Oil Cans (Wesco Type)
The STAR Wesco Type Oil Can is a traditional hand pump oiler designed for controlled dispensing of light machine oils, cutting fluids and lubricants onto bearings, slide ways, chains and moving parts.
A precision-ground piston pump with two ball valves delivers a measured volume of oil per stroke. The springless suction valve at the pump base prevents malfunctioning with resinous or thicker oils that cause spring-loaded valves to stick.
Available in six capacities from 1/4 pint (125 ml) to 2 pint (1000 ml), with rigid spout, flexible spout, or both included. Steel and brass pump options suit different oil chemistries and service environments.
We at STAR manufacture these pump oilers for machinists, maintenance technicians, workshop supervisors and equipment operators who need precise, drip-free oil delivery on lathes, milling machines, CNC equipment, conveyors and general industrial machinery.
Rugged Build Quality
- Seamless drawn steel body: tin-coated sheet construction eliminates weld seams, preventing leaks and ensuring long-term durability.
- Traditional drip-preventing rim: raised lip around the fill opening catches oil run-back, keeping the work area clean during dispensing.
- Two ball valve pump mechanism: precision-ground piston with inlet and outlet ball valves delivers consistent, large-volume output per stroke.
- Springless suction valve: bottom valve operates without a spring, preventing malfunction when dispensing resinous oils, way oils or thicker cutting fluids.
- Powder-coated finish: high-quality corrosion-resistant coating protects the body from workshop chemicals, moisture and handling wear.
- Interchangeable spout system: 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI standard thread allows swapping between rigid and flexible spouts without tools.
- Steel and brass pump options: steel pump for general-purpose oils; brass pump for corrosive fluids, acidic cutting oils or environments where spark resistance matters.
- Double-seamed base: reinforced bottom seam prevents leaking even under repeated filling and heavy daily use.
Features / Pump Mechanism
The Wesco type design uses a thumb-operated lever pump that draws oil from the reservoir and delivers it through the spout in a controlled stream. The two-valve system ensures oil flows in one direction only, preventing backflow and dripping between strokes.
How the Wesco Type Oil Can Works
The pump oiler uses a simple, reliable three-stage mechanism that delivers oil precisely where you need it:
- Fill: Unscrew the pump assembly from the body, pour oil into the reservoir up to approximately 80% capacity (leave air space for the pump to function), then reattach the pump. The seamless drawn body holds between 125 ml and 1000 ml depending on model size.
- Draw: Press the thumb lever down. The piston rises, creating a vacuum that opens the bottom suction valve and draws oil from the reservoir into the pump chamber. The springless suction valve design means even thicker way oils and resinous cutting fluids flow reliably without sticking.
- Dispense: Release the thumb lever. The piston descends under spring pressure, closing the suction valve and opening the top discharge valve. Oil is forced through the spout in a controlled stream. Each stroke delivers a consistent measured volume, allowing operators to count strokes for precise lubrication quantities.
The rigid spout provides direct, accurate delivery to exposed oil points and ball oiler fittings. The flexible braided spout reaches around obstructions and into confined spaces on CNC machines, printing presses and textile equipment where straight-line access is impossible.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Hand Pump Oiler (Wesco Type) |
| Series | S-41 Series (S-411 to S-416) |
| Mechanism | Thumb Lever Pump with Two Ball Valves |
| Suction Valve | Springless design (prevents resinous oil malfunction) |
| Capacities Available | 1/4 pint (125 ml), 1/2 pint (275 ml), 3/4 pint (375 ml), 1 pint (500 ml), 1-1/2 pint (700 ml), 2 pint (1000 ml) |
| Body Material | Tin-coated steel, seamless drawn construction |
| Body Finish | Powder coated (corrosion resistant) |
| Base Construction | Double-seamed (leak resistant) |
| Pump Options | Steel pump or Brass pump |
| Spout Options | Rigid, Flexible, or Both (Rigid + Flexible) |
| Spout Thread | 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI (industry standard, interchangeable) |
| Rigid Spout Lengths | 5" (125 mm) to 8" (200 mm) depending on model |
| Flexible Spout Lengths | 6" (150 mm) to 9" (225 mm) depending on model |
| Spout Material | Zinc-plated steel (rigid) / Braided flexible hose |
| Oil Compatibility | Machine oil, way oil, cutting fluid, 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, light hydraulic oil (up to ISO VG 100) |
| Design Feature | Traditional rim prevents oil dripping |
| Country of Origin | India |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, CE, RoHS compliant |
| HS Code | 8205 |
| Warranty | 1 year against manufacturing defects |
| OEM / Private Label | Available (MOQ applies) |
The S-41 Series is available in 18 configurations: 6 capacity sizes, each offered with rigid spout, flexible spout, or both spouts included.
