Oil Cans & Oilers

About Oil Cans & Oilers

Oil cans and oilers are essential lubrication tools designed to deliver precise amounts of oil, grease, or other lubricants to machinery, components, and equipment. Whether you're maintaining workshop machinery, servicing vehicles, or keeping hand tools in peak condition, a quality oil can ensures accurate application whilst minimising waste and mess. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from simple thumb-pump oilers for occasional use to professional-grade lever action and pneumatic dispensing systems suitable for busy workshops, garages, and industrial settings throughout the UK.

Modern oil cans come in various configurations including traditional rigid spout models for general workshop use, flexible spout designs for accessing awkward locations, and trigger action variants providing controlled one-handed operation. For higher-volume applications, professional dispensing units with rotary pumps and specialised adaptors enable efficient servicing of gearboxes, transmissions, and hydraulic systems. MyToolShed features trusted brands including Sealey, Faithfull, Draper, and Wesco, ensuring durability and consistent performance across demanding professional environments.

Applications

• Motor Vehicle Technicians: Servicing engines, gearboxes, differentials, and chassis lubrication points on cars, vans, and commercial vehicles
• Agricultural Engineers: Maintaining farm machinery, tractors, harvesting equipment, and implements requiring regular greasing
• Industrial Maintenance Fitters: Keeping factory machinery, production lines, and processing equipment properly lubricated
• Bicycle Mechanics: Applying precise oil to chains, derailleurs, cables, and pivot points
• Plant Operators: Maintaining construction equipment, excavators, loaders, and site machinery
• Workshop Owners: Equipping commercial garages with professional lubrication equipment for efficient servicing
• Marine Engineers: Servicing boat engines, winches, and steering systems in demanding saltwater environments
• Machinists: Lubricating lathes, milling machines, drill presses, and precision engineering equipment
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home mechanics maintaining vehicles, garden machinery, and workshop tools

Choosing The Right Oil Cans & Oilers

Capacity and Volume: Consider your typical usage patterns. Small 100-250ml thumb pump oilers suit portable tool kits and light-duty maintenance, whilst 500ml lever action cans handle general workshop tasks efficiently. Commercial garages benefit from larger dispensing units with 5-20 litre capacities that reduce refilling frequency.

Dispensing Mechanism: Match the operating system to your tasks. Thumb pump designs work well for occasional jobs, lever action models provide better control for regular maintenance, trigger action oilers offer one-handed operation, and pneumatic dispensers eliminate manual pumping for high-volume professional applications.

Spout Design: Rigid metal spouts suit straightforward applications with clear access, whilst flexible spouts prove invaluable for reaching behind components or into recessed areas. Consider keeping multiple configurations for different servicing requirements.

Construction Quality: Look for corrosion-resistant materials, particularly for demanding environments. Quality models from brands stocked at MyToolShed.co.uk feature steel or aluminium bodies with protective coatings and oil-resistant seals ensuring reliable operation over time.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE including nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact with oils and lubricants, which can cause dermatitis. Safety glasses protect against splashes, particularly with pressurised systems. Ensure adequate ventilation as some lubricants release harmful vapours. Store oils according to COSHH regulations in properly labelled containers away from ignition sources. Many lubricants are flammable—keep oil cans away from hot surfaces and naked flames. Clean up spills immediately using absorbent materials as oil creates serious slip hazards. Dispose of waste oil responsibly through authorised collection facilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an oil can and a grease gun?

Oil cans dispense liquid lubricants with low viscosity through narrow spouts for precise application, whilst grease guns handle thicker, semi-solid lubricants using higher pressure to force grease through fittings. Both serve different lubrication needs and should be considered complementary workshop equipment.

What capacity oil can do I need for general workshop use?

For most tradespeople, a 500ml lever action or trigger oil can represents the ideal balance between capacity and portability. This size handles typical daily maintenance without frequent refilling whilst remaining comfortable to operate. Mobile mechanics might prefer 250ml models, whilst busy commercial garages benefit from 1-litre cans or larger dispensing units.

Can I use the same oil can for different lubricant types?

Whilst possible after thorough cleaning, it's advisable to dedicate specific oil cans to particular lubricant types to avoid cross-contamination, which can alter properties and potentially damage equipment. Consider maintaining separate, clearly labelled oil cans for different lubricants, or choose transparent models where contents remain visible.