We take a look at the difference between grease and oil, and which products are best suited to certain types of projects.
What’s the difference?
When it comes to grease versus oil, the most obvious difference lies in their consistencies. Oil is a liquid lubricant, and therefore thinner and more fluid, whereas grease is described as a paste lubricant, a much thicker and more viscous type product.
Which one should I use?
While both oil and grease are primarily used to usually keep the metal components of equipment and fixtures working smoothly and efficiently, each function best when used in specific scenarios.
Grease
Due to its thicker texture, grease is the ideal solution for more commercial and industrial settings in need of a long-term lubrication solution, due to its ability to withstand more extreme conditions and its extended longevity. Due to this longevity, larger, more complex, and often essential machinery that is lubricated using grease will need to be out of action for maintenance work less frequently.
Other examples of projects that can benefit from the use of grease include hinges in heavy-duty projects, Pulleys, Winches and even more specialist applications including Trailer Couplings. Any applications of a vertical nature or any waterproofing projects would benefit from the use of grease.
Oil
In commercial settings, oil is best used for smaller but high-speed machinery, as it offers greater control over the maintenance process. While grease will keep components lubricated for longer, maintaining both the practical and aesthetic integrity of both mechanical components and domestic fixtures alike, you will always achieve better results with oil. This is especially the case if you opt for an oil-based product that boasts anti rust properties, meaning that both rusting and ageing are no longer a concern when using this type of lubricant.
While we’ve already covered the best use for oil-based lubricants in commercial and industrial settings, the best use for these types of products in domestic projects includes surfaces and household bearings.
Our Top Picks
Whether you’re looking to maintain the operation of a piece of heavy industrial machinery, or increase the longevity of your door hinges, we have a number of products that are the perfect fit for the job.
Soudal Degrip All Penetrating Anti Rust Oil
This oil-based lubricant from trusted trade brand Soudal offers a number of qualities that means both your domestic and commercial fixtures are not only operating perfectly, but are also protected long term.
This oil is suitable for both internal and external applications, and can both dissolve existing rust, as well as protect against further rust build-up and corrosion.
WD-40 High Performance White Lithium Grease
Most of us from novice DIYers to experienced tradespeople will have heard of WD-40 at least once, and while their multi-use products are the most well-known, their White Lithium Grease delivers the same excellent results as its multi-use counterpart.
The viscosity of this grease ensures it will not drip or run upon application, and reduces friction and damage in both metal-to-metal contact in machinery to chains and hinges in domestic premises.
On top of this, the white colour acts as an excellent indicator for when any component or fixture needs to be regreased.
The proper maintenance of everything from bearings to bolts in all settings is extremely important, and the type of lubricant you use could be the difference between a smooth operation and damaged components, you can find anything you could need and more in our range of Maintenance Sprays and Lubricants here.