| Item Code | Rigid Spout | Flexible Spout | Both Spouts | Capacity | Rigid Spout Length | Flexible Spout Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S-411 | S-411 | S-411/F | S-411/RF | 1/4 pint (125 ml) | 5" (125 mm) | 6" (150 mm) |
| S-412 | S-412 | S-412/F | S-412/RF | 1/2 pint (275 ml) | 6" (150 mm) | 7" (175 mm) |
| S-413 | S-413 | S-413/F | S-413/RF | 3/4 pint (375 ml) | 6" (150 mm) | 7" (175 mm) |
| S-414 | S-414 | S-414/F | S-414/RF | 1 pint (500 ml) | 7" (175 mm) | 8" (200 mm) |
| S-415 | S-415 | S-415/F | S-415/RF | 1-1/2 pint (700 ml) | 8" (200 mm) | 9" (225 mm) |
| S-416 | S-416 | S-416/F | S-416/RF | 2 pint (1000 ml) | 8" (200 mm) | 9" (225 mm) |
All models available with steel pump (standard) or brass pump (for corrosive fluids). Specify pump preference when ordering.
Base code (e.g. S-411) = Rigid spout
/F = Flexible spout only
/RF = Both rigid and flexible spouts included
Each Wesco type oil can ships complete and ready to use. Contents vary by spout configuration ordered.
Steel or Brass Pump Assembly
Rigid Steel Spout
Instruction Sheet
Steel or Brass Pump Assembly
Flexible Braided Spout
Instruction Sheet
Steel or Brass Pump Assembly
Rigid Steel Spout
Flexible Braided Spout
Instruction Sheet
R = Rigid Spout
F = Flexible Spout
RF = Both Rigid and Flexible Spouts included
Replacement spouts available separately via Spout/Hose for Oil Can accessories page. All spouts use the standard 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI thread and are interchangeable across the S-41 series.
Understanding the Wesco type oil can's engineering helps you select the right model and pump option for your application:
The Wesco type oil can serves any application requiring controlled delivery of light oils and lubricants to specific points on machinery and equipment.
S-41 Series Related Models
Perfectto PT Series Oil Cans - Dome Shape Body
Dome shaped body
Sleek modern design
Pistol Oilers Oil Cans - Pistol Grip Type
Trigger action
One-handed operation
OC Series (Lever) Oil Cans - OC Series Lever Type
Lever handle
Larger grip, North American style
Spout / Hose for Oil Can Replacement Spouts and Hoses
Rigid and flexible
1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI
Compatible Accessories
Related Product Categories
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Oil Can
Selecting the correct oil can depends on your dispensing volume, the oil viscosity you use, and whether you need to reach confined spaces. Here is how the Wesco type compares to alternatives:
Wesco Type vs Pistol Type Oil Cans
The Wesco type uses a thumb-operated lever pump, giving you fine control over oil delivery with one hand on the can and one hand positioning the spout. Pistol type oil cans use a trigger mechanism that some operators find faster for repetitive oiling tasks. Choose Wesco type when precision matters more than speed; choose pistol type when you need rapid one-handed operation on production lines.
Rigid Spout vs Flexible Spout
Rigid spouts deliver oil in a straight, accurate stream and are ideal for exposed oil points, ball oiler fittings and open bearings on lathes and milling machines. Flexible braided spouts bend to reach oil points behind guards, inside machine enclosures and in confined spaces. If you service both types of access points, order the /RF variant with both spouts included; swapping takes seconds thanks to the standard 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI thread.
Steel Pump vs Brass Pump
Steel pumps handle general-purpose machine oils, way oils and standard cutting fluids without issue. Brass pumps resist corrosion from acidic cutting fluids, chlorinated oils and high-moisture environments. Brass is also non-sparking, making it suitable for explosive atmospheres and fuel handling areas. For most workshop applications, steel is the correct choice; specify brass when your oil chemistry or environment demands it.
Which Capacity Do You Need?
