Quality
Enhancing Aerospace Performance with AS15004/5 Grease Fittings
When it comes to aerospace and military applications, reliability and performance are non-negotiable. Every component plays a crucial role in ensuring seamless operation, and lubrication fittings are no exception. AS15004/5 grease fittings are designed to meet the highest industry standards, providing superior lubrication access for mission-critical components.
What Makes AS15004/5 Grease Fittings Stand Out?
AS15004/5 grease fittings are engineered for extreme durability, precision, and efficiency. These fittings facilitate effective lubrication in aircraft, military vehicles, and high-performance industrial applications, ensuring smooth operation and extended component life.
Key features include:
- – Aerospace-Grade Material – Manufactured from corrosion-resistant nickel copper alloy, AS15004/5 fittings can withstand harsh environmental conditions, including extremes of temperature and exposure to chemicals.
- – High-Pressure Performance – Designed to handle high-pressure lubrication systems without failure, ensuring uninterrupted maintenance operations.
- – Precision Threading – Secure and leak-proof installation ensures efficient grease distribution to critical components.
- – Reliable Lubrication Access – Allows maintenance teams to deliver lubrication precisely where needed, reducing wear and preventing premature failure.
- – Compliance with Industry Standards – Built to meet and exceed AS15004/5 specifications, these fittings are trusted in aerospace, defence, and other demanding applications.
At Kingfisher, we offer a range of aerospace standard grease fittings to keep businesses moving globally.
Applications of AS15004/5 Grease Fittings
- – AS15004/5 grease fittings are extensively used in:
- – Aircraft Landing Gear & Actuation Systems – Ensuring smooth and consistent lubrication for moving parts exposed to extreme stress.
- – Military Vehicles & Equipment – Providing reliability in rugged terrains and harsh environments.
- – Industrial Machinery & Robotics – Supporting high-performance machinery that requires precise lubrication for optimal function.
- – Marine & Space Applications – Offering corrosion resistance and durability in the most challenging operational environments.
Why Choose AS15004/5 Grease Fittings?
Investing in AS15004/5 grease fittings means choosing reliability, longevity, and efficiency. These fittings are a critical component in preventing unnecessary downtime and costly repairs, making them a top choice for industries where failure is not an option.
With a reputation for superior quality and compliance with stringent aerospace and military standards, AS15004/5 grease fittings are the preferred solution for professionals who demand the best.
Upgrade Your Lubrication System Today
Ensure optimal performance and longevity of your critical components with AS15004/5 grease fittings. Contact us today to learn more about our aerospace-grade lubrication solutions!
News
Celebrating Sara and Andy: Kingfisher’s New Mental Health First Aiders
At Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where the well-being of our employees is a top priority. That’s why we are thrilled to celebrate the achievement of two of our team members, Sara and Andy, who have successfully completed their Mental Health First Aider (MHFA) training with St. John’s Ambulance!
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and having trained Mental Health First Aiders in the workplace ensures that colleagues have the support they need when facing challenges. Stress, anxiety, and other mental health concerns can affect anyone, and it’s crucial to create a culture where people feel safe to seek help. Sara and Andy’s dedication to completing this course demonstrates their commitment to fostering a compassionate and understanding work environment.
The MHFA training equips individuals with the knowledge and skills to recognize early signs of mental health issues, provide initial support, and guide colleagues toward professional help when necessary. This training not only benefits those facing challenges but also helps in reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations about mental well-being.
Andy White (Left) and Sara Lemm (Right) are now officially recognised and qualified as Mental Health First Aiders at Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited.
Upholding our Employee Values
By having trained Mental Health First Aiders, Kingfisher is taking a proactive step toward ensuring that all employees feel heard, valued, and supported. Mental well-being plays a significant role in overall job satisfaction and productivity, and creating an environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally is a shared responsibility. As an Employee Ownership Trust, this is a pivotal part of our company values – making employees feel heard and supported.
We want to extend our sincere gratitude to Sara and Andy for stepping up to this vital role. Their presence as Mental Health First Aiders means that employees now have trusted, approachable resources available whenever they need support.
Please join us in congratulating them on this fantastic achievement! Together, we can create a healthier, more supportive workplace.
