- Huyett Marketing Department
- 06/08/2023
- Updated 7/24/2024
A
grease gun coupler (or grease gun tip) is a cylindrical fitting that connects to the end of a
grease hose or a pipe extension; the hose or pipe is connected to a
grease gun, which allows the whole connection to pump grease through the hose/pipe into the coupler. The coupler acts as the conduit between the gun and the grease fitting and houses a set of internal jaws that secure to the zerk fitting for a leak-proof seal. When setting up your lubrication application, it is important to consider which type of grease coupler you will need to properly lubricate your grease fitting.
Types of Grease Gun Tips
There are many types of grease gun tips – some are designed to fit specific zerk fittings, while others are designed to expand the gun’s versatility with features like angled attachments, swivels, etc. Grease gun couplers generally adapt to different zerk sizes of the same style, but that may vary depending on the components and application. You should always check the parts yourself to ensure a proper connection before use.
Three of the most common grease gun coupler types are standard, quick connect, and loader couplers. Four less common grease gun tips include button head, pin type, needle nozzles, and flush type couplers.
Download our Grease Gun Coupler and Mating Grease Fittings quick guide
here.
Standard Grease Coupler
The
standard grease coupler (also called a hydraulic coupler) is designed to fit
standard grease fittings or fittings with standard nipple profiles, which covers most of the common zerk fittings in use. The hydraulic option is a simple tip that attaches to the end of a hose or pipe extension to transfer grease on its own, but it can also act as a mount for other types of couplers. There are two subtypes of these components:
conventional
and
special use
.
Conventional
This covers the typical, cylindrical coupler with the normal attachment mechanism (no angle or flexibility). The bodies are either narrow (which provides better reach in tight spaces) or standard size with either a three-jaw or four-jaw set.
Special Use
Special use couplers have one of two unique features that allow the coupler to reach into odd spaces. Some feature a swivel head that can adapt to a range of angles, while others have a built-in 90° angle head or slot so the tip can access the zerk perpendicularly.
Quick Connect Grease Couplers
Quick connect grease couplers are a set of tips that connect and disconnect from hydraulic couplers, making the gun more versatile in an in-field or mobile setting. When mechanics need to service multiple types of lubrication applications with a portable tool kit, these removable components allow them to quickly change out tips instead of replacing the core hydraulic grease coupler or the entire gun.
To attach a quick connect tip, pull the spring-loaded sleeve towards the top; this exposes the tip’s internal grease nipple. Attach the tip to the hydraulic coupler, then release the sleeve. The sleeve's jaws will lock onto the hydraulic coupler.
Loader Grease Coupler
Loader grease couplers are specifically designed for bulk lubrication loading systems, in which a grease gun is filled with grease from a bulk barrel rather than an individual cartridge. This works well in high-volume settings where it would be costly to use large amounts of cartridges or when environmental impact is a concern.
This is the only coupler that does not transfer grease from the gun to the application; it only moves it from the bulk barrel into the gun.
Button Head Grease Coupler
Button head couplers are designed to fit over the unique profile of
button head zerk fittings. These fittings have a smooth, flat head with a low profile and a small grease nipple. The corresponding couplers feature slots on the bottom of the tip that fit over the zerk head and a threaded hole above it at a 90⁰ angle for grease gun attachment.
Pin Type Coupler
The
pin type coupler is designed to be used with
pin type grease fittings, a unique type of fitting that features a cross pin sticking out from the zerk head at a 90⁰ angle. This was one of the first zerk fitting designs ever manufactured, and they are now often used to restore antique vehicles or older machinery. The coupler uses a slot on the bottom of the tip to create a positive lock with the fitting, which makes for simple servicing.
Needle Nozzle
A
needle nozzle is a long, skinny grease gun tip that reaches into awkward spaces where a bulky gun can’t fit. They are available in a variety of lengths, with some options featuring a rubber tip.
Flush Type Coupler
Flush type couplers fit with
flush type grease fittings, which have a low, concave profile and a sunken grease nipple so the zerk doesn't protrude from the mating surface. To reach the grease nipple, this coupler features a small, pointed tip to reach into the zerk.