The S-411 (125 ml) suits precision work on instruments, sewing machines and small mechanisms where you dispense drops rather than streams. The S-414 (500 ml) is the most popular general-purpose size for workshop benches and maintenance rounds. The S-416 (1000 ml) reduces refill frequency on production floors with many lubrication points. Match capacity to your daily dispensing volume: larger cans are heavier when full, so balance capacity against handling comfort.
OEM and Bulk Buyers
We at STAR supply Wesco type oil cans to distributors, hardware chains and industrial suppliers worldwide. Custom branding, private label packaging, modified capacities and bulk pricing are available. Contact our export team for partnership details and MOQ information.
Frequently Asked Questions: Wesco Type Oil Cans
What is a Wesco type oil can and what is it used for?
A Wesco type oil can is a traditional hand pump oiler with a thumb-operated lever that dispenses light machine oils, cutting fluids and lubricants in a controlled stream. The design features a seamless drawn steel body, a precision piston pump with two ball valves, and interchangeable rigid or flexible spouts. Machinists, maintenance technicians and workshop operators use it to lubricate bearings, slide ways, chains, gears, hinges and any moving part that requires periodic oil application. The STAR S-41 Series is available in six sizes from 125 ml to 1000 ml.
How does a pump oiler work?
The pump uses two precision ball valves arranged in series to create a one-way flow path from reservoir to spout. When you press the thumb lever, the piston rises and creates a vacuum that lifts the bottom (suction) ball off its seat, drawing oil into the pump chamber. When you release the lever, the piston descends under spring pressure, the suction ball drops closed, and the top (discharge) ball lifts to push oil through the spout. This dual-valve arrangement prevents backflow between strokes and ensures consistent delivery even when the can is tilted during use.
What is the output per stroke of a Wesco type pump oiler?
Each full lever stroke delivers approximately 1-2 ml of oil, depending on oil viscosity and how fully you depress the lever. Thinner oils (ISO VG 10-32) flow more freely and deliver slightly more per stroke. Thicker way oils (ISO VG 68-100) deliver slightly less. The consistent per-stroke volume allows operators to count strokes for precise lubrication quantities specified in equipment maintenance manuals. Partial lever strokes deliver proportionally less oil for fine-control applications like instrument oiling or sewing machine lubrication.
What types of oil can I use in a Wesco type pump oiler?
The S-41 Series handles any oil with viscosity up to approximately ISO VG 100 (SAE 30 equivalent). Common oils used include machine oil, way oil, spindle oil, cutting fluid, 3-in-1 oil, sewing machine oil, clock oil, gun oil, bicycle chain lube and light hydraulic oil. The springless suction valve design specifically prevents the sticking problems that occur with resinous oils and thicker cutting fluids in spring-loaded pump oilers. Avoid using grease, heavy gear oil (above ISO VG 220) or solvents, as these can damage seals or fail to pump properly.
What is the difference between rigid and flexible spouts on an oil can?
Rigid spouts deliver oil in a straight, precise stream and are suited to exposed oil points, ball oiler fittings and open bearings where you have direct line-of-sight access. Flexible braided spouts bend around obstructions to reach oil points behind machine guards, inside enclosures and in confined spaces where a straight spout cannot reach. The /RF models include both spout types with the standard 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI thread, allowing operators to swap between them in seconds as the job demands. Rigid spouts range from 5" to 8" depending on model size; flexible spouts range from 6" to 9".
Can I use a pump oiler on a lathe or milling machine?
Lathes and milling machines are among the primary applications for Wesco type oil cans. Use the pump oiler to lubricate slide ways, lead screws, cross-slide gibs, tailstock quills, spindle bearings (on manual machines with oil cups) and change gear trains. Way oil (ISO VG 68) is the standard lubricant for slide ways; spindle oil (ISO VG 22-32) suits headstock bearings. The rigid spout reaches exposed oil points directly, while the flexible spout accesses points behind chip guards and splash shields without removing covers.
How do I fill and prime a Wesco type oil can?
Unscrew the pump assembly from the body by turning it anticlockwise, then pour oil into the reservoir to approximately 80% capacity. Leave air space above the oil level for the pump to create suction. Reattach the pump assembly and tighten hand-tight. Press the thumb lever 3-5 times to prime the pump chamber; oil should begin flowing from the spout after 2-3 strokes. If the pump does not prime immediately, check that the spout is not blocked and that the suction ball valve at the pump base is clean and seated properly.
Why is my oil can not pumping or dispensing oil?
