In efforts to keep a gearbox drain plug clean during an oil change: certainly quick-connect couplings might be considered a best practice but if quick-connects are not in the maintenance budget you might try this method:

After capturing any particles from the magnetic plug to examine later, clean and dry the plug then place it in a zip-lock bag. Label the bag with a magic marker. If the gearbox case is ferrous, stick the bag on the case near the filling point. If the case it not ferrous, tie the bag with a strap or similar fastener near the fill point to remind you to put it in before filling the gearbox with oil. This will keep the drain plug clean, prevent it from getting lost and remind you to replace it before filling with fresh oil. (Barry Williams, Predictive Maintenance Services)

How to Predict Electric Motor Bearing Failures. Don't miss this session at Lubrication Excellence 2006, May 16-18, Columbus, Ohio.

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Book Bits: Practical Grease Gun Accessory

From the book "Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology"

Perhaps the simplest of all available feedback tools used for greasing motor bearings is the pressure gauge. A pressure gauge mounted on the grease gun adds precision. In fact, if the technician is consistent with the rate volume, the back pressure on the bearing can be recorded and trended. It is a tell-tale sign that the bearing may be building up a mass of caked-up thickener and may be due for cleaning.

More information about "Handbook of Lubrication and Tribology"

Test your knowledge and prepare for ICML lubrication and oil analysis certification.

Question: Name four possible benefits of using synthetic base oil as a lubricant.

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"What Causes Grease to Dry Out?"

Contamination: Dirt, fly ash, etc. Incompatible grease.

Volatization: High temperatures. Low flash point. Cracking.

Bleed: Centrifugation. High temperatures. Incompatible grease. Low grease quality. Vibration. Low base-oil viscosity.

Oxidation: Heat. Water. Wear metals. Low-quality grease. Gamma radiation.

Source: Noria Machinery Lubrication Level I training manual

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