Grease Nipples
When you replace a grease nipple, check the thread first. It comes in metric or inch sizes. A set with the common sizes saves you from being stuck. Choose zinc-plated steel for normal conditions, or stainless steel in damp areas. Many sets include a hanging holder for your workshop. Fitting a grease nipple is easy with a socket or wrench.
Grease nipples: thread, sizes and fitting
What grease nipples are for
A grease nipple sits on a bearing, pin or ball joint where you regularly pump in grease. You pick the nipple by its thread: metric or inch. That thread decides whether it fits your machine. Measure the thread and the pitch, then you are safe. A nipple with the wrong thread goes in crooked or leaks grease past the seat.
Where ordering goes wrong
It almost always goes wrong on the thread. Metric and inch look alike, but they do not fit. Check the angle and the length too: a straight nipple will not fit where an angled one is needed. A set with all common sizes stops you from grabbing the wrong one every time. You will find the nipples under consumables, together with the rest of your workshop stock.
Where to look next
If you also replace the seal on the seat, look at sealing rings and O-rings. If the nipple sits on a hose or line you reconnect, you often need hose clamps. If you loosen bolts and nuts around the nipple, you will find the right size at bolts, nails and nuts.