Thickener—Added for a more solid consistency, thickener also increases the heat and moisture resistance of grease. Choose grease with a thickener that’s best for your application. Lithium is a general purpose thickener. Calcium sulfonate and aluminum resist oxidation, which keeps the grease from hardening when it’s exposed to air for long periods. Calcium sulfonate resists higher heat than aluminum. Silica withstands the widest range of temperatures.

NLGI Consistency Grade—The higher the grade, the thicker the grease. Lower grades are best for cold temperatures and lubrication systems where grease needs to flow. Grade 0 is about the consistency of mustard. Grade 1 feels similar to tomato paste. Grade 2 is about as thick as peanut butter.

Base Oil—The foundation of a grease. Mineral oil is more economical, but synthetic oil lasts longer and performs better at extreme temperatures.

Additive—Boost the performance of the grease. Boron nitride creates a dry film that won’t wash out, even in salt water. Molybdenum disulfide holds up to extreme pressure and heavy wear. PTFE reduces friction to help parts slide easily. Zinc alloy neutralizes acid. It’s a safe replacement for lead.

Melting Temperature—When grease melts, it runs out of equipment and leaves it dry. Once melted, it won’t regain its original consistency. Choose a grease with a melting temperature that’s higher than your maximum operating temperature.

Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease—DuPont Molykote 55 O-Ring Grease is silicone-based, so it can be used with most rubbers and plastics. Not recommended for use with silicone rubber, polycarbonate, or ABS.

Lithium Thickener—Grease with lithium thickener offers good heat and moisture resistance.

1 NLGI Grade—NLGI 1 is about the consistency of tomato paste.

2 NLGI Grade—NLGI 2 is about the consistency of peanut butter.

Mineral Oil Base—Mineral-oil-based grease, derived from petroleum, is more economical than synthetic-oil-based grease.

Synthetic Oil Base—Synthetic-oil-based grease lasts longer than mineral-oil-based grease and withstands a wider range of temperatures.

Molybdenum Disulfide Additive—Grease with molybdenum disulfide has excellent resistance to wear and can withstand high-load and high-pressure applications.

Zinc Alloy Additive—Grease with zinc alloy neutralizes acid and is a good replacement for leaded grease.

Melting Temperature—Melting temperature is the point at which grease will fail and run out of equipment, leaving it to run dry.

DuPont—DuPont Molykote grease withstands high loads and has good wear resistance.

Lithium Thickener—Grease with lithium thickener offers good heat and moisture resistance.

2 NLGI Grade—NLGI 2 is about the consistency of peanut butter.

Molybdenum Disulfide Additive—Grease with molybdenum disulfide has excellent resistance to wear and can withstand high-load and high-pressure applications.

Silicone Rubber Additive—Grease with silicone rubber can be used with most plastic and rubber parts under light loads.

Melting Temperature—Melting temperature is the point at which grease will fail and run out of equipment, leaving it to run dry.

Lithium Thickener—Grease with lithium thickener offers good heat resistance.

1.5 NLGI Grade—NLGI 1.5 is between the consistency of tomato paste and peanut butter.

Synthetic Oil Base—Synthetic-oil-based grease lasts longer than mineral-oil-based grease and generally withstands a wider range of temperatures.

Melting Temperature—Melting temperature is the point at which grease will fail and run out of equipment, leaving it to run dry.

Lithium Thickener—Grease with lithium thickener offers good heat and moisture resistance.

2 NLGI Grade—NLGI 2 is about the consistency of peanut butter.

Zinc Alloy Additive—Grease with zinc alloy neutralizes acid and is a good replacement for leaded grease.

Melting Temperature—Melting temperature is the point at which grease will fail and run out of equipment, leaving it to run dry.