Grease Gun Coupler and Grease Fitting Mates
| ||
|---|---|---|
Grease Gun Coupler Type
| Description
| Mating Grease Fittings
|
 |
|  |
Standard Coupler: Special Use
  |
|  |
 |
| Varies depending on head style:
Standard Grease Fittings, Button Head Grease Fittings, Flush Grease Fittings  |
 |
| N/A
|
 |
|  |
 |
|  |
 |
|  |
 |
| |
Connecting and Disconnecting Grease Gun Couplers
In most cases, couplers attach and detach in a similar, easy manner. To ensure a leak-proof seal and a clean removal between your coupler and zerk fitting, consider the following:
- To Connect Couplers: Make sure your coupler and zerk fitting are clear of debris and neither component is damaged. Set the coupler at a slight angle against the zerk and roll it over the nipple profile while pressing down until it clicks into place. If it is too tight- or too loose-fitting around the grease fitting, you can usually adjust its hold by turning the coupler head either way.
- To Disconnect Couplers: Make sure that no grease is actively flowing between the coupler and the zerk and that there is no pressure between the hose/extension and the tip. If you need to manually release the pressure, tilt the coupler at a slight angle away from the zerk. To remove it, continue tilting it away from the zerk as you twist it apart.
Best Practices for Maintaining Grease Gun Couplers
While there are specific brands of grease gun couplers that require unique care, there are a few general guidelines to follow when maintaining these components:
- Clean the coupler regularly to remove old grease or foreign objects, which can impede the lubrication process and cause damage.
- Watch for signs of wear and tear or leaking around the coupler; you may need to clean it to restore the grease flow.
- Store them in a dry place to reduce the risk of corrosion or damage.
- Remove it from the grease gun after use; do not leave it attached.
- Make sure the coupler jaws do not overstretch, as it may leak when attached to properly sized grease fittings. If this happens, replace it.
- Do not use incompatible couplers and fittings together; forcing a connection will cause damage to both components.
Grease Gun Tip Considerations
To determine the best grease gun coupler for your specific use case, it is important to think through the setting and the environmental factors of your application. Here are a few common factors to keep in mind when choosing the best grease tip for your lubrication application:
- What type of zerk fitting are you using? Does it feature a standard nipple profile, or is it unique like a button head or a pin type fitting? Unique zerk styles often require matching coupler styles, so make sure you have the correct parts on hand.
- Will the coupler need to function in a high-volume production setting or a small, custom environment? This may influence whether you will also need a hydraulic coupler as an attachment.
- How accessible are the grease fittings? Are they in tight spaces, awkward corners, or in hard-to-reach areas? If they are not readily accessible, you may need a needle nozzle or an angled coupler.
- Will your grease gun coupler be exposed to natural elements like water, temperature fluctuation, pressure changes, or chemicals? This will typically influence your material/finish choice.
These questions will help you narrow in on which type of grease gun tip is most suited to fit your needs.
All-In-One Coupler Kits
All-in-one coupler kits are collections of quick connect tips packaged in a pouch that are ideal additions to agricultural or maintenance tool kits.
Huyett offers a
standard kit with the following quick connect couplers:
- 90⁰ angle hydraulic coupler
- Needle nozzle
- Button head tip with 90⁰
- Pipe extension
- Hydraulic extension with varied angles
Huyett’s
deluxe kit offers:
- Injector needle
- 90⁰ angle hydraulic coupler
- Push type tip for hand equipment
- Push type tip with 90⁰ angle for hand equipment
- Needle nozzle
- Rubber needle nozzle
- Hydraulic coupler angled extension
The Bottom Line
Grease gun couplers are available in a variety of styles to help you navigate a wide range of lubrication applications.
Some tips, like hydraulic or needle nozzle couplers, provide ways to get around tight spaces, awkward angles, or hard-to-reach areas. Others, like button head, pin type, and flush type couplers, are designed to work with specific grease fittings. Whatever type of grease gun you are working with, these components help you save time by expanding your gun’s versatility.
For more information on Huyett's selection of grease fittings, grease guns, and lubrication tools and accessories, visit our complete
lubrication product line and
tools or our
FAQ page. You can also
contact Sales today for questions and quotes.
