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

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this piece, I traced the history of the U.S. presidential state car from the beginning to the Kennedy Lincoln Continental. In this part, I’ll pick up with President Lyndon Baines Johnson’s state car and continue to the present day.1967 Lincoln Continental...

Why Wheel Fastener Torque Matters More Than You Think (VIDEO)

Description If you’re still using torque sticks and impact power to install lug nuts and lug bolts, it’s time to reconsider. Pete Meier explains why the torque wrench is the only correct tool for the job … and what can go wrong when you don’t use one.Related...

A History of the U.S. Presidential State Car (Part 1)

The U.S. presidential state car (aka "The Beast", "Cadillac One", "First Car", and codename "Stagecoach") is an unmistakable symbol of our nation’s executive branch. Since we had a presidential inauguration this year, I thought it would be a good time to look at the...

Dead Battery? (Video)

Description With dozens of electronic control units on automobiles built in the last 25 years, incidents of battery drain caused by an ECU that will not turn off when it is supposed to are on the rise. Tracing the ultimate cause can be made easier, though, if you know...

Check Engine Light On?

Diagnosing an illuminated check engine light (CEL) is something professional technicians do on an everyday basis. The key to a correct diagnosis is following a logical diagnostic process and gathering the information you need to isolate and repair the cause. The...

CDK Global Outage: The Aftermath.

Nobody wants to hear it, but cyberattacks and ransomware are part of a complicated new reality for the digital systems supporting the auto repair industry. Are you prepared? Months after the CDK Global outage ravaged the auto repair industry, there are still lingering...

DIYers: Yes, You Can Handle a Window Regulator Replacement

I’ve had an ongoing disagreement with a few of my Shop Press colleagues for some time now. Personally, I believe that replacing a window regulator is a perfect job for a DIYer. I mean, I’ve done them myself, and I barely even consider myself a DIYer. However, some of...

Quick tip for greasing clogged fittings

by | Jun 30, 2022

I’m showing my age a bit, but when I write a car up for a LOF job, while I’m undercar I’m sniffing around looking for spots to hit with my grease gun. Many newer cars have nothing at all, but an older truck? There might be a dozen. Older tractors and motorcycles, which I also service, have grease zerks all over the place. And sometimes, since grease fittings are often neglected these days, the grease will dry up and when you put a gun onto the fitting, grease just squirts all over the place. Has that ever happened to you?

A grease gun lays on a pile of shop rags.

Everything you need to clear a clogged fitting may be right in front of you. Photo by Lemmy.

There are lots of ways to deal with this, of course. Replacing the fitting might work. Some folks smack ‘em with a hammer. (I do not love this.) Other brave souls heat that grease up. Me? I don’t do any of that. I use a trick someone showed me many moons ago that sounds like it shouldn’t work—but does.

Find a rag, the thinner the better; something like a rag cut from an old t-shirt often works well. Spread it over the grease nipple, then shove your grease gun end over the nipple that’s now covered by a rag. (You’ll have to adjust your gun’s collet both going on and coming off, but that just takes a second, of course.) I can’t tell you why this works, but that trick has saved me a walk back from a field more than once.

Give it a whirl! (And if you know why this trick frees up the clog, please let me know; I’ve wondered for years.)

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
4 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.