10 Best Grease Gun Reviews with Buying Guide 2024

Motorcycles are complex machines with lots of moving parts. Over time, it will be necessary to do maintenance or repairs on any motorcycle, and that includes keeping the moving components of the bike lubricated so that they stay in good shape, and do not wear out or break prematurely. 

Just like many other maintenance tasks, there are tools that make lubricating your bike’s moving parts easier. Not only are there tools available, but there is a wide selection across many, many brands, all capable of making your next repair or maintenance project significantly easier. With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to be sure that the grease gun you choose for your project is the best. 

Fortunately, there are several factors that can be considered when looking into a new grease gun that can indicate if it is a better choice than its competition. In this article we’ll take a look at some of the very best options on the market today, and go over a few things to keep in mind when it’s time for you to decide on the best grease gun for your specific project.  

10 Best Grease Guns Reviews

Let’s get to know the best of the products the market has to offer. This way, you will know what top quality products are about.

#1: DEWALT DCGG571M1 20V MAX Cordless Grease Gun

This battery operated grease gun is one of the most versatile and capable on the market today, suited for any task no matter the size or complexity. DeWalt is one of the most trusted brands in handheld power tools, and this grease gun continues their trend of offering high quality, heavy duty equipment that mechanics and handymen can rely on. 

This high performance grease gun is capable of producing up to 10,000 PSI, allowing it to clear clogged grease fittings with ease, and a built-in filter helps protect the pump from damaging dirt and debris. The 42 inch long hose is excellent at getting into even the most difficult to reach places, and the lithium battery can power this grease gun for up to 16 full grease cartridges per charge. 

DeWalt has also designed this grease gun to be highly durable, and included several quality of life features, such as an integrated LED flashlight, to make difficult jobs easier to handle. 

Highlighted Features:

• Battery operated, portable design
• 42 inch long flexible hose
• Integrated flashlight
• Heavy duty construction
• Included Lithium Ion battery can go through 16 cartridges without the need to recharge

#2: Lincoln PowerLuber 1162

This air-powered grease gun from Lincoln is an excellent option for anyone about to take on a large project. Featuring a 30 inch flexible application hose, universal fitment, and up to 6,000 psi of pressure, this particular grease gun is an excellent and reliable piece of equipment. 

This gun utilizes your air compressor for fully-automatic operation, meaning you will not have to manually operate the gun, nor will you have to worry about replacing or charging batteries. The trigger of this grease gun also features variable speed, so that you can precisely control the speed of its operation. 

As an air operated tool, this grease gun is a bit less portable than manual or battery powered options, however. 

Highlighted Features:

• Excellent pressure
• Variable pressure control for precise applications
• 30 inch flexible hose
• Powered by air compressor

#3. Milwaukee 2-speed 18-Volt Grease Gun

This battery powered grease gun from Milwaukee tools offers excellent performance for mechanics that may need more pressure than is offered by most manually operated grease guns. Capable of 10,000 psi, and with multiple settings for different applications, this unit is designed to be able to handle any job. 

A 48 inch flexible hose is able to reach even the most difficult spots, and the on-board flashlight ensures that you will always be able to see clearly, even if you happen to be working in dark conditions. The 18 volt battery lasts through several jobs before needing to be recharged. 

Milwaukee tools offers a 5 year warranty on their equipment as well, providing peace of mind in the case that anything goes wrong with their tools. However, this particular grease gun is heavier than many other options, making it difficult to use for long periods of time, and somewhat more difficult to carry than some other options. 

Highlighted Features: 

• Capable of up to 10,000 psi of pressure
• 48 inch flexible hose gets into even very tight spots
• LED flashlight for added convenience
• 5 year manufacturer warranty included

#4: Lumax LX-1152

This simple and portable grease gun from Lumax offers good performance in a smaller, easier to handle package. The pistol-grip design is meant to accommodate single-handed operation, and the hose can handle up to 4,500 psi of pressure. An 18 inch flexible hose allows the user to reach difficult spaces as well, and there is no need for batteries or a connection to an air compressor. 