Innovation
Modernising Our Manufacturing: How the Index MS24-6 Lathe Is Driving Kingfisher Lubrication Forward
In the precision manufacturing business, keeping ahead of the curve is all about adopting technology that can boost quality, efficiency, and adaptability. Here at Kingfisher (Lubrication) Limited, we’re taking an important step toward modernisation with the purchase of the Index MS24-6 multi-spindle automatic lathe, combined with the Index MBL 4.3m rack-loaded bar loader. This new machinery enhances our current capabilities and positions us perfectly to expand into new markets and develop additional product lines.
Here is how this exciting investment will enable us to adopt more efficient and advanced manufacturing operations.
Efficiency Improvement in Grease Fitting Production
The Index MS24-6 multi-spindle lathe provide us with increased capability and capacity of high-precision, high-reliability grease fitting production. Allowing simultaneous machining of a number of spindles, we see a dramatic reduction in cycle times when compared to using a single-spindle lathe. The increase in speed allows for the production of more units in less time and is, therefore, a key output of meeting high demand or tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
The MBL 4.3m rack-loaded bar loader adds another level of efficiency by automating the long bars’ loading and cutting down manual work. This saves our skilled machinists a lot of time, which is dedicated to controlling quality, and simultaneously allows us to run more smoothly and consistently throughout the day. Coupled with the lathe, the bar feeder is driving up our throughput while keeping quality at the centre of our manufacturing processes.
The Index MS24-6 Lathe is the latest addition to the machine shop at Kingfisher.
Ensuring Consistent Quality
The MS24-6 will bring even greater consistency to our production; with multiple spindles working in tandem, we can eliminate transferring components from one machine to another, reducing the possibility of errors or defects. Each spindle can perform different operations, meaning we can produce fully finished components in one run.
This allows us to meet our high-quality standards for grease fittings while further strengthening our reputation for reliability.
For us, a reputation for excellence is a must, particularly in industries, like aerospace and agriculture, where fitted products are required to be very precise and durable. The Index MS24-6, with features such as high-precision tool holders and advanced control systems, enables us to produce the kind of high-quality products our customers rely on with even greater accuracy and precision.
Meeting Customer Needs Faster Through Reduced Lead Times
With the shorter cycle times and automated material loading, we aim to reduce the lead times of manufacturing grease fittings. We pride ourselves on being able to deliver a high-quality product quickly to our loyal customers. However, this addition to our machine shop strengthens our ability to do so. This way, we are able to satisfy the demand of our customers quicker and build stronger, more longer-lasting relationships. It means we can also handle bigger orders without affecting the turnaround time, keeping our customers happy and strengthening our partnerships moving forward.
Inside the Index MS24-6.
Exploring New Markets with a Versatile Tool
While the MS24-6 is ideal for grease fittings, it’s also versatile enough to produce a wide range of precision components. With this flexibility, we’re now able to explore additional product lines and look at entering industries such as aerospace, agriculture, and transportation, all of which require high-quality, precision-manufactured parts.
Future-Proofing Our Manufacturing
Investing in the latest manufacturing technology isn’t just about immediate benefits; it’s about setting ourselves up for the future. The Index MS24-6 gives us the flexibility to integrate future upgrades and adapt as market demands change. This equipment is a valuable part of our long-term strategy to stay competitive, agile, and ready to grow. In summary, the Index MS24-6 multi-spindle lathe, combined with the MBL 4.3m bar loader on our shop floor, is bridging Kingfisher into a new era. It adds efficiency, further tightens quality control, and opens up possibilities for diversification into new and existing markets. In the coming years of growth, this modernisation will be one of the key initiatives that will help us take care of business, open new opportunities, and forge lasting success with our customers.
View our full range of grease fittings and lubrication components here.
Kingfisher Lubrication - Your Trusted Supplier of Grease Fittings
Quality
Kingfisher Lubrication - Your Trusted Supplier of Grease Fittings
The Importance of Grease Fittings
Grease fittings, often overlooked, are indispensable to the maintenance of mechanical systems. They facilitate the easy application of lubricants, ensuring that machinery operates efficiently and with minimal wear and tear. Without these components, the lifespan of equipment can be drastically reduced, leading to increased downtime, higher maintenance costs, and, ultimately, lost revenue.
