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In recent times, several prominent manufacturers of grease fittings have withdrawn from the market.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.
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Report on ¼ x 28 Special Taper Grease Fittings
Report on ¼ x 28 Special Taper Grease Fittings
Kingfisher obtained 3 competitors’ samples of ¼ x 28 special taper grease fittings. These fittings appear to have been cold forged (as opposed to machined) and as such have rounded corners on the hexagon and a concave ball check face.
As the corners of the hexagon were rounded and not formed properly, it was difficult to measure the hexagon dimensions. The rounded corners may prove detrimental when using a socket to screw in the fitting. Most sockets and spanners rely on the corner part of the hexagon to screw them in.
The threads are rolled (not cut) which produces a slight undercut at the top of the thread. The fittings supplied had a shank diameter of 0.248″-0.249″.
Picture showing concave ball check face, also there is a score mark on side of the head which appears to have been caused during manufacture as the plating is undamaged. The ball check face should be flat to reduce the build up of contaminants on this surface which may get introduced into the fitting during greasing.
Also of note is the yellow colour of the plating has rubbed off on exposed surfaces.
The fittings have been hardened to 85-88 HR15N, but the lip appears to have been subsequently softened to make it easier to fold over to retain the spring. (The end of the fitting is discouloured suggesting heat has been applied) This could also soften the first threads which could affect the fittings’ ability to start forming a thread in a hole.
The fittings were grease tested, the opening pressures were 60, 70 and 240psi which is a wide range indicating inconsistent manufacture and 60/70psi is rather low for a hydraulic fitting.
The fittings passed the leakage test specified in SAE J534.
When the fittings were high-pressure grease tested at 8,000psi (which is the pressure that Kingfisher test at) both springs collapsed. This is a critical failure.
The other fitting was high-pressure tested to 5,000psi as per SAE J534. The spring also collapsed.
Picture of the grease fittings after high pressure testing showing the that the balls haven’t re-seated, the 2 fittings on the left were tested at 8000psi and the one on the right was tested at 5000psi.
Report on Imported Grease Fittings
Kingfishers' findings on Imported Grease Fittings
Samples were obtained of imported grease fittings which are being offered as a cheaper alternative to Kingfisher. These parts (1/8” x 28 BSP Straight) were examined and the following was found:-
- The parts were not hardened. They should be case hardened.
- Some of the threads were very slack in the 1/8×28 BSPF no/go gauge. This may lead to leakage around the threads.
- The flank angle of the thread was 60°-65° (it should be 55°)
- The shank length compared with DIN71412 was too short at 4.5mm (it should be 5.0-5.5mm)
- The lip was too long compared with DIN71412 at over 1mm (it should be less than 0.7mm)
- The edges of the parts look very rounded as if they have been in acid for a long time (possibly as when they were cleaned as part of the plating process)
When 2 parts were grease tested it was found that the opening pressure which was initially 230psi and 160psi dropped to 150psi and 60psi. After a high-pressure test at 8000psi, a large drop like this could indicate that the spring may fail with repeated use.
When the 2 parts were leak tested at 5000psi, one leaked all its grease past the ball. The other part leaked out of the neck! When this part was sectioned, it was found that, although the ball check was central, the internal drilling was very off centre and the neck wall was very thin and had cracked.
This failure could result in serious consequences. If the head completely snapped off during greasing at pressures of up to 8000psi, the resulting release of grease could cause serious injury.
The internal drilling was very off-centre and the neck wall was very thin and had cracked.
Three further fittings were sectioned, and the drilling was found to be badly off in 2 more of the fittings.
The finish inside some of the fittings was extremely bad, and also of note is the ball lands on these parts are very thin or non-existent