The mechanism is reinforced to allow for maximum durability and to resist wearing out too quickly, meaning that this is a tool that can be relied on for many, many jobs before needing to be replaced. However, it is important to consider that the pump itself can produce more pressure than the included hose can handle, and you may wish to upgrade the hose before tackling any job that requires more than 4,500 psi. 

Highlighted Features:

• Lightweight, single handed design
• Hose can handle up to 4,500 psi of pressure
• No need for batteries or air pumps
• 18 inch flexible hose

#5: Lincoln Industrial 1134

This grease gun from Lincoln is a simple, easy to use option for those who would prefer not to rely on batteries and air compressors to power their tools. Featuring a pistol grip for single-handed operation, and a cast aluminum head that can withstand heavy duty use, this grease gun is an excellent all-around option for any project. 

For added versatility, this grease gun includes both a 6 inch extension and an 18 inch application hose to reach difficult places. Despite being a handheld, manually operated option, this grease gun is also capable of producing up to 7,500 psi, which is enough to power through some of the most difficult jobs easily. 

While the grease gun is excellently well built, the instructions included are a little less clear than some competitors when it comes to fitting a cartridge into the gun, and you may want to look for more detailed directions if this is your first time using a tool like this one. 

Highlighted features: 

• Capable of up to 7,500 psi of pressure
• Included extension and flexible hose
• Pistol grip for easy single hand use
• Manual grease gun does not require air compressor or batteries

#6: GreaseTek Grease Gun

The grease gun from GreaseTek is a budget-oriented option for anyone looking for a simple and easy solution without complicated features and options for smaller, more common maintenance jobs. As a manually powered grease gun, this unit does not require batteries or an air compressor, making it especially convenient to carry and use. 

An included 18 inch flexible hose and extension add versatility that allows the gun to be used on a wide variety of different projects, even with hard to reach places. This gun offers an output of 1 oz. per 40 strokes, making it not only simple and easy to use, but also more efficient than some other manual options and reducing the amount of effort required in order to complete whatever project you happen to be working on. 

While this grease gun offers good functionality, it is also reported to leak when in storage, and if it is going to be used less frequently over time pulling the follower rod back after use to reduce the pressure may be a good idea. 

Highlighted Features: 

• 18 inch flexible hose and extension are included
• Efficient flow rate of 1 oz per 40 strokes
• Manual operation does not require batteries or air compressors

#7: Astro 101 Mini Grease Gun

Hobbyists and mechanics working on jobs that don’t require a full-sized grease gun will benefit from this small, portable option from Astro. With the ability to hold up to 3 oz of grease, and a needle nose applicator, this pint sized tool is an excellent option for small jobs, or even to keep the rest of your tools well lubricated between jobs. 

The small size is also excellent for single-handed operation, making it particularly easy to use. The construction of this grease gun is also very robust, meaning that even when used on a regular basis, you will not have to worry about its longevity. 

Unlike most full-sized grease guns, this mini grease gun doesn’t take grease cartridges. Instead, it is meant to be individually loaded. While this means that you won’t have to worry about fiddling with cartridges or guessing at the fit, it can be more time consuming to load than a grease gun that does use cartridges might be. 

Highlighted Features: 

• Compact, lightweight design
• Direct grease loading does not require cartridges
• Needle nose applicator is great for flush fit grease fittings
• Easy single handed operation

#8: Bravex Heavy Duty Grease Gun

This heavy duty, chrome plated grease gun from Bravex offers decent performance and reliability for a very low cost, making this tool a great option for anyone who may need a grease gun for occasional maintenance or repair work. The mechanism is capable of producing an impressive 6,000 psi. 

Several included applicators are also included, allowing this grease gun to be used for a very wide variety of different repair or maintenance projects, whether on your motorcycle, or any other piece of equipment in need of lubrication. 

