Grease nipples

[The Artilleryman]

Can anybody tell me the difference between ordinary grease nipples and hex head nipples - apart from the obvious, shape - I've got an old power hacksaw and it has both sorts and wondered why ?

Can i replace a hex head 1/8th BSP with a standard one with the same thread ?

 

[m_c]

Could be the hex-head ones are meant to be oiled?

 

[Old Dog]

They were used in transport and construction companys because they pass more grease at a lower pump pressure and they are a more robust construction, with the common use of power greasers they were slowly replaced by the more common nipple type. As long as the thread is the correct one replace as necessary.

 

[The Artilleryman]

Thanks @Old Dog, I was hoping that would be the case.

 

[The Artilleryman]

I would suggest, if there are two types on the same machine, they are different for good reason (oil or grease?) or that some have already been changed by a previous owner. Access is just another reason for fitting different types.

I have one machine that has some parts that must be oiled, so the original lubrication fittings only fitted the oil gun supplied with the machine. Lots of users, in the past, have greased these parts (instead of dealing with leaking seals) and ruined the bearings.

Harrison lathe are a good example of this, my L5a cross slide and screw cutting gearbox need to be stripped and cleaned.

 

[Old Dog]

The grease nipples are good for any type of lube, the ball end nipples(2 types under different brand names) are self sealing to the grease gun nipple to some extent, the hex head ones always leaked after a time of use, That's why most got changed.
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