Grease guns

[snowjay]

What is it with grease guns leaking?

Seems like everyone I own will leak oil out of it. Am I storing them wrong? Are the guns I have defective?

Usually when they start to leak I toss the grease because I'm not sure of it's condition at that point. Maybe it's ok. Or have I been doing something wrong for 20+ years? LOL

 

[Mountaineer]

Do you pull the plunger back and take the pressure off of the grease when you're not using it? It does help to do that. The grease will still want to separate some, but releasing the pressure will not push it out of the canister as easily.

 

[snowjay]

Good tip. I've stored them both ways and either it leaks while hanging on the wall if pressure is left on, or runs out the bottom of the gun when the plunger finally puts pressure on it.

I've actually found Mobil 1 to be the worst, pressure or no pressure. I've had other marine greases in my small gun and there is much less separation (but pressure was also left on the gun). I just switched the guns to Green Grease so we'll see how that fairs.

 

[Mountaineer]

I keep mine stored on its side and don't notice it leaking. I typically use Mobil 1 and can't say that it is more prone to leaking. I had some Valvoline synthetic before that leaked really bad. I didn't release the pressure on it and the last 1/4 of the container was so dried out that I had to throw it away.