While the different fitting options that are included can accommodate a variety of applications, the interchangeable parts may wear out more quickly than some competitors. For this reason, this particular grease gun is not recommended for those who may be doing more frequent repairs or maintenance projects. 

Highlighted Features: 

• 3 year factory warranty included
• Includes a variety of applicators for different jobs
• Anti-slip rubber grip for more secure hold

#9: Milwaukee 12-Volt Cordless Grease Gun

This electric grease gun from Milwaukee tools offers solid performance in a compact and easy to use unit. The unit is capable of producing over 8,000 psi or pressure, making it a good option for even the most clogged grease fittings, and the battery can run through 7 grease cartridges before needing to be recharged. 

An included flexible hose allows you to reach even the most difficult locations, minimizing the frustration that comes from not being able to reach a tough fitting. At just 7.4 lbs, this battery powered unit is also lightweight enough for most users to complete even long jobs without fatigue. 

Milwaukee tools also offers a 5 year warranty on their equipment, meaning that if anything should go wrong with this grease gun, help is just a quick phone call away. However, it should be noted that this particular grease gun is sold separate from the battery, and you will need to purchase one separately before the gun can be used. 

Highlighted Features: 

• Can dispense up to 7 cartridges between battery charges
• Capable of over 8,000 psi of pressure
• Included 5 year warranty for added peace of mind
• Included 36 inch hose to reach difficult spots

#10: Carbyne Pistol Grip Grease Gun

This lightweight grease gun from Carbyne offers exceptional performance for a manual grease gun with the added adaptability of multiple applicators. Featuring an 18 inch, reinforced hose as well as 2 extensions, a needle nose applicator, and coupler included, this grease gun is meant to be adaptable enough to handle virtually any job. 

The gun is capable of up to 7,500 psi of pressure, letting it power through tougher jobs than some other manually operated options, and the anodized aluminum barrel is corrosion and rust resistant, adding to the gun’s longevity. In addition, Carbyne backs up their product with a lifetime warranty for total peace of mind. 

While this grease gun is an excellent option for more occasional use, those who perform very frequent repairs and maintenance, such as hobbyist restorers and professional mechanics, may see the seals in this grease gun wear out more quickly than expected. 

Highlighted Features:

• Capable of up to 7,500 psi of pressure
• Backed by a lifetime warranty
• Includes a variety of applicators to accommodate a wide range of jobs
• Anodized aluminum is rust and corrosion resistant

Buying Guide For The Best Grease Gun

Grease guns are excellent tools to have around any garage or shop, especially considering that almost any piece of machinery with moving parts will need lubrication. This is especially true for anyone who does all of their own repairs and maintenance. With a grease gun, applying grease to joints and grease fittings on any vehicle or piece of heavy machinery becomes much simpler than it would be without such a handy tool. 

As any mechanic can confirm, though, using sub-par tools can ultimately backfire and result in the need for even more repair work down the line. When it comes to grease guns in particular, here are a few important things to keep in mind to be sure that you get the best value for your money. 

Convenience

While this specific factor may mean more or less to different people, it is still one that should always be considered. A grease gun that is compact, simple to set up, and easy to use can make a major difference to your overall quality of life when working on any project. The simpler the device is to use, the less frustrating your maintenance project is likely to be. 

Always try to match the grease gun you choose to your preference, as well as the type of job you are typically performing. For instance, a battery operated grease gun offers a lot of freedom to move around without being tied to a specific point in the same way that a gun that requires an air compressor might, and for even smaller jobs a mini grease gun may offer even more flexibility. 

Features

The different features on any grease gun may offer added options when working on different maintenance or repair jobs. Added features like different applicators, incorporated flash lights, and even corrosion resistant finishes are all examples of special features offered on several different grease guns. 

In some cases, these features can offer a lot of advantages. For instance, if you find yourself working with a very wide range of different vehicles and equipment that don’t all use the same type of grease fittings, the extra applicators and adapters included with some grease guns may be a good thing to keep an eye out for. 

