Filling the Grease Gun. Fill the barrel of the grease gun to the top of the cork piston which is inserted from the plunger end remote from the nozzle. As the grease is used the piston will follow the grease along the barrel. Filling can be done with a knife, or by means of special containers in which grease can be purchased. In the latter case the grease gun fits over a hole in a metal plate above the grease in the canister, so that by depressing the barrel of the grease gun the grease is forced into it. When full the barrel is twisted and taken away leaving the grease flush with the end of the barrel.

To expel any air and to check that the gun is working, place the nozzle at an angle to a flat surface and depress the plunger once or twice until the grease comes through.

Using the Grease Gun. Grease the points needing attention a little and often. Do not neglect and then overlubricate after damage has been done. The intervals at which attention is recommended are for guidance only and are not necessarily the minimum distances. Wet or very dirty conditions will make more frequent greasing necessary. When greasing the rear swinging fork trunnion bearings support the machine on the stand and allow the rear wheel to hang clear of the floor. By relieving the bearing surfaces of load the grease will penetrate better to where it is needed. Do not use heavier grease than recommended.

Occasionally grease may leak between the nozzle and the nipple instead of going through the nipple. This can be prevented in most cases by placing a piece of clean rag between the nozzle and nipple when using the gun. The rag forms an effective seal round the nozzle but allows grease to enter the nipple. If this fails suspect a damaged or choked nipple. Remove any such nipples for clearing or replacement.