Originally Posted by
JohnDThompson
IIRC, the tool was made by J.A. Stein. Phil Wood distributed them at the time, and made a point of the fact that a Phil grease tube would thread directly into the tool once you removed the Zerk fitting. I have one, and it works as you say. Phil grease is too thick, IMO. It doesn't need to be "cold" for it to prevent the pawls from engaging, just cooler than Southern California. I found a light lithium grease to work better (we had it in 55 gal. drums with a pump attached, at Trek, for lubing headset and bottom bracket bearings for the assembly line), but even that was a problem when the temperature gets below freezing.
I still have the tool, but prefer oil these days.
Picture shows Phil grease in the tool:
Yes, that's pretty much what mine looks like too. I forget the lettering, but definitely the same basic device. And perhaps you're right about anything cooler than Southern California, but I used grease in N. California for a long time without problem, and even summers in Boston. But Fall in Boston made me face reality. And I agree light lithium grease is probably the best, but like you decided to just use oil to avoid problems. Thanks for adding info about the manufacturer and distributor. I just know I bought mine from Wheelsmith in Palo Alto upon their recommendation, and it was very useful while I lived in California!