When going over the listed features of any grease gun, a good thing to keep in mind is how often the included features will come into play for the kind of projects that you do often, and prioritize those that will see frequent use. 

Performance

Arguably the most important thing to keep in mind when looking into which grease gun you should purchase for yourself is the gun’s performance. A grease gun that can produce higher psi, or a battery operated grease gun that can go longer between charges are both good examples of a higher performance unit. 

When considering manually operated grease guns, the amount of grease dispensed per stroke of the pump will be the performance metric to consider, and in this specific case the more efficient models will also affect convenience as well, as a more efficient model will require less work on your part to deliver the grease that is needed to complete the job. 

Types of Grease Guns

There are several different types of grease guns on the market, and each have different benefits that work to your advantage in different situations. While none of the specific types are objectively superior overall, each one may perform differently in different situations, having advantages that the others may not share. Let’s take a look at the different types available and the unique strengths that they each have. 

Air-Powered Grease Guns

A grease gun that connects to your air compressor is a good option for many larger jobs, as it provides continuous power without the need to manually pressurize the mechanism, or rely on batteries with limited charge. 

Air powered grease guns offer high levels of performance, nearly unlimited operating time, and reliable mechanical construction. However, the drawback to an air-powered grease gun is that you will be tethered to your air compressor. Set up is also more involved, as you need to set up the air compressor itself, then the gun. 

Typically, air-powered grease guns are more commonly found in professional shops than in private garages. 

Pistol Grip Grease Guns

These grease guns are very common, and may actually overlap with another type as well, as “pistol grips” refer to design, and not power. A pistol grip offers comfortable operation, and can often be used with a single hand, which is especially useful if you need to maneuver the hose around tight spaces. 

Most grease guns on the market feature a pistol grip, and some features even take advantage of this design. 

Lever Grease Guns

Lever grease guns are both simple and easy to use, however this design does not lend itself to having many features in the same way that a pistol grip does. Most lever grease guns are operated entirely by the handle, and flow can be adjusted by simply adjusting the amount of pressure used on the lever itself. 

Lever grease guns can be clumsy and more difficult to use than pistol grip grease guns, which makes them somewhat unpopular with most enthusiasts and mechanics. 

Cordless Grease Guns

Battery powered grease guns are among the most convenient, being portable and easy to maneuver with while in use. These guns do not rely on you to pump them, nor do they need to be tethered to an air compressor. Instead, an onboard battery powers a pump to help deliver grease where it needs to go. 

These grease guns may be heavier than manual competitors, but they are also the type that is most loaded with extra features, and will typically offer higher psi than their competition as well. It is not uncommon for battery operated grease guns to include highly customizable grease flow, built-in flashlights, and even indicators for how much grease is left in the cartridge. 

The only drawback to using a battery operated grease gun is that the battery will need occasional recharging of the battery, which can bring your work to a halt if you are using the grease gun for an extended period of time. 

Pump Grease Guns

These grease guns require you to pump them up in order to build up pressure. They are the most common type of handheld grease gun, and will often feature pistol grips as well. Simple, mechanical construction offers better reliability than the motors found in battery operated grease guns, and unlike air-powered options you will not be tethered to an air compressor. 

Out of all of the options, however, pump grease guns are the most labor intensive option, and can be much slower to use than electric or air-powered options. However, they are a cost effective and reliable option that still makes them very popular, both with career mechanics and people that only do occasional maintenance or repair work. 

How to Use a Grease Gun

Effectively making use of a grease gun is fairly simple, however for someone unfamiliar with this kind of tool the results can be messy, and ultimately make the task at hand more difficult than it really needs to be. 

While different repair tasks and different types of grease guns will have different procedures, the following guidelines will ensure that you are using your grease gun properly. 

Step 1: Load the Grease Gun

This step can be done in one of several ways, with most grease guns having the option to be loaded directly, having the grease pumped manually into the machine, or using cartridges. While directly loading and pumping grease into the gun both have their own strengths, most of the time you will be attaching a grease cartridge. 

