packing bearings
 

I have always packed bearings by hand.

Are there any advantages to a bearing packer?

https://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-27...s%2C168&sr=8-9

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...4505EPYW&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...W6LYJS8K&psc=1

Re: packing bearings
 

It’s quicker,you just get greas on your fingertips picking the bearings out of the packer.
— the negative— if the grease is thick and cold it takes a lot of force pushing
If you lend it out most likely it will come back with dirt in it— I always kept 2 in my toolbox— a dirty one to lend out and one only I used.
the bearings have to be already cleaned properly.

Re: packing bearings
 

Not much other than keeping your hands a bit cleaner. By the time the packer is wiped off and put up and you've handled the bearings it's not a lot different. A pair of disposable gloves is the best bet for me.

Re: packing bearings
 

I've tried those. Like Kurt mentions, they inevitably end up with dirt or debris in them, and you don't want that in your bearings.

I prefer the old fashion way for many reasons- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIWMJ4RxqF8

This one has my wife cleaning and then packing bearings- https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=i3YU7PAjf1Y

Re: packing bearings
 

When i was a kid, many centuries ago, I would melt the grease in a metal pan over a hot plate, put the bearing in, and then let it cool. The bearings were solid packed. Beware: hot grease is flammable. An old tin can worked well, depending on the size of the bearing and the size of the tin can.

Re: packing bearings
 

I like my brg packer and when done I put it in a Walmart bag to keep it clean https://youtu.be/hS__pb4PmPk?si=OdejZNAfZX9PeQkv

Re: packing bearings
 

My Bearing packer is self contained, when done with it, I put the lid on, wipe it off and put it away. Does a quick and easy job, much easier.

Re: packing bearings
 

I likewise use a bearing packer, and put it in a gallon ziplock bag between uses. I like that I can see the new grease displacing the old grease around the rollers as I push down. On the other hand, if you're comfortable packing the "old school" way by hand, by all means continue doing so. Nothing wrong with it, we got by a lot of years doing it that way before bearing packers came on the scene (I think I've only had mine the last 15 years or so).

Re: packing bearings
 

I wash (and dry) the bearings clean before repacking them. so no old grease to watch for.