Industries ranging from automotive to agriculture, aviation to manufacturing, all rely on grease fittings to keep their operations running smoothly. When these components are in short supply or of substandard quality, the consequences can be severe.
Competitors Leaving the Market: A Growing Concern for Customers
In recent times, several prominent manufacturers of grease fittings have withdrawn from the market. This has created a ripple effect, causing disruptions in supply chains and leaving customers scrambling for alternatives. The reasons behind these exits vary, from economic challenges to shifts in business focus, but the result is the same – customers are left with a struggle to find new suppliers.
This situation has highlighted the importance of partnering with a manufacturer that not only delivers high-quality products but also remains steadfast in their commitment to customers, even when the going gets tough.
Why Can You Trust Kingfisher Lubrication?
Grease Fittings are a vital part of the maintenance of machinery and mechanical systems including vehicles.
Amidst the turbulence in the market, at Kingfisher, we are still actively producing quality grease fittings for customers across various industries where grease nipples are a crucial component. If you were to trust Kingfisher as your new supplier, we can promise the following comprehensive range of benefits:
- Uncompromising Quality
Quality is the pinnacle of our success. By adhering to stringent quality control measures and continuously investing in research and development, we ensure that every grease fitting produced meets the high standards of our dedicated customer base. This commitment to excellence not only extends the life of machinery but also enhances overall operational efficiency, giving customers the peace of mind they need.
- Consistent Supply Chains
While others have faltered, we continue to maintain robust supply chains, ensuring that our products are available when and where customers need them to the best of our abilities. By building strong relationships with our suppliers and investing in reliable logistic partners, our aim is to minimise the risk of disruptions. This consistency can be a lifeline for many businesses that cannot afford downtime due to a disrupted supply chain.
- Customer-Centric Approach
Understanding the pressures our customers face, we place a strong emphasis on customer service. From offering technical support to end-to-end communication throughout the sales process, our dedicated customer service and technical teams go above and beyond to meet our customers’ needs. This customer-centric approach is centred around reliability and trust and building long-term relationships with our loyal customers.
- Adaptability and Innovation
In a market that is constantly changing, adaptability is key. We aim to demonstrate a keen ability to adapt to new trends and requirements, whether it is through the development of new products, working with customers to create a tailored solution for their systems or the adoption of more sustainable and innovative manufacturing practices. Our commitment to innovation ensures that we don’t only meet the current demands of our customers but are also prepared for future challenges.
We have over 150 years of experience in the Lubrication and Grease Fittings industry.
A Trusted Partner for the Future
As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, the need for reliable partners becomes even more critical. For businesses that depend on grease fittings, finding a manufacturer that can deliver consistent quality and support is essential to maintaining operations and staying competitive. We believe that we can be that solution provider for your business with key market players letting their loyal customers down.
Our company ethos of resilience, commitment to quality, and customer-focused approach makes Kingfisher Lubrication not just a supplier, but a true partner in success. While others have retreated, we have stepped up, proving that reliability and quality are not just buzzwords but core principles of what we do.
For businesses feeling the strain of an unpredictable market, we aim to offer the stability and assurance needed to move forward with confidence knowing they are receiving market-leading quality grease nipples. In a time of uncertainty, you can trust Kingfisher Lubrication.
View our full product range here. Want to stay updated with the latest news from Kingfisher Lubrication? Follow us on LinkedIn.
Kingfisher Lubrication joins the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter
As a business located within the West Yorkshire area, we are proud to be recognised by acceptance to the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter (WYFWC). Employing talent and skilled personnel from the local community near our premises in Leeds has always been a major part of our business culture. The ingenuity and skills of our local community have been the heart and centre of a story lasting longer than 150 years and one that continues to strive with the new chapters we are continuing to write today.
What is the West Yorkshire Fair Work Charter?
The WYFWC is an initiative launched by the Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, designed to promote and support the great employers across the county. The Charter focuses on encouraging employers within our region to foster fair working standards and provide the best possible benefits for employees within their organisations. Introducing fair working conditions promotes a positive working environment – boosting productivity and morale.
Within the charter there are five pillars, focused on how businesses can become fair employers:
- Opportunity
- Security
- Wellbeing
- Employee Voice
- Fulfilment
How do we fulfil these pillars within our organisation?
