Shop Press

Shop Press is the news and idea hub for everything related to working on cars and trucks, focusing on repair, technology, and wrenching lifestyle.

From the creative minds at:

FEATURE STORY

Hot Off the Press

Cars that make you think of something specific

Some vehicles have the power to evoke strong memories or associations. Whether it's a classic film, a historical event, or a beloved television show, these vehicles often serve as iconic symbols. You’ll likely only have to read the headers in this piece for you to...

Using voltage to locate electrical faults

Locating the cause of an electrical fault can be a challenge even for the most experienced professional. I’m not referring to open circuits or even short circuits. These are relatively easy to find. In either case, the component, or load, won’t work. But the most...

How do you handle billing shop supplies?

When I first began writing service at an indie auto repair shop, one line item on the bill was “shop supplies.” We tacked on some percentage of the bill, capping at $19.88. Shows you how long ago that was! Customers would ask about it, and many were angry about the...

Tool Review: FNIRSI DSO152 Oscilloscope

Disclaimer: I purchased this tool at full retail price. In fact, I actually purchased two so I could try out the version with a high-voltage lead.If you’ve met my fellow Shop Press contrib Pete, seen his videos, taken his classes, or read his articles, you’ll know...

Making custom coiled wire is easier than you think (VIDEO)

Description Coiled wire is a smart idea for adding service loops or mechanical strain relief on automotive electrical jobs or other projects. In three easy steps, you can make your own coiled wire sections for all kinds of applications.

A review of the last grease coupler you’ll ever need, the LockNLube

by | May 18, 2023

Several years ago, I was standing in a field watching a friend of mine add grease to a wheel. When he was done, he tugged on the coupler, and it held fast to his wheel. He tugged a little harder, and the coupler ripped the zerk right out of its threads, necessitating a repair before grease could be added to the hub.

Sadly, I’ve done the same thing before myself when greasing things, which I’m a little fanatical about. As I got older and wiser, I learned to take the coupler off at an angle. I slowed down and would unscrew recalcitrant couplers to coax them off fittings, but you know what? That takes forever.

LockNLube coupler

And then I found the LockNLube.

I am ashamed to say I came across this product on a late-night infomercial after stumbling in from a night of partying. The late night antics were common for me at the time, but purchasing things from infomercials was a bit out of character. (I did at one point keep a very well-used Pocket Fisherman behind the seat of my old Chevy and maintain it was an excellent product, even if it was larger than nearly any pocket.)

In theory, it seemed perfect. Rather than relying on achieving the perfect tension by way of the coupler’s threads, the LockNLube promised to snap onto a zerk fitting and then release all tension by way of a thumb-actuated lever. It looked so easy, just like it always does in the infomercials. So I dug out my credit card and I bought one.

I’ve been using it now for at least 6 or 7 years, and my opinion of it is as high now as it was the day I received it.

This thing is the real deal.

I haven’t so much as marred a fitting since I screwed this on the end of my gun. The hardened jaws go on and off like they’re supposed to, and because of that spring-loaded lock, you can clip it on and run the grease gun with two hands.

I still keep a standard coupler on an old gun I have, but I hardly ever use it. For antiques, off-road equipment, farm stuff, and trailers, this coupler is the one to have if you ask me. The thing never pops out and makes a mess, and I never damage fittings (or the item they sit in) any longer. I even have a few drive-in style grease fittings that make me wince when I used to use a “normal” coupler on them, but with this LockNLube coupler, there’s no chance of damaging even those.

LockNLube coupler in use

Photo: Lemmy.

They’re rebuildable, though you pay for rebuild kits. I think mine was cheaper than they go for now, which at the time of this writing seems to be between $30 and $35 depending on where you get it and if it’s on sale. This thing is larger than a conventional coupler, so there are times when it’s a squeeze to get it in somewhere, but that’s somewhat mitigated by their “XL” version, a coupler that costs a few bucks more and has an extended snout.

It’s rare I come across a fitting where this doesn’t work, but it does happen. Still, I feel that’s a very small price to pay for the convenience of quickly greasing ports with almost no concern about one ripping out. Especially on ag equipment where there may be dozens of fittings to access during a service, this little sweetie saves me time and broken parts. I cannot recommend this upgrade highly enough.

The articles and other content contained on this site may contain links to third party websites. By clicking them, you consent to Dorman’s Website Use Agreement.

Related Articles

Shop Press Comment Policy

Participation in this forum is subject to Dorman’s Website Terms & Conditions. Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
3 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline feedback
View all comments

Get Articles In Your Inbox

Subscribe to receive a monthly email summary of our latest Shop Press stories.

Shop Press

I agree to the above privacy statement and T&Cs

Thanks! You're now subscribed.