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Bettesworth Construction
bearings

What Lubricating Grease Should You Use? A Practical Guide

An NLGI number describes grease consistency, not whether it suits your equipment. Start with the manual, then match the grease to the component and its operating conditions.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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Grease is not interchangeable: an NLGI number describes consistency, not whether a grease suits a particular bearing, gearbox, hinge, or other mechanism. Start with the equipment manual or manufacturer’s specification before buying or applying grease. The National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) gives the same advice in its FAQ.

What is lubricating grease?

Lubricating grease combines a lubricating fluid, performance additives, and a thickener. The thickener gives it a semi-solid consistency. That consistency can help grease stay where it is applied and, in some applications, help keep contaminants out. Those characteristics make grease useful in equipment designed for grease lubrication, but they do not make every grease suitable for every mechanism.

Greases differ in their consistency and performance properties. A product’s label, color, or thickener family alone cannot establish that it meets an equipment maker’s requirements.

What does an NLGI grade tell you?

The NLGI grade classifies grease consistency using worked penetration measured at 25°C (77°F) under ASTM D217. A higher NLGI number means a harder grease. It does not indicate the grease’s full performance or determine whether it is right for a particular application.

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#1 Best Overall
Super Lube Multi-Purpose Synthetic Grease w/ Syncolon - High Temperature, Water & Corrosion Resistant Grease - Workshop & Industrial Use - Food Grade - Translucent White - Tube - 3 oz (21030)
  • 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
NLGI grade Worked penetration
000 445–475
2 265–295
3 220–250
6 85–115

These values are from NLGI’s grade table; use them as a consistency classification reference, not as product recommendations. The equipment specification must determine the required grade and other properties.

How to choose the right grease

  1. Check the equipment manual first. Find the specified grease, NLGI grade, and any required performance standards or product approvals. If the manual is unclear, consult the equipment manufacturer or an authorized service provider.
  2. Identify the application. A bearing, gearbox, hinge, or other component may have different lubrication requirements. Do not assume a grease intended for one component is suitable for another.
  3. Match the operating conditions. Check the expected temperature, water exposure and contamination, component speed, load, vibration, and how grease is delivered to the component.
  4. Check the full product specification. Compare the candidate grease’s consistency and relevant performance properties with the equipment maker’s requirements. Use the product data sheet to check compatibility with the component and any grease already in service.
  5. Follow the specified application and service instructions. Use the maker’s guidance for how and when to apply grease; do not substitute a product based on color, thickener family, or NLGI number alone.

NLGI’s FAQ and glossary explain grade and selection basics. For a more technical reference, NLGI’s publication page lists the Lubricating Grease Guide, Seventh Edition, in print and electronic options. NLGI describes it as covering a broad spectrum of grease-industry topics for both newcomers and experienced professionals; its page says the printed book is available through Amazon.

Rank #2
AstraVox White Lithium Grease, Multi-Purpose Lubricant Lithium Grease
  • Superior Metal-to-Metal Lubrication: White lithium grease effectively reduces friction and ensures smooth operation. Lithium grease is ideal for hinges, gears, bearings, chains, and other metal components.
  • Rust Prevention & Long-Lasting Protection: White lithium grease provides a strong, moisture-resistant barrier that protects against rust, corrosion, and oxidation. even in challenging environments, extending the life of your equipment. A lithium grease you can trust.
  • Multipurpose & Versatile Use: Perfect for automotive, marine, industrial, and home applications. Whether you're lubricating door hinges, garage doors, machinery, chainsaws, lawnmowers, outdoor equipment, or bike chains, this garage door lubricant is up for the task.
  • Waterproof & Heat Resistant: Designed for outdoor and high-humidity conditions, this white lithium grease resists rain, moisture, and harsh environments. The bearing grease stays effective in temperatures from -12°C to 200°C, ensuring long-lasting lubrication and reliable performance.
  • Customer Service Guaranteed: If you are not satisfied with our white lithium grease, please contact us in your free time. You will get our sincere and positive response. Our job is to ensure that our customers are satisfied with their shopping.

Automotive wheel-bearing examples—and their limits

NLGI’s FAQ says most automotive wheel bearings require NLGI 2 grease, while some sealed hub units use NLGI 00 semi-fluid grease. These are examples, not a universal specification for every vehicle or bearing. Check the vehicle or component manufacturer’s instructions before selecting or servicing grease.

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What to compare when specifications allow options

If the equipment maker permits more than one product, compare candidates against the actual requirements rather than treating a shared NLGI grade as proof of equivalence.

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Rank #3
Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, 1.5 oz.
  • All-purpose white lubricant for metal-to-metal and metal-to-plastic applications
  • Withstands moisture and high heat
  • Protects against rust and makes surfaces friction-free
  • Stainless and non-toxic
  • Suggested Applications: Door hinges, hood latches, trunk latches, hatchback struts, seat tracks, garage door and delivery truck door tracks
  • Required NLGI consistency and the application method
  • Operating temperature range and low-temperature performance, where relevant
  • Water resistance and corrosion protection for the environment
  • Load-carrying or wear performance for the component’s duty
  • Compatibility with the component and existing lubricant

NLGI’s HPM program includes a core specification and additional properties such as water resistance, corrosion resistance, load-carrying ability, and low-temperature performance. A certification or performance designation can help compare products, but it does not by itself guarantee fit for every machine. The equipment maker’s specification remains decisive. See NLGI’s HPM program information.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, 1.5 oz.
Permatex 80345 White Lithium Grease, 1.5 oz.
All-purpose white lubricant for metal-to-metal and metal-to-plastic applications; Withstands moisture and high heat
$3.99
Bestseller No. 4
Grease RD LITHM 14OZ
Grease RD LITHM 14OZ
Fit type: Universal;Fit Type: Universal; Long storage life; Agricultural, automotive and industrial applications
$7.50
Bestseller No. 5
LubriMatic 11316 Multi-Purpose Grease - 1 Pound, Amber
LubriMatic 11316 Multi-Purpose Grease - 1 Pound, Amber
Lubrimatic 11-316 1 Lb Multi-Purpose Grease; Works best for lubricating rolling parts; Nlgi 1-1/2; Drop point 350 degrees F; pumps to -10 to -15 degrees F
$6.99
Best Value
LubriMatic 11316 Multi-Purpose Grease - 1 Pound, Amber
  • 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
Rank #4
Grease RD LITHM 14OZ
  • Fit type: Universal;Fit Type: Universal
  • Long storage life
  • Agricultural, automotive and industrial applications
  • Water resistant

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.

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