Opportunities
According to business need, we try to create the best possible opportunities for our employees. We aim to adopt a culture where we promote from within and provide training to aid progression and succession within our organisation. All employees within our organisation are encouraged to ask to learn new things as we look to better the security of our business and the abilities of our workforce.
In addition to promoting a culture of succession and progression, as we grow as a business, there are times when we must hire externally to recruit new skills and impetus. We aim to offer great opportunities to work for our organisation in the local community when required.
Security
Employees have working rights within the UK by law. As a forward-thinking organisation, we aim to uphold our legal obligations as an employer within the UK but also go the further mile to give our staff the best possible working conditions and terms of employment.
We are a National Living Wage Employer and aim to offer all employees better terms of payment where possible. In addition, we have a series of policies and procedures in place within the business to promote the security and safety of employees of Kingfisher Lubrication. As an employee ownership trust, creating a great place to work with great terms and conditions of employment is central to our business goals and some of our successes.
Fulfilment
Work should be a place where employees feel satisfied and connected with the common purpose and goals of the business. As an Employee Ownership Trust, our employees are at the foothold of the business purpose and values.
During the formation of the trust, employees were the decision-makers in forming a set of values which they believed matched the business purpose and what Kingfisher Lubrication stands for. With a set of employee-driven values, our purpose resonates with our employees.
We also aim to increase the satisfaction of our employees with appropriate opportunities to learn and develop.
Employee Voice
The voice of our employees is core to the business. Being an Employee Ownership Trust, we place immense value on the thoughts and recommendations of employees to improve Kingfisher Lubrication as we continue to grow and adopt innovations. As a leading manufacturer of grease fittings, the knowledge and intuition of our employees are invaluable to our continued success.
We want all our employees to feel heard. That’s why our trustee directors are always available for our employees with any concerns or problems they may face. The thoughts of our employees are held in the greatest regard as we all strive to do the best for our company.
Wellbeing
We want all of our employees to live happy and healthy lives. Wellbeing at work is paramount to this. Whilst we want to maximise efficiency in our operations, the physical and mental health of our employees cannot be sacrificed to achieve it. With initiatives like a four-day week and our Employee Assistance Programme, we aim to give employees the best possible work-life balance and support for their health.
We aim to promote positive mental health, but we know that this is not always possible. As a result, we have designated mental health first aiders within the organisation who are always open and available for employees to speak to if they are struggling with mental health or other issues.
Kingfisher Lubrication being included within the WYFWC is an important milestone for the business as we seek to create the best work environment for our employees.
Insight
Why are High-Quality Grease Fittings so Important?
Price is now a major factor in customer purchase decision-making. Rising costs are an important issue that wider society and the lubrication industry are contending with. However, sometimes a reduced price can come with the cost of a poor-quality product. This principle is directly applicable to the purchase of grease fittings.
Whilst grease fittings may be a small component within a much larger mechanical machine or vehicle, their role and importance cannot be associated with their size. Grease fittings are vital to the long-term life and maintenance of the machines, vehicles, and other products on which they are installed. A poorly manufactured grease fitting can be compromising to the piece of equipment it is installed upon.
How do you Spot a Poorly-Manufactured Grease Fitting?
Recently, at Kingfisher, we acquired samples of grease fittings from some competitors. Intended as part of routine market research, the activity unveiled some alarming issues with poorly manufactured grease nipples.
Breakage
One sample tested cracked at the tip when a grease gun was applied. This caused grease to leak from the crack causing a potential hazard to the operator. High-pressure grease can cause serious injuries and in extreme cases, death. The crack was caused by badly drilled fittings giving inconsistent thickness of material. An invisible fault that could have devastating consequences.
Leaking
One of the issues with one of the samples was that they failed the leakage test. This poses a major risk to the maintenance of the machinery. Considering that the grease is intended to go into the machine when a fitting fails the leakage test, it achieves the exact opposite. The grease will seep out of the side of the fitting resulting in the machine receiving no lubrication. Consequently, over the longer term, the machine could suffer further maintenance issues or break down altogether if it does not receive the correct lubrication due to a leaking grease nipple.
