Choosing a Lever Actuated or Pistol Style Grease Gun

When choosing a mechanical grease gun, the two basic choices are lever actuated or pistol or hand grip.

In general more pressure can be gained by using a lever actuated grease gun. This is, not surprisingly, because a lever actuated grease gun, has more leverage than a pistol grip gun does. The pistol style guns are more ergonomically friendly and easier to use.

In general, lever style guns will generate around 10,000 PSI while the pistol style will generate around 7500 PSI. If you need more than 7500 PSI, obviously, no other factors will come into play and you should get a lever style gun. If you can use less than 7500 PSI, a pistol style may be for you.

Typically a pistol style gun can be actuated by one had, like a gun, while the other hand can hold the hose and coupler onto the zerk fitting. If you are in a tight area, you will have little choice but to use the pistol grip gun as you will need one hand to snake the hose to the point of lubrication and hold it there. If this is your situation, you will need to keep the fitting cleaner to make sure the 7500 PSI generated is enough to crack open the fitting and lubricate the bearing.

If the bearing is in a more open space and you do not need the extra hand to hold the bearing on the zerk fitting, the lever style gun will allow for more pressure to build and therefore you will do less maintenance on the zerk fitting and grease path.

Typically, pistol grip grease guns are more expensive than lever action guns by about 30%.

As you can see, lever style guns, generate more pressure and cost less than pistol action grease guns.

The big advantage to pistol grip guns is that they are easier and easier on the user, than a lever actuated gun. If your application allows, they are well worth the extra few dollars.

As always, when looking to buy cordless grase guns, I strongly urge you to buy a known quality brand like Alemite or National Spenser. Also, use the internet to shop for the best price. A little checking around can save your good money on the exact product you were going to buy anyway.

When selecting a lever or pistol style grease gun, let your application guide you to the right choice.