For a manually loaded grease gun, begin by removing the grease gun mechanism from the barrel – this is the part that the hose and handle are usually attached to. Then place the barrel tip in the grease and slowly pull the plunger back to draw the grease into the barrel. Once that is done, carefully and tightly secure the mechanism to the barrel, being careful to match the threads. Depress the bleeder valve on the grease gun to release any air bubbles that form. 

For a cartridge type grease gun, remove the barrel from the head of the grease gun first, then pull back the plunger rod on the grease gun. This rod is what will press on the cartridge and in some cases pulling back and securing the rod will also eject the last cartridge used from the grease gun. Remove the plastic cap from the new cartridge and then insert the cartridge into the barrel and then reattach the barrel securely to the head of the grease gun. Depress the bleeder valve of the grease gun to release any air bubbles in the cartridge. 

Step 2: Pressurize the Grease Gun

At this point, if you are using a grease gun that requires manual pumping to generate pressure, check the number of pumps necessary to build up the needed pressure. Some manual grease guns may also have a pressure gauge with denotations of where the pressure should be. As the optimum level of pressure for a grease gun will vary, there is not a set number of pumps. 

For a grease gun that uses an air compressor, simply connect the gun to the compressor, and for a battery operated grease gun, simply flip the switch to the “on” position and you’re ready to go.  

Step 3: Position Applicator and Apply Grease

This is the part where you actually apply grease to whatever needs lubrication. We won’t go into detail here, as the different grease fittings and lubrication methods will vary greatly depending on what exactly you are working on. 

However, no matter how the grease is applied in this step, always be sure to attach the applicator to the fitting securely, and only apply as much pressure as is needed to lubricate the component. Over-lubrication can be very messy, and even damage your tools and vehicle in extreme cases. 

How to Maintain a Grease Gun

Like any tool, grease guns will periodically need maintenance if you plan on using them for an extended period of time. With proper care, storage, and maintenance, a high quality grease gun will last through many jobs before it wears out. 

Without the right care, however, even the best grease guns will wear out much more quickly than expected. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of maintaining a grease gun so that you can take steps to avoid having to replace yours too soon. 

Do not overload your grease gun

There will be a specific capacity that most grease guns are designed to be able to handle effectively. This is especially important when manually loading a grease gun. Check with your owner’s manual or look for the information on the side of the barrel to find out what the maximum capacity is for your grease gun, and do not exceed that amount. 

Only use the appropriate type of grease

Most grease guns are designed to work with a certain type of grease which will usually be indicated in its instructions. This may be a specific consistency, or even a specific brand in some cases. When loading your grease gun, always be sure to use the appropriate type of grease that your grease gun’s mechanism is designed to work with. 

Always clean your grease gun before and after use

Always be sure to give your grease gun a quick wipe down with a cloth before and after every use. Be especially careful to clear any accumulated debris from the nozzle or moving parts. This helps reduce the chance of damage from foreign elements getting jammed in the hose, nozzle, or pump. 

It is also a good idea to do a small test on the gun to check the flow of grease to check if there may be damage or interruptions in the mechanism that would otherwise go undetected. 

Store your grease gun properly

To avoid leakage, your grease gun should be stored empty if possible, and horizontally otherwise. This helps reduce the risk of leakage. You should also double check that the grease gun is depressurized before storage, as leaving it under pressure further increases the risk of leakage, as well as the strain on the gun itself. 

Always follow the instruction manual

Your owner’s manual will have specific instructions for your grease gun that may vary from other models. This can include notes on use, maintenance, and storage that are specifically meant for your specific model. Following the user manual to the letter ensures that you are always using the grease gun to the specifications it is designed for, and minimizes the chances for damage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Words

In this article we have gone over some of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a high quality grease gun, the different types that are available, and reviewed some of the very best units on offer today. 

While every maintenance and repair situation is unique, and therefore the best options will vary, the tips provided here should be a great place to start when considering what to look for to help with your specific application.