Dimensionally incorrect and inconsistent
Grease fittings are made to standard dimensions and with defined thread types to ensure that they meet the requirements of the desired application. One of the samples acquired was dimensionally incorrect. This can lead to the grease gun couplers not engaging onto the fitting correctly, threads not fully engaging and other problems.
Additionally, some of the sample fittings had small inlet holes for which the lubricants would be transferred. If the hole at the tip of the grease fitting is too small, this will limit the flow of the grease into the fitting and increase the pressure required to lubricate the fitting. Some samples had slack (undersized) threads. If the thread is slack, the grease fitting is likely to not seal into the intended hole correctly. Leakage then becomes a high probability. If the grease is leaking, it is not getting to the required lubrication point. These inconsistencies in manufacturing are likely to affect to usability of the grease fitting, especially in automated assembly lines where consistency is vital. Inconsistency of fittings is not easily recognisable but can cause serious problems further down the line.
Unhardened fittings
Some of the steel samples that were tested were found to be unhardened. Grease couplers, used to transfer grease into the grease fitting and lubricate the system, often have hardened steel jaws. These can exert large forces under high pressure and lead to grease fittings being damaged, reducing their service life. Grease fittings should be case-hardened to remove this threat.
Additionally, self-forming grease fittings need to form a thread into an untapped hole. Case hardening grease fittings enable them to do this. If self-forming grease fittings are not correctly case hardened, then no thread is likely to be formed, making the fitting unfit for purpose. Good quality fittings should form a thread in most materials. Some of the self-forming fittings that were tested appeared to have the correct hardness but failed to form a thread in tough materials. This can also cause damage to the hole, leaving the component needing rework or to be scrapped.
Collapsed springs
Several samples showed signs of collapsed springs after high-pressure testing. This prevents the ball from reseating at the ball check. This would indicate that the springs have not been stress-relieved.
The gap that is created between the ball check and the tip of the grease fitting will cause dirt and other contaminants to thrive because of the collapsed spring. This will limit the usage of the grease fitting and lead to damaging contaminants entering the machine or vehicle.
Another consequence of a collapsed spring is that it can block off the flow of grease through the fitting preventing lubrication of vital components. These grease fittings would no longer be suitable, creating the need for a new fitting to be installed which would mean increased costs and potential machine downtime. Stress-relieved springs are an important part of quality grease fittings. A stress-relieved spring will allow the fitting to withstand high pressures and ensure that the ball check will return to its intended position after being lubricated.
Why should you invest in high quality grease fittings?
Grease fittings are small components that are only needed when required. Whilst this is true when machines need to be maintained, grease fittings are vital to ensuring the long-term condition and functionality of the machine. Quality should not be compromised as a consequence of price. Overall, faulty grease nipples are likely to increase costs by a much more significant amount.
If one of the previously identified manufacturing faults occurs with the grease fitting, this can impact a valuable piece of equipment in more ways than one:
– Grease fittings may need to be reinstalled – increasing downtime of machinery and potentially causing damage to equipment.
– Contaminants entering the machinery – if contaminants can easily ingress into a faulty fitting, these contaminants can be spread throughout the machinery potentially leading to an expensive breakdown or downtime.
– Leaking fittings – if fittings cannot withstand the required pressures, fittings will likely leak grease and lubricant will not find its way to its destination.
Saving a few pennies on a relatively low-cost component could eventually cost thousands in repair and downtime.
Why should you choose Kingfisher Lubrication?
At Kingfisher, we pride ourselves on being a high-quality British manufacturer of grease fittings. From embodying Made in Britain as part of our brand identity, to using the best-in-class manufacturing processes to reduce faults, we are determined to deliver world-class lubrication fittings to meet the demands of our customers.
Some of the distinguishable qualities of Kingfisher Lubrication Grease Fittings include:
– Specialised Case Hardening
– Rigorous Quality Control Systems
– Stress-Relieved Springs
– Kinglok® Technology (Angle Fittings)
– Ball-check
– High Quality, Fully Traceable Materials.
You can find out more about our world-class range of market-leading grease fittings here.
Proud to be British - Kingfisher Lubrication join Made in Britain
As a manufacturer within the UK, we are proud to announce we have been awarded the Made in Britain® Trademark. Being recognised as the sole manufacturer of grease fittings within Britain is something we take pride in and embody as part of our everyday communications in both national and international markets.
