I use to. Greatest thing ever devised for greasing my semi truck and all my other stuff. I haven't had a zerk yet that I could not get a good bite on with the LockNLube. One fitting in particular high on the left side of the 18 speed trans in my semi, I always fought and fought to get a good seating with a coupler on it and get it lubed properly. What a waste of grease. Now with the LNL, hassle free.

 

[Xfaxman]

After several cases of grease using all three types, here's my opinion.

The standard coupler is the most versatile. For complete success it requires a pistol grip or powered gun. Some zerks it simply won't lock onto and hold without a hand. If using a lever gun it's very cumbersome. If using a pistol grip gun or powered gun it's definitely the most versatile and useable with the least hassles.

The LockNLube works well in open situations where the zerk is easily accessible. It generally stays locked on the zerk. It is very bulky and I found several zerks that I simply could not use it on. I'm not impressed with the mechanism involved and see it as short lifed. It leaks more than I think it should. I do not find it "clean" to use and always end up with grease on the device and thus on my hands, the grease gun and my clothes. I find it helpful with a zerk that is frozen and doesn't want to take grease. If using a lever gun it would be an improvement over a standard coupler. If using a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but still has it's place.

The Univer-Co coupler well in most situations. It's only drawback is on a zerk that is in a "well". It's possible to get it locked onto a zerk and not be able to reach the collar to release it. It generally stays locked on. The mechanism if very durable and I would expect a long useable life. It leaks some on worn zerks as all couplers do. It's "cleaner" to use than the LnL but not as clean to use as a standard coupler. It is very very effective on a frozen zerk and will almost always make them take grease. It too is an advantage if using a lever gun. On a pistol grip or powered gun it's less of an advantage, but I prefer it over the LnL. This is because of it's durable and simpler design.

I've owned the LnL for over a year. I've owned the Univer-Co for over six months. During Summer months I use over a case of grease a month.

The LnL and Univer-Co couplers have a space in a drawer of my tool box. The standard coupler is on all of my guns, powered or pistol grip. I have no use for a Lever Gun.

Thanks for the update.

Since your LockNLube leaks, call them and request a seal kit I read somewhere that they are sending a extra seal kit now with new orders: LocknLube® grease gun coupler ends greasing frustration.

I removed the pipe and coupler from my lever gun and replaced them with a hose and LockNLube coupler.

It rarely leaks, but if it does I use a toothbrush on the zerk and check the LNL coupler for something that shouldn't be in it.

I use the lever gun the most, because it has the highest pressure and I can get a better feel for how much grease is going in. It also uses less grease than the Lincoln, because it doesn't over run when you release the trigger.

 

[BufordBoone]

Yeah, I know this is old info but it seems the best place to ask.

If you replace your connection with a Lock N Lube, couldn't you simply install a zerk in the old fitting and then use it in conjunction with the Lock N Lube on the fittings where the standard connection works better?

Also, I've got the 90 degree adapter that Lock N Lube sells. It works well in conjunction with the Lock N Lube.

Anyone else tried something similar?

 

[Einthewoods]

I switched out a couple zerks with 90s and use the lock n lube. Absolutely love it. Thought it was over priced when I bought it but not anymore. Makes a job I don't like spending time doing into a breeze and quick.