Hard Grease Side Rod Lubricators

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Huffman Machining Solutions is excited to announce that we are in the final design stages and beginning the prototyping stage of our reproduction Pneumatic Hard Grease Side Rod Lubricators, commonly known as Alemite Guns.

Over the past year and a half, this project has progressed slowly but steadily thanks to valuable input from industry professionals who provided feedback, dimensions, photos, and hands-on access. While our time has been limited, especially with the demands of regular job shop work and the ongoing Nathan 4000C project for the T1 trust—we’re now at a stage where we’re ready to move forward and formally share this exciting development. But we need your help.

Our goals and timeline are as follows:

1. Manufacture New, Turnkey Hard Grease Guns
Our new grease guns will include modern upgrades based on suggestions from friends and other industry colleagues (CAD model subject to revisions):

• The main body will be cast from a lightweight industrial alloy known for strength and durability, similar to the original alloy used in legacy Alemite guns.
• Internal components will be machined from billet aluminum, stainless steel, or steel as appropriate for the desired application.
• Enhancements will include, but not limited to:

                  - Dual air supply ports on the air valve, so an air hose can be connected to either side
                 - Improved handle, valve, and lever function.
                 - Upgrades to the swivel joint to eliminate leakage of the doughnut

2. Offer Rebuild Kits & Refurbishment Services
We’ll provide full rebuild kits and in-house refurbishment services. Customers can send in their original Alemite guns for a complete overhaul—replacing valves, springs, and all internals with updated components (new grease guns will take priority over the rebuild kits).

3. Supply Authentic Replacement Fittings
We’ll also be producing new button-head grease fittings, dimensionally identical to original Alemite gun versions for installation on side rods, eccentric cranks, and other valve gear components. These will have the proper plunger mechanism as opposed to a ball detent like modern button heads used on other industrial equipment. Internal and external threaded versions will be available (see pictures of CAD models. Note: CAD models subject to revisions.)

4. Prototype Testing & Production Timeline
Two prototype guns will be built and tested by established steam locomotive operators in the U.S. They’ll provide performance feedback and identify any weaknesses. This testing phase is expected to last 4–6 months. Pending successful results, full production will begin, with shipping estimated to start mid-2026, if not sooner.

We know this is a long lead time, but it's essential to get the design right. Our mission is to support the rail preservation community—not burden it with unproven tools that become paper weights or stock room ornaments. 

We do not yet have a final price point. That will depend on production volume, but rest assured it will be reasonable—nowhere near the $10,000-per-unit range you might fear.

If you’re an owner, CMO, general foreman, or hold any relevant position in a steam operation and are interested, please reach out with the following information:

Email: chris@huffmanmachining.com
Subject Line: GREASE GUN INQUIRY
In your message, include the following:
• The organization you’re with
• How many units you're potentially interested in (new guns, rebuild kits, or fittings)

Note: This is NOT a pre-order—just an interest survey. We need to have an idea of how many castings we will be ordering from the foundry, and what the scope of the project will end up being. More details will follow for those who reach out.

Please share with your friends and colleagues! The more inquiries and interest we get, the more likely this project becomes reality and the better price I can offer to each customer.

Below are some pictures of the first few prototype components for the new Hard Grease guns as well as a prototype button head fitting.