TL;DR: A single point automatic greaser is a self-contained lubricator that feeds one bearing or point continuously for 1–12 months, no pump or wiring needed. Choose gas-cell units for cheap fit-and-forget points, spring-loaded units for light grease, and electromechanical units when you need precise, temperature-independent dosing. IsoHiTech supplies all three plus refill grease.
- One lubricator feeds one point — mount, set the period, walk away.
- Typical sizes: 60, 120, 250 and 500 cm³; discharge 1–12 months.
- Output pressure 4–5 bar overcomes most seal resistance and short feed lines.
What Is a Single Point Automatic Greaser?
A single point automatic greaser is a self-contained lubrication device that stores a small charge of grease (typically 60–500 cm³) and dispenses it continuously to a single lubrication point over a set period. It is also called a single point lubricator, automatic grease feeder or electro-chemical greaser. Because the drive mechanism is built into the unit — a gas-generating cell, a spring, or a battery-powered motor — it needs no external pump, piping or power supply.
The single point automatic greaser fills the gap between manual grease-gun lubrication and a full centralized system: anywhere a bearing is hard to reach, dangerous to service, or simply easy to forget, a disposable or refillable lubricator keeps it greased on schedule.
How a Single Point Automatic Greaser Works
Three drive types dominate the market. A gas-cell (electrochemical) greaser generates hydrogen gas in a sealed cell; the gas pushes a piston that extrudes grease at roughly 4–5 bar, and the discharge period is set by an orifice or dial from 1 to 12 months. A spring-loaded greaser uses a compressed spring for steady low pressure — simple and refillable, but output varies with grease stiffness and temperature. An electromechanical greaser drives the piston with a battery motor and gear train, giving exact, temperature-independent dosing and pressures up to 6–10 bar, enough for feed lines of 1–3 metres.
In numbers: a 120 cm³ unit set to 6 months delivers about 0.65 cm³ of grease per day — close to the 0.5–1.0 cm³/day that a 50–80 mm bore bearing typically consumes. That match between reservoir size, period and bearing demand is the core of correct sizing.
Single Point Greaser vs Centralized Lubrication System
| Single point automatic greaser | Centralized system | |
|---|---|---|
| Points served | 1 per unit | 2–300+ from one pump |
| Install cost per point | Low (unit price only) | Higher (pump, blocks, pipework) |
| Best for | Scattered, hard-to-reach points | Machine clusters, production lines |
| Monitoring | Visual check or none | Cycle switches, alarms, controllers |
| Refill | Replace or refill the unit | Refill one central reservoir |
Rule of thumb: below roughly 10 lubrication points on a machine, single point greasers usually win on installed cost; above that, an automatic grease pump feeding progressive divider blocks costs less per point and adds monitoring. Many plants run both — central systems on main machines, single point greasers on remote fans, conveyors and pumps.
Single Point Lubricators from IsoHiTech
- Automatic single point lubricator — adjustable-period electrochemical unit for bearings and chains.
- Spring-loaded single point lubricator — refillable, transparent-body unit for light grease and oil.
- Automatic grease pump systems — when your point count outgrows single point units.
- Auto greaser guide — how self-contained greasers compare with pump-fed systems.
Typical Applications
Single point automatic greasers are standard equipment on electric motor bearings, conveyor pulley bearings, fan and blower shafts, pump pedestals and chain drives. For bearing-specific sizing and installation practice, see our guide to automatic greasers for bearings; for chains, see the chain lubrication system page.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a single point automatic greaser last?
Discharge period is set between 1 and 12 months depending on the unit and dial setting. A 120 cm³ gas-cell greaser set to 12 months delivers about 0.3 cm³ per day; the same unit set to 1 month empties in 30 days.
Can a single point greaser feed through a tube?
Yes, within limits. Gas-cell and spring units push 4–5 bar, enough for up to about 1 metre of 6 mm tube with NLGI 2 grease; electromechanical units reach 6–10 bar and 2–3 metres. Keep the tube short, straight and pre-filled with grease.
Are single point greasers refillable?
Spring-loaded and most electromechanical units are refillable with a grease gun through a standard nipple. Gas-cell (electrochemical) units are disposable — you replace the whole unit or a matched refill pack including a new gas cell.
What grease should I fill in a single point lubricator?
Match the grease already in the bearing — typically an NLGI 2 lithium or calcium-sulfonate grease for general machinery, NLGI 0–1 for cold climates. Never mix incompatible thickener types in the same unit.
When should I switch from single point greasers to a central system?
When a machine or area exceeds about 10 points, when you need alarms for missed cycles, or when the yearly cost of replacement units exceeds a pump-and-block installation. A central automatic lubrication system then becomes the cheaper and safer option.
Not sure which drive type fits your points? Send IsoHiTech your bearing list — we size the lubricator, period and grease for you.
Before you buy: read our central lubrication system guide.