[The Basics of Lubrication] What is Grease Consistency? How to Choose the Right Grease for Your Application

query_builder 2026/09/24
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"Grease" is used to lubricate bearings, gears, and other components in machinery.
There are various types of grease,
One of the important points to consider when making your selection is **" consistency "**.

This time, we'll discuss what "consistency" of grease means.
We will also introduce how to choose the right option for your needs.


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■ What is the "consistency" of grease?

Simply put, consistency is an indicator that represents the " hardness or softness " of grease.
Grease is classified by its *NLGI consistency number.
The higher the number, the harder the grease.
(*NLGI is an abbreviation for the National Lubricating Grease Institute.)

Generally, they are classified as follows:


000: Very soft 00: Soft 0: Fairly soft 1: Relatively soft 2: Average 3: Firm 4-6: Very hard

NLGI consistency grade 2 grease is commonly used in general machinery and bearings.


■ What changes depending on the consistency?

The viscosity of grease affects how easily it adheres to machinery and how easily it leaks.

① Soft grease
Grease with a low consistency number has high fluidity.
Its distinguishing feature is that it can easily enter even narrow spaces.
It is also used in systems where grease is supplied through piping, such as centralized lubrication systems.
On the other hand, grease that is too soft may leak easily depending on the usage conditions.

② Hard grease
Grease with a higher consistency number tends to maintain its shape better and is less prone to leaking.
However, grease that is too hard may not spread easily inside the machine,
It is important to choose a consistency that is appropriate for your intended use.


■ Don't choose grease based solely on its consistency.

When choosing grease, consider not only the consistency, but also the consistency.
You need to check the conditions such as the machinery used, the environment, temperature, load, and rotation speed.

for example,

* Used in high-temperature environments * Subjected to heavy loads * Rotates at high speeds * Exposed to water and moisture * Used outdoors * Uses a centralized lubrication system

The appropriate grease varies depending on the usage environment.
Also, even with the same "NLGI No. 2" grease,
The performance varies depending on differences in base oil, thickeners, and additives.
Therefore, it's not the case that "anything is fine just because it's number 2."


■ If you're unsure which grease to choose

When choosing grease, please consider the product name and manufacturer of the grease you are currently using.
It's important to check not only the NLGI consistency, but also the equipment and operating conditions.

"I'd like to find a grease that's equivalent to the one I'm currently using."
"I want to switch to grease from a different manufacturer."
"I don't know which grease is suitable for this equipment."

In such cases, we recommend checking the usage conditions before making a selection.


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We handle various types of greases and lubricants.
If you have any questions regarding grease selection or our products, please feel free to contact us.

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