Quick Verdict
For serious, regular greasing, the 18V guns from Milwaukee and DeWalt are both excellent choices. Makita LXT owners should note that no genuine DGP180 is sold on Amazon UK — only unrelated third-party ‘compatible’ clones turn up, so buy that one through Makita’s own dealer network instead.
The Milwaukee M18 2646 is the fitter’s favourite, sold as a bare tool. The DeWalt DCGG571 is the complete kit option, battery and charger included.
For lower-volume work, the Milwaukee M12 grease gun is a genuinely good value bare tool.
At a Glance — Comparison
Model | Platform | Approx price | Best for |
Milwaukee M18 2646-20 (bare tool) | M18 | £195-205 | Heavy plant and fleet greasing |
DeWalt DCGG571NK-XJ (kit) | 18V XR | £315-325 | DeWalt users, all-round greasing |
Makita DGP180 | 18V LXT | n/a | Not sold on Amazon UK — see note |
Milwaukee M12GG-0 (bare tool) | M12 | £110-120 | Lighter, lower-volume greasing |
The picks in detail
1. Milwaukee M18 2646 — the fitter’s favourite
A genuine Milwaukee 2646-20 listing, well reviewed. It’s sold bare tool, so battery and charger will need adding for anyone not already on M18.
- Two-speed operation, up to 10,000 psi
- 7★ rating
- Not the kit — battery and charger sold separately
2. DeWalt DCGG571 — the XR all-rounder
The genuine DCGG571NK-XJ kit — battery, charger and case included, ready to go straight out of the box.
- 18V XR, up to 10,000 psi
- 5★ rating
- Complete kit — battery, charger and case included
3. Makita DGP180 — not available on Amazon UK
Makita’s own DGP180 has no Amazon UK listing — only third-party ‘compatible with Makita 18V battery’ grease guns from unrelated brands turn up, none of which is a genuine Makita tool. Makita LXT owners are better directed to Makita’s own dealer network for this specific tool rather than an unrelated clone.
4. Milwaukee M12 — the lighter, cheaper option
A genuine Milwaukee M12GG-0 grease gun, bare tool — and excellent value for anyone who doesn’t need the full 18V pressure.
- 7★ rating
- ~8,000 psi
- Bare tool, excellent value
18V or 12V — which do you need?
If you’re greasing plant, heavy machinery or a fleet regularly, buy an 18V gun. If you grease occasionally and in smaller quantities, a 12V gun is lighter to carry, cheaper to buy and does the job without the bulk.
Buyer’s guide: what to look for
Maximum pressure around 10,000 psi on the 18V guns forces grease through stiff, cold or partly seized nipples that a lower-pressure tool struggles with.
Two-speed or variable control lets you prime quickly then switch to high pressure, which speeds up a round and stops overfilling.
Battery platform: buy the gun that matches the system your other tools run on unless you have a specific reason not to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cordless grease guns worth it?
For anyone greasing plant, machinery, vehicles or agricultural kit regularly, yes — they save real time and spare your hands compared with manual pumping.
How much pressure do I need in a grease gun?
Around 10,000 psi on an 18V gun handles stiff, cold and corroded nipples with ease. Lower-pressure 12V guns, around 8,000 psi, are fine for clean, well-maintained grease points.
18V or 12V grease gun for a mechanic?
For regular, heavy greasing of plant or a fleet, an 18V gun is the right call. For lighter, occasional work, a 12V gun is lighter, cheaper and perfectly adequate.
Do cordless grease guns fit standard grease cartridges?
Yes, the main brands take standard 400g grease cartridges, and most can also be filled by suction or bulk-fill from a tub.
The Verdict
Milwaukee and DeWalt both give you a genuine, well-reviewed 18V option — buy whichever matches your existing battery platform. Makita LXT owners should buy the DGP180 through Makita’s own network rather than an unrelated ‘compatible’ clone. For lighter work, the Milwaukee M12 is good value as a bare tool.
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