The most common cause is a stuck or dirty suction ball valve at the base of the pump assembly. Remove the pump from the body, inspect the bottom ball valve seat for debris or dried oil residue, and clean with a light solvent. Other causes include: air leak at the pump-to-body thread (tighten or replace the o-ring seal), a blocked spout (remove and blow through or use a thin wire to clear), oil too thick for the pump to draw (switch to a thinner grade), or a worn piston seal that cannot create sufficient vacuum. The springless suction valve design reduces sticking compared to spring-loaded alternatives, but periodic cleaning is still necessary.
How do I unclog a blocked oil can spout?
Remove the spout from the pump body by unscrewing the 1/4 UNEF thread connection, then clear the blockage using a thin wire or compressed air blown through from the outlet end. For rigid spouts, a straightened paperclip or fine drill bit works well. For flexible braided spouts, compressed air is more effective since wire can damage the internal lining. Blockages typically form from dried oil residue, metal particles drawn in during filling, or thickened oil deposits. Prevent future blockages by filtering oil before filling, cleaning the spout monthly, and storing the can with the spout pointing upward.
What is the thread size for replacement oil can spouts?
The STAR S-41 Series uses the industry-standard 1/4 UNEF x 32 TPI (threads per inch) spout thread. This is the same thread used across most Wesco type oil cans worldwide, making spouts interchangeable between brands that follow this standard. Replacement rigid and flexible spouts in various lengths are available from the Spout/Hose for Oil Can accessories page. When ordering replacement spouts, specify the length required and whether you need rigid steel or flexible braided type.
Should I choose a steel pump or brass pump oil can?
Steel pumps suit general-purpose machine oils, way oils and standard cutting fluids used in most workshop environments. Brass pumps resist corrosion from acidic cutting fluids, chlorinated oils, water-soluble coolants and high-moisture environments. Brass is also non-sparking, making it the correct choice for explosive atmospheres, fuel handling areas and environments where spark ignition is a risk. For food processing plants, marine workshops and chemical facilities, brass prevents the galvanic corrosion that steel develops when exposed to certain fluid chemistries over time.
How do I prevent my oil can from leaking?
Leaks on Wesco type oil cans typically occur at three points: the pump-to-body thread, the spout thread, or the base seam. For thread leaks, ensure the pump assembly is hand-tightened fully and the o-ring seal is intact; replace the o-ring if it shows compression damage or swelling. For spout leaks, confirm the 1/4 UNEF thread is clean and fully engaged. The STAR S-41 Series uses a double-seamed base that resists leaking, but if the base develops a weep after years of use, the can should be replaced. Store the can upright when not in use and never overfill past 80% capacity.
How do I clean and maintain a pump oiler?
Clean the oil can every 3-6 months for regular use, or whenever you switch oil types. Empty residual oil, remove the pump assembly, flush the body and pump with a light solvent (mineral spirits or kerosene), dry completely with compressed air, then refill with fresh oil. Inspect the ball valves for debris and the piston seal for wear during each cleaning. The powder-coated exterior can be wiped with a clean rag. Avoid using aggressive solvents on the exterior as they can damage the coating. Regular cleaning prevents pump sticking and extends the service life of the ball valve seats.
How should I store an oil can to prevent deterioration?
Store the oil can upright with the spout pointing up, in a clean dry area between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius. Keep oil in the reservoir during storage to prevent internal rust on the tin-coated steel body. If storing for more than 6 months, pump a few strokes monthly to keep the ball valves and piston seal lubricated and prevent them from seizing. Avoid storing near heat sources, direct sunlight or in freezing conditions, as temperature extremes can cause oil to thicken or thin beyond the pump's effective range. Cap the spout tip if a dust cap is available.
Is it safe to use a pump oiler near heat sources or with flammable oils?
Standard machine oils are flammable above their flash point, so keep the oil can away from open flames, welding sparks and hot surfaces above 150 degrees Celsius. The pump oiler does not pressurise the oil to dangerous levels; it operates at very low pressure (under 5 PSI), so there is no risk of pressure-related failure or injection injury as with grease guns. For environments with explosive atmospheres (fuel storage, paint booths, grain elevators), use the brass pump option which is non-sparking. Never use the oil can to dispense solvents, petrol or other volatile liquids, as these can dissolve the internal seals.
Why Global Buyers Trust STAR
We at STAR have been manufacturing hand pump oilers and oiling equipment in our ISO 9001:2015 certified Ludhiana facility since 1980. Our products are shipped internationally across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas with full export documentation and dedicated OEM support.