Zert / Zerk Fitting issues

[Artisan]

I do not deal w/ this stuff daily, I hope a couple of you can steer me straight. I have a device w/ 6 Zert fittings in it and the OEM drilled the holes for the zert fittings to big and there falling out. The holes are drilled to .375 - .379" or so inches .

Is there a Zert bigger than this assumed 1/8" unit, if so what is that size, exactly what size drill bit should I use for what tap, please...

Who make sthe BEST zert fittings?

I just do not deal w/ this stuff enough to know.

TIA!

 

[Raspy]

Zerk fittings come in a variety of thread sizes. Some are pipe threads and some are bolt threads.

In your case you might go to the local tractor supply or auto parts store and find ones with the next larger size thread. Then you could drill and tap the hole to that thread size and be all set.

 

[dhenson]

might check for metric sizes of grease zerts. try a bolt and screw supply house.

 

[CurlyDave]

Harbor Freight sells both SAE and metric assortments of zerk fittings.

50 Piece Grease Fitting Assortment

32 Piece Metric Grease Fittings

They are inexpensive enough that you can just buy one of each set and match them up by eye.

 

[Artisan]

Well, ummmmm, errrr yes, but, and, but-some-however, except I was gonna and the sun is still in my eyes ...... :laughing:

I am trying to be exacting w/o going the "try this and try that" route, although I may have to do it.

I remeasured and all holes average .383" in diameter. I can drill bigger if needed.

Time passes I keep looking...........



BINGO ( I hope...)

So I found a 1/4-18 NPT thread angled Zerk at grainger and I have a 14-18 tap so if I drill w/ a 7/16" drill bit (.4375) I think I will live.


( I STILL WISH I HAD A LIST OF ALL SIZES AND FLAVORS OR ZERKs NEEDED FOR A BX25 ! )

 

[Craig Clayton]

With your ability to measure the size of the holes to 3 decimal places you have a good understanding of tolerences. If the fitting ae falling out they might be a non -threaded drive fit type. This style is not the best as a tight grease gun can pull they out. I have never had a proper threaded grease fitting pull out, the worst case has been in that the hose end had to be yanked off.

Craig Clayton

 

[Artisan]

Craig indeed I learned this morning while reserarching that there are pressed in type zerks. Existing is what I believe to be a 1/4-28 "tapered" zerk and the holes are all drilled straight through.

I am seting up to drill to 7/16" and use a 1/4-18 NPT tap for the Zerks I found at Grainger, "hopeing" I am making the right decision

 

[smstonypoint]

Craig indeed I learned this morning while reserarching that there are pressed in type zerks. Existing is what I believe to be a 1/4-28 "tapered" zerk and the holes are all drilled straight through.

I am seting up to drill to 7/16" and use a 1/4-18 NPT tap for the Zerks I found at Grainger, "hopeing" I am making the right decision

Self-tapping zerks are available: Alemite 3054-B 1/4-28 Self-Tapping 90D Angle Zerk Grease Fitting-Alemite

Steve

 

[Artisan]

Yes Steve, I saw that too and I nixed the idea and am going with good old fashion proven NPT threads, it helps I am a little bit familar w/ them from my job.

 

[gengine]

Maybe I'm not following correctly. Drilling 7/16" hole for a 1/4" zerk? I suggest pulling one out, going to the parts store and buying the next size larger. Some are even self tapping. If you find the size and thread of tap you need, google it and find out what drill bit you need. Just remember some zerks are pipe threaded so a straight hole isn't going to work out well.

 

[wireman75]

Artisan, a 1/8-27 NPT thread takes a .339 tap drill (letter drill R) also it possibly could be metric, a M10x1.5 thread takes a 8.5mm (.334) tap drill. I'm assuming you measured the ID of the existing loose threads. Id probably use the 1/4-28 NPT also should be big enough to clean up the old hole and give you a true hole to re-tap. Also since you already have the tap thats a plus too

 

[Artisan]

Maybe I'm not following correctly. Drilling 7/16" hole for a 1/4" zerk? I suggest pulling one out, going to the parts store and buying the next size larger. Some are even self tapping. If you find the size and thread of tap you need, google it and find out what drill bit you need. Just remember some zerks are pipe threaded so a straight hole isn't going to work out well.

Yep, I found 1/4-18 NPT Zerks....should screw right in and work for my lifetime...

 

[Artisan]

TU Wireman...I might have done that 45 minutes ago! HA! I found the NPT tapered Zerks and I just finished tapping all 6 holes to 1/4-18 NPT Grainger will deliver Monday - Tuesday and I will post up pics of what I am doing. My new log splitter is a beauty...:thumbsup:

 

[Short Game]

What's the best way to keep drill and tap cuttings from getting inside the joint to be greased?

 

[jones6780]

Put a heavy grease on the drill and tap flutes, remove and clean as needed. Chips will stick in the grease and come out when you back out the tap.

 

[tractorshopper]

Sorry to highjack this thread, but it is on topic. Stupid question here from a novice. I started my first 10 hr greasing this weekend and found that the grease gun is very difficult to pull back off the fittings. Is this normal? Is there a trick? Goes on easy enough, pumps the grease in very well, but is hard to pull back off. Kubota grease gun on a Kubota tractor. There's no mechanism like a QD or anything on this gun fitting that I can tell. I'm afraid I'll damage the fittings on the tractor if I keep yanking on it to get it back off. TIA.

 

[jones6780]

See link
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/98043-adjusting-grease-gun-coupler.html

 

[k0ua]

OR:

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/owning-operating/203295-grease-gun-screwdriver.html

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/oil-fuel-lubricants/222738-grease-guns-5.html


James K0UA

 

[Artisan]

HA! Silly grease guns! here, I will save you all the reading...

THE HEAD IS ADJUSTABLE, UNSCREW IT TO LOOSEN IT's GRASP, and go buy a Lincoln electric or pneumatic grease gun. James' 2nd link above is to the 10 page thread on grease guns I started. It should be mandatory reading for all new tractor owners. :laughing:

And what kind of gun is it? Post up a picture of the tip too!

 

[tractorshopper]

Wow; thanks guys. Great links. I understand. Felt stupid being a former aircraft mechanic and pretty solid DIYer that I didn't know more about grease guns. Glad I asked though.