[RM]

Can I lubricate the ram and linkage directly on my Hornady LNL AP and not use a grease gun with zerk fittings? Does it make sense to lubricate the LNL this way, or should I buy a grease gun? Thank you.

[DickM]

I was putting some lubrication (lithium grease) directly on the ram from time to time, and it definitely helped but didn't totally remove a little chatter (for lack of a better word) that I was feeling. So, I tracked down a mini grease gun that I hadn't used for a few years and shot some grease into the zerks - noticeably better results. I see that there's a little groove around the ram that fills with grease when you use the zerk fittings, and it's not possible to achieve the same thing otherwise (or at least I couldn't do it).

[mongoose33]

The rule of thumb is that when they have the greasegun fittings, they expect them to be used.

[UltimateReloader]

The problem with external application is that it just gets wiped off by the interface between the frame and the ram. I'd agree with mongoose33.

[Seedtick]

You can get a small pistol-grip grease gun at Walmart or an auto parts store for less that $10. It uses little tube canisters of grease so they aren't to messy to work with. They sure are handy. Try one.

ST

:)

[Crashbox]

You can get a small pistol-grip grease gun at Walmart or an auto parts store for less that $10. It uses little tube canisters of grease so they aren't to messy to work with. They sure are handy. Try one.

+1, I bought one for that exact purpose on my LNL AP. They are perfect for the task IMO.

[rfwobbly]

The above is true, PLUS when you use the zerk you are pushing clean lube into the center of the ram and pushing any dirt, grit, smut, etc OUT that entered from the top or bottom!! The LNL lube system is so nice I've been thinking of installing a similar system on my 550.

[RM]

Thanks, Gentlemen, for the replies. I will buy a mini grease gun. Use an all purpose grease, or is any other kind recommended?

[Otto]

The Zerk fittings are simply press fit into the frame. I've read accounts of them coming out and for that reason I haven't used them.

[Randy1911]

I called Hornady and asked them about this. They said if I didn't have a grease gun, just spray some RemOil or similar oil and all would be fine.

[Jesse Heywood]

You usually get a tube or two of grease with the gun, which will work fine. And it will probably last you a lifetime.

[WV_Vizsla]

They are there for a reason.
Do not over pump, as it will make the ram run stiff.
I popped off a zerk once. Drilled and tapped a threaded zerk in during a press cleanup.
pump ~$10 at autostore