A grease gun is most often used to replace motor fluid in a vehicle. It not only allows high-quality lubrication of all hard-to-reach parts in the car, but also prevents the loss of oil fluid. In addition, it falls under pressure directly to the place that is required. Car owners and mechanics call this device simply a loop. Consider where the device is used, its varieties and selection criteria for this device.
What is a loop?
Such a device as a grease gun allows high-quality, without spending a lot of time and evenly pour oil in hard-to-reach places of the car: bearings, hubs, joints and other components. To lubricate some element in the vehicle, you can not disassemble the whole unit. In addition, the grease will not leak out through the slots.
Car owners argue that it is convenient, economical, because the oil does not spread and, accordingly, is consumed only as much as necessary. The AL body is made of aluminum or steel; it can also be transparent. This allows you to track the oil level and top up if necessary. It is also called a storage tank for lubricants.
The handle of the device can be made of plastic or rubber. In addition to the device, there are hoses, which allows pouring oil into those places where the syringe itself does not reach.
How does a grease gun work?
All ALs can be divided into two types, depending on where and how they are used.
Types of syringes for the delivery of lubricating fluids to car components:
- Mechanical - the device is manually operated. To do this, press it several times to lubricate. In addition, the more and more often you press the handle of the device, the more fluid will flow out under high pressure. With the help of high power, you can achieve a better and quicker lubrication of the element.
- Pneumatic - they have a special compressor with compressed air. The pressure is high, the pressure and flow rate of the fluid is also high, without the need for effort. Thus, lubrication is quick and effective.
The lubrication of the components of a car using both a mechanical device and the use of a pneumatic grease gun is almost the same. But, if in the first case it is necessary to apply physical force to obtain high pressure and the rate of fluid exit, then in the second case, the lubricant will go under high pressure anyway.
Where is the device used?
AL is used by car owners to lubricate small and hard-to-reach parts in a car. Car enthusiasts also call it the "magic wand", because the device is easy to use even for a beginner. In addition, it works quickly and efficiently. In general, the device consists of a gun and nozzle. The first element is most often universal, and the second is selected depending on what part of the car will need to be lubricated.
The syringe is used for various components and mechanisms of the vehicle, since they all need periodic and regular lubrication. This prevents wear on vehicle components. It is also possible to use the device in case of engine oil change even of a thick consistency. This will allow you to deliver the liquid to the right place, not to spill and accelerate this process.
Types of grease guns
There are currently two types of grease guns: standard and industrial. Regardless of the type, their main goal is to apply oil to those elements of the vehicle that periodically require lubrication. Almost every model looks like a gun, there are also additions in the form of tubes and hoses for hard-to-reach spots. It is convenient to use them, and it does not take much time.
For example, a lever grease gun can be for one hand or for two. In the first case, the device has a small weight and it can be used with one hand, in another version - you need to hold the case with the other hand. Most often, the second option is chosen by large car services. For private use, car owners choose convenient and compact devices, which greatly simplifies the process of lubricating parts and accessories.
Plunger and electric AL - features
In addition to the classification of devices according to the principle of action (mechanical and pneumatic type), they can still be divided by type. Consider a plunger syringe for lubrication and an electric one.
The principle of operation of the plunger loop is to pump fluid through the tube. It has a stationary piston, a high-pressure cylinder, valves (suction and discharge), as well as a lever-plunger mechanism and a tip. It is operated using a button, after which the grease comes out at high speed and under high pressure. Depending on the manufacturer, this model for lubrication may be equipped with additional elements. Most often, this type is used for liquids of viscosity class up to NLGI 2.
Electric AL is distinguished from the previous version primarily in its design. It runs on batteries, so the battery must always be charged. The average power of the device is 18 watts, but this figure depends on the manufacturer. Also, models of this type may differ in time, that is, how long the battery is charged. This will take 60 minutes on average. Car owners recommend purchasing an electronic model that is charged by the cigarette lighter.
Screw and pneumatic syringe - features
Screw AL is most often used for lubricating holes and for thread joints, not suitable for ball nipples. A distinctive feature of this type of device is a special fitting that attaches to the tip. During lubrication, a bolt is loosened and a fitting is installed. Then, a grease is squeezed out using a syringe.
The pneumatic type is also called a syringe for lubrication of crosspieces. The design has an automatic drive and a gun. By pulling the trigger without the use of strong physical force, the grease flows out under high pressure. In this case, the power may be different depending on the manufacturer and model of the device. On average, it ranges from 2.6 bar to 10.3 bar. This must be considered when choosing a device. The operating temperature may also vary, it can be in the range from -20 ° C to +50 ° C. And the weight of the structure itself is small, about 2 kg.
Benefits of using an AL
A device for lubricating the elements and parts of a car has clear advantages.
Pros of using AL:
- ease of use (for example, even a beginner can use a grease gun);
- effective lubrication and non-spreading of a significant amount of liquid on the parts of the vehicle;
- there are special marks on the case, thanks to which you can control the liquid level in the device;
- the pressure of the squeezed fluid is as high as possible (in particular, if you use a pneumatic type syringe when the fluid comes out at the touch of a button, without the use of physical force);
- environmental friendliness (lubricating fluid does not spread, moreover, a person does not breathe vapor of a chemical substance);
- reasonable price (devices are cheap enough depending on the model chosen, prices start at 400 rubles).
How to choose a grease gun
In order to choose the optimal type and model of a loop, it is worth exploring the parameters and capabilities of the selected device. Its specifications may vary depending on the manufacturer. Different for the same model may be pressure, gear ratio, the amount of fluid stored in the syringe, the level of operating temperature and performance.
Also, for someone, the weight of the device itself will be important. The syringe should not be too heavy, car owners say. On average, a sufficient weight of the structure with good performance reaches 2 kg. A correctly selected syringe for lubricating parts will significantly speed up the process of delivering oil or any other liquid (regardless of consistency) to the components and components of the car.