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 ZERK gun?
Grease guns are critical for preventing excessive wear and premature failure of moving, mechanical components. The coupler on the end of the grease gun snaps onto grease zerks, locking into place for a leak proof seal during the transfer of grease from the gun to the mechanical equipment.
Why is a grease fitting called a ZERK?
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.
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.
Are all grease Zerks the same?
The most common standard grease zerk 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 grease zerk fitting sizes can be found.
Do grease guns have different fittings?
A grease gun may come with the standard connection adapter such as a hydraulic coupler, but there are several variations depending on the application. The standard hydraulic coupler is the most commonly used and most applicable. A 90-degree adapter is ideal for fittings in confined areas that require a 90-degree bend.
What threads are used on grease Zerks?
SAE‑LT (Society of Automotive Engineers) threads possess SAE pipe thread dimension of 1/4″‑28 taper. Grease zerk fittings in the automotive industry as well as many other industrial machines and standard duty applications use SAE‑LT threads.
Where are the grease Zerks located on?
According to FULLBAY who focuses on heavy duty equipment, these are the main places grease zerk fittings are found: wheel ends. Hinge or pivot joints (hoods, covers, 5th wheel mounts) 5th wheel plate and lock.
What is the purpose of a grease gun nozzle?
The purpose of the grease gun is to apply lubricant through an orifice to a specific point, usually with the aid of a special fitting.
Who invented the Zerk fitting?
Zerks were invented by an eccentric engineer/inventor named Oscar Zerk. Oscar lived in Kenosha and was associated with Nash Motors. He died several years ago after living a long life. He made lots of money from his invention.
When did cars stop having grease fittings?
The job of greasing the suspension system on your car had all but disappeared in recent years. Now, greasing is making a comeback. In the 1980s, many auto makers eliminated greasing points because they believed that the quality of grease had so improved it would last the life of the car. But motorists knew better.
How old are Zerk fittings?
You can thank Oscar Zerk and his 1923 patent for a special fitting for that. The process for maintaining such lubrication had advanced somewhat, but it was Zerk that created a design that made truly meaningful improvement. Early cars were lubricated like machines, by manually slathering grease where it was needed.
Do all bearings have to be lubricated each year?
Some equipment needs all the bearings re-greased every day, some once a week, some every two weeks, and some once a month. In applications such as this, it is often beneficial to completely wash out the bearings once a year, re-pack with new grease, and continue on with the established re-greasing program.
How do you change a Zerk fitting?
Turn the fitting counterclockwise with the wrench until it is completely out of the grease hole. Thread a new grease fitting into the grease hole until you can no longer turn it by hand. Turn the grease fitting another 1/2-turn with the wrench. Apply grease to the fitting as usual with your grease gun.
