Loading the grease gun properly can be more difficult than you might think. Get it wrong and you'll grease everything and (formally) end up with a good grease cartridge in the trash. To avoid waste and frustration, check out our step-by-step guide to loading grease guns and cartridges.
Remove the old grease gun and cartridge and put the spring back
From the grease gun unscrew the end cap. Next, remove the empty cartridge. Try to install the end cap and retract the spring. Pull the plunger rod handle and twist it to lock.
Insert a new grease cartridge
Properly unscrew the grease gun housing. Then remove the plastic cap from the new grease gun and cartridge. It turns out that by design, the grease never reaches the top of the cartridge. Firstly, insert this end into the gun’s body. A slight twist is required to insert the cartridge.
Remove the gasket
Remove the gasket from the other end of the grease cartridge. On most cartridges, this is an aluminum tab that you push out and pull out. Some smaller cartridges also have foil seals. Make sure it is completely removed and no small debris remains.
Install the grease gun body
With the cartridge loaded, carefully screw the body onto the grease gun and cartridge head. However, do not fully tighten. Catch some threads and let go now. Then turn the plunger rod handle to release the spring. Slide the piston rod handle into the grease gun. The main body of the grease gun can be fully tightened. Wait until fully tightened helps remove trapped air that can affect the gun's ability to pump grease.
Prime the Grease Gun
Prime the grease gun by pumping the handle with a nearby rag until the grease begins to flow evenly. A series of pump strokes may be required to purge all air from the gun.
Remove the plug to continue priming
Grease guns and cartridges often fail to prime due to air pockets in the system. If this happens, remove the plug at the end of the grease gun head and then resume priming. This reduces the distance fat has to travel through the system and helps expel air. When grease begins to flow from the plug hole, insert the plug and continue priming until the gun pumps grease.
Post-installation
If the grease gun and cartridge do not work after installing a new grease cartridge, the airlock on the grease gun may need to be loosened to facilitate grease flow. After retightening, release the pressure inside the cartridge and check that the grease comes out. If you don't have an air pocket, you lose the gun head. Finally, pull out and push in the plunger to properly tighten the top of the grease gun.
Conclusion
The grease gun and cartridge are now ready for use. Remember this helpful information the next time you need to load your grease gun.
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