Insight material matters – Choosing the right grease fitting for your application

Not all grease fittings are created equal. The material you choose can have a big impact on performance, durability, and safety — especially in demanding environments. Here’s a simple breakdown of the materials we supply and what each is best suited for.

Steel
Best for: General-purpose applications

Steel is strong, affordable, and widely used. It handles high pressure and is ideal for most industrial settings. Zinc-plated versions offer extra corrosion protection, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Benefits:

High strength
Cost-effective
Good for standard machinery
 
303 Stainless Steel
Best for: Outdoor and mildly corrosive environments

303 stainless provides a balance of corrosion resistance and strength. It’s often used in agricultural and construction equipment that faces the elements, but not extreme chemical exposure.

Benefits:

Resists rust in damp conditions
Maintains strength and reliability
Easy to machine and fit
 
316 Stainless Steel
Best for: Harsh and corrosive environments

This is a higher-grade stainless steel with superior corrosion resistance. It’s commonly used in marine, food, and chemical industries where failure isn’t an option.

Benefits:

Excellent resistance to corrosion
Ideal for marine and washdown areas
Long-lasting and low maintenance
 
Brass
Best for: Light-duty or non-magnetic applications

Brass fittings are naturally resistant to corrosion and are non-magnetic. They’re easy to work with and a good fit for light industrial or specialist equipment.

Benefits:

Resists rust without coatings
Safe for low-pressure systems
Non-magnetic – useful in sensitive equipment
 
Monel®
Best for: Extreme environments

Monel is a high-performance alloy known for its durability. It works well in severe conditions, from offshore rigs to heavy industry, where other materials might fail.

Benefits:

Tough and corrosion-resistant
Performs under pressure
Trusted in the marine and chemical sectors
 
Phosphor Bronze
Best for: High-wear and safety-critical settings

Phosphor bronze is chosen for its excellent wear resistance and non-sparking properties. It’s strong under friction and pressure, making it ideal for rail, mining, and explosive environments.

Benefits:

Withstands friction and heavy loads
Long service life
Non-sparking – safe in hazardous areas
 
Need Help Choosing?
We supply one of the UK’s most complete ranges of grease fittings — in stock, ready to ship, and backed by expert advice.
If you’re unsure which material is right for your equipment, get in touch with us. We’ll help you find the right fit first time.

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