UK manufacturing and engineering continues to be one of the highest growing industries. As a British manufacturer, we are pleased to be a part of this push for growth and want to be a standard bearer within Lubrication manufacturing in the UK.
What does being a British manufacturer mean?
Kingfisher Lubrication are based in Leeds, West Yorkshire. In Leeds and across the UK, there are superb manufacturing companies who all share this badge of being Made in Britain. As one of their newest members, we are proud to be continuing this commitment and embodying being British as a wider part of our brand identity.
In international and local markets, being a British manufacturer holds value. Research from Barclays Corporate Banking shows that 39% of international consumers are more likely to purchase a product if it is British as it perceives quality. At Kingfisher, we pride ourselves on providing our customers industry-leading quality and the Made in Britain mark aims to promote quality manufacturing in the UK – making the membership a great representation for us as a business.
Driven by our values
When Kingfisher became an Employee Ownership Trust in 2020, collectively all our employees decided on a set of six core values to embody who we are and what we do. Two of the values decided by our staff were ‘British’ and ‘Quality’.
Being British is a major part of the company’s identity and history. Kingfisher have a 157-year long affinity with UK manufacturing and since establishment we have had a major presence as a recognised employer of local talent and supplier of high-quality products in Leeds and across the country.
In addition, within the local and international landscape of manufacturing, being a British manufacturer exudes a high-level of quality. ‘Quality’ was nominated as one of our company values as that’s what we do – our dedicated and highly proficient workforce take pride in consistently delivering the finest grease fittings and lubrication components the industry has to offer.
Therefore, with Made in Britain’s purpose being to promote quality manufacturing within Britain, we feel that the trademark fits perfectly with our company values. Learn more about our company values here.
Sustainability
Sustainable Innovations: Solar Panels
It has been a monumental few months at Kingfisher as far as innovation is concerned. In addition to the arrival of our brand-new Index MS22 machine, we have had solar panels installed in recent months.
As a manufacturing business in Leeds, our green and sustainability credentials are massively important to us and present a major opportunity to establish ourselves as a leader in sustainable manufacturing within our market. That is why we have taken steps, like installing solar panels, to reduce our carbon footprint and improve our energy efficiency by adopting renewable energy
What will Solar Panels provide for Kingfisher?
In partnership with Heatsource Direct, we were able to install a high-quality solar system which has been built to last. Not only have we future-proofed with a new major energy source for our business; we have taken advantage of the opportunity to reduce our carbon output by operating with renewable energy generation.
Longer-term – the solar panels will make our manufacturing processes more efficient and cost-effective with less non-renewable energy required to power our intensive line of manufacturing machinery. Eventually, this will enable us to pass on these reduced manufacturing costs to our loyal customers due to our reduced energy usage.
Helen Thornley, Financial Director at Kingfisher Lubrication, said: “We’re well aware of the need for the manufacturing industry to lower its carbon footprint and we have been working hard to bring down our emissions where we can, with solar energy high on our green wish list. So, to have completed this project and improve our sustainability credentials is really pleasing.”
This innovation would not have been possible without the support and expertise of the team at Heatsource Direct. If you would like to find out more about their offerings, you can visit their website here.
How much energy will we save?
In the peak summer months, when we experience the joys of the Great British summertime, we will be able to generate enough energy from the sun to power up to 30% of our manufacturing efforts. This is a major boost for us as a business, as we make a concerted effort to increase our efficiency and reduce our wastage within the way we manufacture our products. Not to forget, this has major cost-saving benefits with the astronomical rises of energy in recent months.
Sustainability at Kingfisher
We pride ourselves on adopting sustainable processes within our business. The need for sustainability within the manufacturing industry is paramount and our eventual goal is to be an industry leader in the adoption of green processes. We have already taken key major steps, like installing solar panels, on our journey to be a sustainable manufacturer but we are also aware of how much work there is left to do for us as a business and the industry as a whole.
Some of the other sustainable initiatives we have adopted to date include:
– Recycling up to 92% of our manufacturing waste
– Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting across our manufacturing and office spaces
– Innovation and streamlining of internal processes with the ultimate goal of being paper-free
You can find out more information about our commitment to sustainability on our environmental policy page here.
