What is a grease fitting called? Grease fittings, also known as zerk fittings or grease nipples, serve as lubrication points on bearing housings or other mechanical components. Their design provides a secure connection to a grease gun coupler for delivering precise amounts of grease into bearings and other moving systems.

Why is it called a Zerk fitting? The Zerk design, named after Oscar Zerk, used a fitting much smaller than the Alemite pin-type and did not lock the hose coupler or hand gun and fitting together. Instead, the seal between them was maintained by the pressure of a pushing action when the operator applied the coupler to the fitting.

Are there different size grease fittings? Grease fittings come in many different styles. There are two grease fittings that are very common. These are the 1/4″-28 thread and the 1/8″ NPT thread. However, there are other less common grease fitting threads in use.

Are grease fittings? Zerk grease fittings – commonly known simply as a grease fitting or grease nipple – is a fitting used in machining applications to dispense industrial lubricants like lubricating grease.

What is a grease fitting called? – Related Questions

Do you need a Zerk fitting?

Zerk fittings are found wherever grease is required. It could be a needle bearing in a universal joint, a ball joint, a pin that allows parts to rotate or an area that has two hard surfaces that slide upon each other.

What size thread is a Zerk fitting?

The included angle of the thread for a 1/4″-28 taper thread grease zerk is 60º. Taper thread grease fittings include a dirt-excluding ball check. Taper thread grease fittings are also referred to as taper thread zerk fittings, taper thread grease zerks, or a taper thread zerk.

Why does my grease gun get stuck on the fitting?

Grease guns get stuck on fittings due to clogged zerk fittings which don’t let the grease pass through and cause a pressure build up that prevents them from releasing. So to get it unstuck unscrews the hose or hardline from the gun which will release the pressure and allow it to come off.

What is the standard size grease fitting?

The most common standard grease fitting size is 1/4″‑28 SAE‑LT and is often used in automotive applications. They can also be found in agricultural environments as well as other various standard duty applications. For heavy duty applications, larger 1/8″‑27 PTF zerk fittings can be found.

Are grease Zerks all the same size?

There is effectively just one size. There are some other weird ones out there, the common being button head I believe, but if it looks like a standard grease zerk it is going to be the standard size.

What is a button head grease fitting?

Button head grease fittings are a heavier duty fitting distinguished by its flat, low profile appearance. They are able to handle large grease volume due to their high flow rate and sturdy construction. Button head fittings feature a smooth working surface and allow for easier coupler attachment and removal.

What does ZERK mean?

zerk in American English

(zɜrk ) noun. a small metal fitting through which grease can be inserted into a mechanical joint that requires periodic lubrication.

What happens if you don’t grease your ball joints?

Grease is good for noise and maintenance but no amount of it will bring a failed ball joint back to life. If you find that you have a failed ball joint we offer Moog upper and lower ball joints for many makes and models.

Do new ball joints need grease?

Usually the joints will come with enough grease for assembly, but not enough for long term use. This is to keep the parts from metal on metal friction, but not to spill grease out making a mess. Also, if they have a zerk, this means that they are not sealed and will need to be greased at an interval.

Are John Deere grease fittings metric?

21 assorted metric grease fittings in nine of the most popular styles and sizes are contained in an easy-to-handle, sturdy plastic box with six separately labeled and illustrated compartments. John Deere grease fittings are manufactured to the most stringent quality standards and are heat-treated to SAE specifications.

Are grease fittings metric?

Metric Grease Fittings are available in both regular and stainless steel. Metric Grease Fittings are also referred to as Metric Zerk Fittings, Metric Lubrication Fittings, Metric Hydraulic Fittings, and Metric Zerks.

How do you free up a stuck grease fitting?

Load up a Grease Buster with Liquid Wrench, Mineral spirits, or any penetrating oil, and tap the piston a few times. As tempting as it may be, don’t smash the thing with a hammer – the point is to use vibration to get the oil in there and slowly break up the clog, not to blast it through your bearings.

What is a drive type grease fitting?

Drive Type Grease Fittings are designed for fast production line installation in untapped holes to avoid thread tapping costs. Drive Type Grease Fittings have a serrated shank, which facilitates the substitution of damaged grease fittings in old or oversize holes.

How do you know when a grease fitting is full?

If this is the case, the best tactic is to “feel” the grease into the bearing cavity until slight resistance or back pressure is felt against the trigger, or lever, signaling the bearing cavity is now full.

What is PTF thread?

Pipe Threads (PTF) are larger in diameter than most UNF or SAE-LT threads and also provide additional strength. PTF threads have a taper like SAE-LT threads to provide a leakproof installation. These threads are designated by nominal pipe diameter.

Are grease fittings self tapping?

Features: Self-Tapping Grease Fittings are also known as Thread Forming or Spin Drive Grease Fittings. They have special tapered drive threads for fast and economical production line installation. Their special hardened threads allow the fitting to be screwed into a drilled hole, eliminating the need to tap.

Is ZERK a word?

Yes, zerk is in the scrabble dictionary.

Who invented the Zerk fitting?

Oskar Zerkowitz emigrated to the United States and changed his name to “Oscar Ulysses Zerk”. He was also known as “Oscar V. Zerk”. He became a world-famous inventor and one of his most prominent creations was a grease fitting known as “the zerk”.

How long can you drive on bad ball joints?

Generally speaking, you should expect to have to have your ball joints replaced between 70,000 to 150,000 miles of driving. Excessive play in the joint can cause additional wear, and if a ball joint fails, your car’s suspension could collapse and you could lose control of the vehicle.

What happens if you over grease a ball joint?

If you fill it too much with grease, then yes, the boot will split or break and grease will ooze out. Which means you’ll need to replace the tie rod before dirt begins to get inside and cause the whole joint to fail.