What an Air Greaser Is
An air greaser is a lubrication tool driven by compressed air rather than by hand force or an electric motor. Air enters at the inlet, pushes a piston inside the pump tube, and the piston pressurises grease so it travels down a hose to a dispensing point. The operator controls delivery at the nozzle, not by pumping a lever repeatedly.
The term describes the drive method, not one fixed shape.
Two Tools, One Name
The first meaning is a handheld pneumatic grease gun. It uses a cartridge or small bulk tube, is carried to the joint, and delivers a metered shot. Full dimensions, thread data and air-consumption figures sit in the pneumatic grease gun technical specifications guide.
The second meaning is a drum-mounted or pail-mounted air-operated system: pump, follower plate, delivery hose and dispensing gun. The pump sits in the container and feeds the gun continuously. Container and ratio selection is set out in the air-operated lubrication system pump selection page.
Choosing by Container
The container you buy grease in decides the pump hardware. A deep drum needs a longer tube to keep the inlet below the grease surface as the level falls; if the tube is too short, the pump draws air instead of product.
| Container | Typical capacity | Pump tube length | Air inlet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pail | 5-gallon pail | 300 mm | 1/4″ BSP/NPT |
| Drum | 55-gallon drum | 700 mm | 1/4″ BSP/NPT |
| Deep drum | High fill level | 1200 mm | 1/4″ BSP/NPT |
A keg-based build uses a compact pump that drops into the keg opening; the fitting set is described on the grease keg pump page. For a full-size drum with a large opening and follower plate, see the 55-gallon drum grease pump page.
Ratio Selection by Grease Grade
Stiffer grease needs a higher ratio because more force is required to push it through the hose and fittings.
| Grease consistency | Operating condition | Suggested ratio |
|---|---|---|
| NLGI #0 to #1 | Short hose runs | 40:1 |
| NLGI #2 | Standard workshop use | 50:1 |
| Stiff grease | Cold weather, long hose runs | 65:1 |
On the consistency scale, 000 is the softest grade and higher numbers are stiffer, so 3 is the hardest. The declared range for this pump family is NLGI #0 to #2, with 50:1 standard and 40:1 to 65:1 available as an option.
Air Supply and Priming
The declared air inlet range is 0.6 to 0.8 MPa, with maximum output up to 30 MPa. Priming follows the follower plate, which must seat flat on the grease surface before pumping.
Working Safely at High Pressure
Outlet pressure reaches up to 30 MPa, so every component in the delivery path must be rated to that level or above. Two parts worth reviewing are the button head grease fitting and the 4-jaw high-pressure grease coupler.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an air greaser?
It is a grease delivery tool driven by compressed air. The name covers two products: a handheld pneumatic grease gun and a drum or pail mounted air-operated pump system.
Is an air greaser the same as a grease gun?
Only partly. The handheld pneumatic grease gun is one meaning, with dimensions, threads and air data in the pneumatic grease gun guide.
Air greaser vs grease pump – what is the difference?
Container and supply style. A handheld unit holds a small cartridge and delivers one shot at a time. A pump system draws from a pail or drum and feeds continuously.
What inlet pressure is needed?
The declared air inlet range is 0.6 to 0.8 MPa. Fit a filter-regulator-lubricator unit at the inlet so the supply stays steady and dry.
Can it pump NLGI 2 grease?
Yes. NLGI #2 is the standard workshop grade and runs on a 50:1 unit. If the grease is stiff or the shop is cold, move to the 65:1 build.
Pail or drum pump tube – which length?
Match the tube to the container. Use 300 mm for a 5-gallon pail, 700 mm for a 55-gallon drum, and 1200 mm for a deep drum.
Why is a follower plate needed?
It presses down on the grease surface and keeps the pump inlet submerged. Without a seated plate, air pockets form and cause sputtering delivery.
How should sealed bearings be greased?
Use short bursts. Sealed bearings have little internal space, so a long continuous shot can displace the seal; two or three pulses is enough.
How do I pair a hose and coupler?
Rate the whole delivery path to the pump output, which reaches up to 30 MPa. Any part rated below the outlet pressure becomes the limiting component.
How do I choose between the two air greaser types?
Start with the container. A cartridge-fed handheld unit suits single joints and tight spaces, while a mounted pump system suits high consumption. For a build matched to your container and grease grade, IsoHiTech Lubrication Systems, founded in 2023, engineering since 2006, can advise – send container size and grease grade to inquiry@isohitech.com, or use the quote request form.
Confirm the container, the ratio and the pressure rating of the hose and coupler together. If you would rather have the selection checked before ordering, the same contact page reaches the team.
