Insight

Grease Nipple Types Explained

Grease nipples are small but vital parts of machinery. They let you add grease into bearings and moving parts with a grease gun. Quality grease nipples help keep machines running smoothly and reduce wear and tear.

At Kingfisher Lubrication, we make a wide range of grease nipples in Britain. They come in many forms to suit different machines and lubrication needs. Here’s a guide to the common grease nipple types and what they are used for.

Standard Thread Types

  • BSP and British Threads – These are very common in industrial equipment. BSP (British Standard Pipe) threads can be tapered (BSPT) or parallel (BSPP/G). There are also BSF, BSW and BA British thread forms. These fittings suit many machines in the UK and Europe and are often used in general lubrication points.

  • Metric Threads – Metric grease nipples use thread sizes like M8 x 1 or M10 x 1. They fit machines built to metric standards.

  • American (SAE) Threads – These are threads based on SAE/UNF sizes. They are common on US-built equipment or export machinery.

Kingfisher

Grease fitting types vary. From thread, to size, to application, each component is unique and serves a different purpose.

Shape and Access Grease Nipple Types

  • Straight Grease Nipples – These have a straight profile. They are easy to use with a grease gun and fit most standard lubrication points.
  • Angled Grease Nipples – Also called 45° or 90° nipples. The angled head helps reach tight or awkward spots where a straight nipple won’t easily fit.
  • Button Head Grease Fittings – Button head nipples have a wider top. They give better access for grease guns in some applications. These are ideal for points needing frequent or heavy greasing.
  • Cup or Flush-Type – Flush-type fittings sit close to the machine surface. This can protect the fitting in areas with limited clearance or where snagging is a risk.

Material and Performance Types

Grease nipples come in different materials. Each has benefits depending on the environment:

  • Mild Steel – good general-purpose option.

  • Brass or Brass/Bronze – corrosion resistant and common in many applications.

  • 303 or 316 Stainless Steel – better for corrosive or wet environments.

  • NiCu Monel® – suited to specialised or harsh conditions.

Different materials help grease nipples last longer and cope with tough conditions.

Special Purpose Fittings

  • High Pressure / Leakproof – These are made for systems that need grease under higher pressure or where leaks must be minimised.
  • Self-forming Threads – These form their own thread as they go into soft metal. This can make installation faster on some parts.
  • Drive Fit – These use a drive fit connection rather than a threaded one. They suit specific assembly methods or equipment types.

Picking the Right Fitting

Choosing the correct grease nipple type matters. It depends on the machine, the lubrication point, and working conditions. Think about:

  • Thread type and size

  • Access angle

  • Material and durability

  • Pressure and grease type

Kingfisher Lubrication’s range of differing grease nipple types covers these types so you can match the fitting to the job.

If you want to explore specific fittings or sizes, check the Kingfisher Lubrication catalogue. You’ll find thread sizes, angles, materials and more to help you choose the right grease nipples for your equipment.

Need help deciding? Contact our dedicated sales team to get the best fit for your machinery and keep it well-greased.