How to choose lubricating grease: type of grease and application

For everyday maintenance, multipurpose lithium grease does almost everything. For rubber, plastics and seals you need a silicone grease; for pins, screws and parts under heavy load, a molybdenum disulphide grease; near ovens, motors or very hot parts, a high-temperature grease. The pack size (from 75 ml to 850 g in the catalogue) matters less than the type: first choose the right grease for the job, then the pack that suits how much you use.

The types

• Lithium grease: the general-purpose choice, for bearings, joints and slideways. It also comes in cartridges for grease guns, such as the lithium grease cartridge, and in the non-oxidising, water-resistant version (Faren).
• Multipurpose, tacky all-round grease: a grease suited to several uses, handy when you do not want to stock a separate product for every machine.
• Silicone grease: for rubber, plastics and seals, where a mineral grease would swell or damage them. Examples are the NPT Sigill silicone grease and the Faren clear silicone grease, which resists fresh and salt water.
• Molybdenum disulphide grease: anti-seize and anti-wear, for parts under heavy load, such as the Faren molybdenum disulphide grease.
• PTFE grease: long-lasting effect and resistance to wash-out, such as the Faren PTFE grease.
• High-temperature grease: for parts that work close to heat.
• NSF food-grade grease: for machinery in the food industry, such as the Faren NSF food-grade grease or the Sana Grease Chemical Roadmaster, in spray form.
• Spray grease: it can be applied where a brush will not reach and in hard-to-access points.

How to choose according to the job

The features to look at

• Type of grease: lithium, silicone, molybdenum disulphide, PTFE, high temperature. It determines the field of use, so it comes before everything else.
• Pack: 75 or 125 ml tube for occasional use, 500 ml tub and 400 ml spray can, and larger sizes, up to 5 L or 20 kg, for those who grease often.
• Cartridge or bulk: the cartridge loads into the grease gun and keeps the grease clean; the tub is used with a brush or spatula.
• Content: ml or g on the pack. For comparison, always look at the same unit.
• Pieces per carton: the data sheets state how many pieces per box (for example 12 or 24). Useful when ordering for stock.

Common mistakes

• Using any grease on rubber and plastics: some greases damage them. For these you need silicone grease.
• Mixing different greases without checking them: they are not always compatible and can lose their properties.
• Applying too much grease: the excess attracts dust and dirt. A thin layer is enough.
• Applying over old, dirty grease: clean first.
• Taking the spray when you need a real grease: the spray is convenient, but for heavy loads or long-term use you use grease in a tube or cartridge.

Frequently asked questions

Which grease is the most versatile?

Multipurpose lithium grease: it suits most bearings, joints and slideways. For rubber and plastics, switch to silicone.

What is the difference between grease and oil?

Grease stays where you put it and protects for longer, while oil flows and reaches tight spots. It depends on the mechanism.

Can I use lithium grease on plastics?

Better not to: for plastics and rubber a silicone grease is preferred, as it does not attack them.

How often should I grease?

It depends on the machine: follow the manufacturer's instructions and grease more often if it works in dirty or damp environments.

All the greases are in the Greases collection, with brands such as Faren, NPT Sigill and Chemical Roadmaster: if you are not sure which to choose, request a quote or ask the AMES technicians for advice.