Choosing the Right Auto Greaser: A Simple Guide

An auto greaser, also known as a single-point lubricator, is a small, sealed canister that feeds grease or oil to one lubrication point at a set rate. It runs on its own for weeks or months, per the model. This reduces manual lubricating rounds and helps avoid over and under lubrication. This is important because 36% of premature bearing failures are due to incorrect lubrication. It is not a centralized system but serves one point only. This guide will show you how to choose an auto greaser for your setup.

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Where Auto Greasers are Used (Facilities & Industries):

• Wastewater treatment plants: handles wet, corrosive conditions.
• Mining & minerals: endures dust, shock, and loads.
• Steel mills: feeds bearings in high heat.
• Power generation: supports fans, pumps, and drives.
• Automotive: keeps lines and motors lubricated.
• Food & beverage: suits clean, hygienic areas.
• Logistics: fits conveyors in busy hubs.
• Rail: works on rail vehicle tech.
• Wind: covers yaw, pitch, and main bearings.
• And more: chemical, pulp & paper, and recycling.

What Auto Greasers Go On (Machines & Components):

• Roller & sliding bearings: feeds these points steadily.
• Electric motors: lubricates motor bearings to spec.
• Chains: delivers oil or grease to chain links.
• Conveyors: serves rollers and bearing blocks.
• Pumps: supplies drive and bearing points.
• Gear racks & open gears: covers exposed teeth.
• Spindles: feeds rotating shafts precisely.
• Linear guides: lubricates runner blocks.
• Threaded drives: greases threaded spindles.
• Shaft seals: supports seal contact faces.

How to Choose the Right Auto Greaser: (Core Checklist)

1. Lubricant Type.

Decide grease or oil first. Check viscosity, base oil, and any additives. Follow OEM specs. Many single-point lubricators ship pre-filled with generic lubricants in a category like multipurpose grease, high temperature grease, chain oil, food grade grease and more. However, if a specific grease is needed, like Shell Gadus S2 V220 2, or MOBILGREASE XHP222, then you may need to reach out to the seller for a custom order. Most brands, like Perma, A.T.S. ELectro-Lube, and Simalube, can offer the generic lubricants as well as the specific ones. 

2. Lubrication Frequency & Discharge Period.

Match run time to the duty cycle. Does the lubricator discharge all the grease over 1 month, or many? For example, Simalube sets steplessly from 1 to 12 months. The Perma Star Vario sets from 1 to 52 weeks. With some models, you can tweak dispensing periods as conditions change. That keeps the single-point lubricators on pace.

3. Size.

Now that you know the amount of lubricant that must be delivered, and over what time period, you can determine what lubricator cartridge size you'll need. For example, if you need .34ml (340µl) of lubricant dispensed every day, you'll want a 125ml lubricator cartridge set to dispense its contents over 12 months. You CAN use a 60ml lubricator cartridge, but it will run out sooner if it's sent to dispense .34ml / day. 

4. Environment & Hazard Rating.

Check if the lubrication point is in a hazardous area. Some lubricators have shields, support flanges, or have water or dust-proof housings. Check to see if the lubricator is IP68 rated. For hazardous areas, such as those where flammable gases, vapors, mists, or combustible dusts may be present, you'll want to use EX-rated models. Also consider that some lubrication points are hard to reach, as such you'll want to swap out the lubricator less frequently. 

5. Refillable vs. Replaceable.

Simalube can be refilled with grease or oil up to three times as per the manufacturer. On the other hand, Perma lubricators use a LC (lubricant canister) that is not refillable. Refillable is a cost-effective option but could require downtime on your lubrication point, unless you have spare lubrication canisters. New canisters can just be installed immediately after removal of the depleted canister. 

6. Accuracy & Drive Type.

Pick the drive that fits your application tolerance. Spring powered auto greasers are the simplest and least precise. But since they normally have less moving parts, the less prone to failure. Electrochemical units (Perma Classic and Futura, or Simalube, and A.T.S. Electro-Lube electro lubers) create pressure via a gas cell, and are more accurate. Electromechanical units (Perma Star Vario, and A.T.S. Electro-Lube Ultimate and Jack Lubers) use a motor for the most consistent output.

7. Activation & Setup Style.

Know how it starts. Some auto greasers use an activator screw (often sold separately), which can start an electrochemical reaction with cells. Examples include the Perma Classic and Futura. The Perma flex and Simalube use a simple twist or dial to set the period. The Perma Star Vario has an LCD with a push button for programming. Spring powered units often start immediately with no activation required. 

8. Mounting & Pressure (Remote Lines).

Most units can mount directly on a lubrication point or via tubing. Check pressure for hose runs. The Perma builds 7.5 bar or 109 psi and supports remote mounts up to 5 m. On the other hand, Simalube with Impulse connect boosts pressure up to 10 bar for longer or tighter lines.

9. Connectivity & Monitoring.

Decide if you need status from afar. The Perma Star Vario Bluetooth works with the Perma Connectapp. Meanwhile, the Simalube IMPULSE connect adds Bluetooth setup and monitoring. Both help you track lube points without climbing or stopping equipment. If no long distance monitoring is needed many lubricator canisters have windows in the side so you can estimate lubricant levels. 

10. Cost & TCO.

Balance features with spend. Spring and electrochemical units might cost less. Electromechanical units add precise metering, alarms, and displays that minimize errors and trips. You should keep this in mind for how to choose an auto greaser.

11. Lubricant Sourcing.

Confirm how you'll get the grease. Some brands sell the canister and no lubricant. Others sell the canister with lubricant inside. Buyers should confirm their lubricant is available from that brand. The Perma auto greasers are supplied pre-filled with specified lubricants. Simalube can be pre-filled or user-filled and refilled, which can help with niche oils or greases. Verify availability before you buy.

Common Mistakes to avoid:

1. Not matching lubricant to OEM spec.

Many buyers purchase auto greasers with lubricant described only by a generic category, like "multipurpose grease" or "chain oil". This method may be sufficient for a variety of applications. However, if the auto greaser will go on a part or machine would cause significant financial trouble if it fails, then it's best to research and use the lubricant called for by the manufacturer. 

2. Not considering lubricator size.

Sometimes buyers will purchase lubricators that are too small, and need to be swapped out much sooner. It's much better to get a 250ml lubricator and swap it out every year, than a 125ml (set at the same dispensing amount) and swap it out every 6 months. 

3. Don't forget accessories.

The lubrication point may be in a tight area, and require a mount and tube to install the lubricator. It may be in a hazardous area and need some extra protection like a guard, or flange for high vibration. If you're lubricating a chain, or metal wire, you may need a brush. For some Perma units, activation screws, batteries, or other required accessories may NOT be automatically included. 

See what's available:

Shopena Supply has a massive selection of Auto Greasers. Browsing through our catalog will give you a good idea of what's out there, what they look like, and how they work. You can even see the difference between electrochemical, electromechanical auto greasers, and spring powered auto greasers. Don't forget your auto-greaser accessories!