OPTI-LUBE • BLOCK GREASE

Four formulas.
Choose for your equipment.

Start with the grease specified for the lubrication point. Then match the formulation, consistency and block format to the job.

This guide expands our four-formula graphic with application notes and published test values so you can compare Lithium, Lithium Complex, Soda and Soda with Moly.

Compare applications ↓Shop block grease →

Opti-Lube four-formula block grease guide: Lithium, Lithium Complex, Soda and Soda with Moly

Start with three checks

Identify the lubrication point. Record the equipment make, model and where the grease is used. A machine may require different lubricants at different points.
Read the required specification. Check thickener chemistry, consistency, moly requirements and service conditions. Confirm that the system is designed for hard block grease.
Choose the supply size. Select SINGLE BLOCK for one approximately 4 lb block, or CASE OF 12 BLOCKS for a carton of approximately 46 lb. Weights are approximate.

Which formula fits the application?

LITHIUM

Mining & industrial equipment

Start here when the equipment calls for a lithium-based hard block grease. Mining and industrial machinery are the main application families shown in the guide. For ball mills, confirm the exact lubrication point and the machine’s required grease before ordering.

Selection check: Match the specified lithium chemistry and block consistency. An industry name alone does not establish suitability for every bearing, gear or lubrication system.

View Lithium details →

LITHIUM COMPLEX

Drilling, mining & heavy machinery

Consider this formula when the equipment calls for lithium complex block grease. Drilling, mining and heavy machinery are the application families in the graphic. Its published dropping-point test value is higher than standard Lithium; that value does not define a safe operating temperature.

Selection check: Choose it because the equipment specifies lithium complex grease. Confirm the required consistency and operating conditions rather than treating it as an automatic upgrade from Lithium.

View Lithium Complex details →

SODA

Steam railroad applications

The starting point for steam railroad equipment that calls for soda-based hard block grease. The very firm block format can be shaped or pressed into grease sticks where the lubrication system is designed to use them.

Selection check: Match the locomotive or equipment specification, including consistency and how the grease is fed to the lubrication point. Keep the standard Soda and Soda with Moly formulas distinct.

View Soda details →

SODA WITH MOLY

Steam railroad & specified heavy-load applications

For equipment that specifically calls for a soda-based block grease containing molybdenum disulfide. The published formula contains at least 3% moly and has a worked penetration range of 15–20, compared with 18–22 for standard Soda under the same stated test conditions.

Selection check: Confirm that moly is specified or approved for the lubrication point. A heavier load alone is not enough reason to substitute this formula for standard Soda.

View Soda with Moly details →

Compare the published test values

Formula	Thickener / formulation	Cone penetration at 77°F ASTM D217	Dropping point
Lithium	Lithium 12-hydroxy	60–90; unworked	325°F minimum ASTM D2265
Lithium Complex	Lithium complex	70–100; unworked	525°F ASTM D2265
Soda	Soda	18–22; worked, 60 strokes	360°F ASTM D566
Soda with Moly	Soda with molybdenum disulfide	15–20; worked, 60 strokes	360°F ASTM D566

Typical published values describe the formulations; they are not equipment approvals. Worked and unworked penetration results use different sample conditions, so do not compare all four numbers as a single hardness ranking.

Dropping point is a laboratory test value. It is not a maximum operating temperature. Choose for actual service conditions and the equipment manufacturer’s specification.

Common application questions

Which block grease should I use in a ball mill?

The Lithium application family includes mining and industrial equipment. Confirm the mill’s exact lubrication point and manual before selecting it; do not assume that every ball mill uses the same grease or that a block grease belongs on every gear or bearing.

Is Lithium Complex a direct replacement for Lithium?

The two formulas use different thickener systems and have different published test values. Use the formulation specified or approved for the equipment. A higher dropping point by itself is not a reason to change products.

When should I choose Soda with Moly?

When the lubrication point specifies or approves a soda-based hard block grease with molybdenum disulfide. Standard Soda and Soda with Moly have distinct formulations; confirm moly approval before substituting.

Can I put block grease in a conventional grease gun?

These products are sold as hard blocks. Confirm that your equipment’s grease-feed system accepts this format. For cartridge grease, visit Universal Grease and select the product specified for your equipment.

What should I check before changing grease?

Confirm formulation compatibility and the equipment’s changeover procedure with the manufacturer or maintenance team. Check grease-feed fit, the condition of the lubrication point and the prescribed inspection and replenishment schedule.

Need help matching a specification?

Send the equipment make/model, lubrication point and required grease specification to sales@opti-lube.com, or call or text 801-491-3717.

Shop all four formulas →View Safety Data Sheets →

Specification values: Opti-Lube product details linked above. Technical reference: NLGI grease glossary. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s lubrication requirements.

The face of the moon was in shadow

Four formulas.Choose for your equipment.