Recommended Free Tools
Grease is a semi-solid lubricant made from base oil, a thickener and additives. The base oil does the lubricating; the thickener holds oil in reserve and releases it during use. The right grease for construction equipment or another machine depends on its specifications and working conditions—not just the thickener name or NLGI number on the label.
What grease is made of
Base oil
Base oil forms the lubricating part of grease. Its viscosity affects how the grease performs under the equipment’s speed and load conditions.
Thickener
The thickener holds the base oil in a semi-solid structure and helps keep it where it is needed. It is not, by itself, the lubricating oil. Mobil article author Paul Grives, Global Services & Grease Marketing Manager, ExxonMobil Fuels & Lubricants, describes the thickener as holding oil in reserve: “the oil in grease is what lubricates, not the thickener or additives.” Read Mobil’s explanation of grease basics.
Additives
Additives supplement a grease’s performance. Depending on the formulation, they can provide properties such as wear protection and rust prevention.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
- Versatile Use: Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease with Syncolon is perfect as a tool grease, automotive grease, gear grease, and bearing grease for workshop or home use
- High Temperature Grease: This synthetic multipurpose lubricant resists water, salt water, dirt, and corrosion, making it ideal harsh environments
- Safe for Food & Sensitive Applications: As an NSF H1 registered food-grade lubricant, Super Lube is perfect for food processing equipment and is Kosher certified
- Maintains Stability Under Pressure: With a non-melting grease formula, Super Lube stays put without running, dripping, separating, or forming gummy deposits
- Premium Synthetic Lubricants: Super Lube manufactures specialized, effective, and regulatory-compliant lubrication solutions for industrial and mechanical settings
How grease types differ
Greases can be compared by thickener family, consistency, base-oil viscosity and type, and the properties of the finished formulation. No single label establishes that a grease is suitable for a particular machine: products with a similar thickener can differ in viscosity, temperature range, water resistance and other specifications.
Thickener family
Thickener type can help distinguish formulations, but it does not establish whether two products are compatible or whether either meets an equipment requirement. Use the lubricant manufacturer’s product specifications and the equipment maker’s guidance rather than choosing by thickener name alone.
Rank #2
- AFFORDABLE SOLUTIONS
- Water resistant
- Rust and oxidation inhibitors
- Long storage life
NLGI consistency grade
The NLGI grade describes how firm or soft a grease is; it is not a measure of overall quality. SKF identifies NLGI 2 as the most common consistency for rolling-bearing greases, but that does not make it the correct grade for every bearing or application. Softer grades may be preferred in low-temperature applications or where pumpability is important. The bearing and grease-delivery system determine what is appropriate. See SKF’s grease-selection guidance.
What to consider when selecting grease
Start with the machine’s manual and the lubricant manufacturer’s instructions. For a bearing, SKF identifies base-oil viscosity, consistency, operating temperature, oil bleed, rust-inhibiting properties and load-carrying ability as key selection factors. Other application conditions, including water exposure and the lubrication method, also matter.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsRank #3
- Lubrimatic 11-316 1 Lb Multi-Purpose Grease
- Long lasting, hard working formula delivers high performance in a wide range of heavy-duty applications
- Recommended for chassis, universal joints and other general purpose applications around the home, farm or shop
- Works best for lubricating rolling parts
- Nlgi 1-1/2; Drop point 350 degrees F; pumps to -10 to -15 degrees F
- Base-oil viscosity and type: Match the lubricant to the equipment’s speed and load conditions.
- Consistency: Choose a grade suited to the component and the way grease reaches it, including whether a centralized system must pump it.
- Temperature: Check the product’s stated operating range against the conditions the equipment will encounter. A range published for one formulation does not apply to every grease in its thickener family.
- Load and vibration: Confirm that the product’s load-carrying and mechanical properties suit the application.
- Water exposure and rust protection: Consider the environment and the product’s stated resistance and protective properties.
- Oil bleed: For bearings, consider how the grease releases oil in service, as well as its consistency and base-oil viscosity.
- Equipment and delivery method: A bearing, chassis joint and centralized lubrication system can have different requirements. Follow the instructions for the specific lubrication point.
Examples of grease uses—and their limits
Manufacturer guides illustrate how particular formulations may be used, but these examples are not universal prescriptions for every product with the same thickener label. ExxonMobil’s industrial guide lists some lithium-complex greases for heavy-duty or wide-temperature applications, and some lithium greases for chassis joints and pin-bushing lubrication. The product’s NLGI grade, temperature range and other specifications still need to match the application. Consult ExxonMobil’s industrial grease guide.
SKF’s guide also associates use cases and typical temperature limits with specific products. Do not apply a particular product’s stated range to another formulation or brand. Review SKF’s grease product guidance.
Rank #4
- Fit type: Universal;Fit Type: Universal
- Long storage life
- Agricultural, automotive and industrial applications
- Water resistant
Before changing or mixing greases
Do not assume that two greases are compatible because they look similar or share a thickener family. Compatibility depends on the actual products and the lubrication system. Before switching or mixing, check the equipment documents and ask the lubricant manufacturer for product-specific advice. If the machine’s grease specification is unknown, the available guidance is not enough to identify a suitable replacement; establish the requirement with the equipment maker or an authorized service provider.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- PREMIUM ALL-PURPOSE GREASE: AtomLube All Purpose Grease (NLGI #2) combines three premium grease options (heavy-duty grease, multi-purpose grease, and marine grease) for use across an extended range of applications. Includes 2, 14 oz. grease tubes.
- MADE IN THE USA: We proudly design and manufacture our products in the USA. You can use AtomLube All Purpose Grease with confidence, knowing that our products have been perfected for your mechanical protection.
- LONGER LASTING LUBRICATION: This general purpose grease has a high resistance to oxidation and washout to guarantee extended service life and longer lubrication intervals. It provides lasting protection during periods of extreme pressures and high temperatures.
- HIGH-PERFORMANCE LUBRICANT: This powerful, waterproof grease eliminates friction and corrosion. AtomLube All Purpose Grease develops strong adhesion to metal surfaces for strong stay-in-place power even in severe operating conditions.
- NLGI CERTIFIED: Our all-purpose grease meets the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) performance classification GC-LB for automotive applications in wheel bearing and chassis grease.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