Insight
What is a Grease Nipple?
Understanding Grease Nipples: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Grease nipples, also known as grease fittings or Zerk fittings, play a crucial role in machinery maintenance by ensuring that moving parts receive the lubrication they need for optimal performance. In this article, we will delve into what grease fittings are, their importance, and how they contribute to the longevity of mechanical components.
What Are Grease Nipples?
Grease fittings are small metal devices installed in various mechanical systems to facilitate the application of lubricants, typically grease, to moving parts. These fittings provide a point of access for injecting lubricants into components like bearings, joints, and other friction-prone areas. By regularly greasing these parts, friction and wear are minimised, ultimately extending the lifespan of the machinery.
Importance of Grease Nipples
The primary function of grease fittings is to prevent metal-to-metal contact and reduce friction within machinery. Friction is a major cause of wear and tear in moving parts, leading to increased maintenance costs and decreased efficiency. Grease nipples ensure that a consistent and adequate amount of lubricant is applied to critical areas, creating a protective barrier that minimises friction and heat build-up. In addition, this reduces the amount of energy that machines require to run because of reduced friction and heat build-up within mechanical systems.
Proper lubrication through grease fittings also helps in preventing corrosion, rust, and contamination of moving components. This is especially important in harsh environments or applications exposed to moisture and debris. By regularly applying grease through these fittings, machinery owners can significantly reduce the risk of premature component failure and costly repairs. Discover what can happen when you use a faulty or poor quality grease fitting here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, grease nipples are indispensable components in the realm of machinery maintenance and functionality. Regular and proper lubrication through these fittings is essential for preventing wear, reducing friction, and ensuring the smooth operation of mechanical systems. Therefore, reducing the energy required for machines to function at their required levels of performance. Implementing a proactive greasing schedule with the use of grease fittings can lead to increased efficiency, decreased downtime, and ultimately, significant cost savings in the long run. As a vital aspect of protective maintenance, grease nipples require attention during selection to keep the machinery running smoothly and reliably.
For high-quality grease fittings, consider Kingfisher Lubrication. Browse our website for a range of durable and reliable products designed to meet your machinery lubrication needs.
News
The Story Behind The Saints Row Mural
Leeds is home to many artistic and visual spectacles, including possessing its own art gallery. In 2022, Kingfisher Lubrication became home to one of the city’s newest and most eye-catching works of art as part of the launch of a brand new video game.
A target of Vandalism
The exterior wall of the Kingfisher Lubrication building, backing onto Sackville Street, was previously a target of vandalism. Covered in graffiti and creating an eyesore for passers-by of the Kingfisher premises, we believed that the wall could be put to good use for something creative that truly represented what we stand for as a business within the wider Leeds community.
The proposal dedicated for a mural alongside the launch of the new Saints Row relaunch in 2022 did just that.
Plaion / THQ / Deep Silver. | Image credit: Plaion / THQ / Deep Silver
The “Boss Factory” mural inspired by the launch of the 2022 reboot was created by street artist Captain Kris.
Leeds – “The Boss Factory”
Plaion, the game developer and creators of the Saints Row game which launched in 2022, commissioned some research to find out which city within the UK was the embodiment of entrepreneurialism among young people. The research targeted at 18 – 30-year-olds revealed that Leeds was the epitome of entrepreneurship as the most entrepreneurial city in the United Kingdom.
The free-world simulator, Saints Row, is all about being your own boss. Hence why the correlation between the most entrepreneurial city in the UK and the game made a perfect destination for such a mural. When approached about using the exterior wall of our site for the mural, we at Kingfisher jumped at the opportunity as we believe that the freedom to be creative and innovative as an entrepreneur correlate directly with our business values as an employee-ownership trust.
Plaion / THQ / Deep Silver. | Image credit: Plaion / THQ / Deep Silver
A new artistic addition to the UK's most entrepreneurial city
The mural, which a year on still sits on the side of our manufacturing premises, has become a mini tourist attraction within the Meanwood area of Leeds. Many people can be seen stopping to take a picture of the wall art.
Whilst the launch of Saints Row is now finished, we are still proud to have such an embodiment of our city's title as the "most-ambitious" city attached to our business. Want to learn more about Kingfisher Lubrication? You can view our story here.
