Method for Greasing the Mated Threads of a Threaded Connector and Related Device

A device for greasing the mated threads of a threaded valve stem and a threaded stem nut of a motor-actuated valve, the motor-actuated valve comprising a housing enclosing the stem nut, the housing comprising an internally-threaded opening through which the valve stem passes out of the housing, the device comprising:

• a thread lubricator and an adapter nut;
• the thread lubricator comprising an elongate body, external threads formed on the outside of the body, a blind bore in the body, a flow channel, and an outer surface;
• the elongate body extending along an axis between a first end and an axially opposite second end;
• the bore defined by a bore wall surrounding the bore and extending from the first end of the body into the body to a closed end of the bore, the bore wall configured to receive a threaded end of the valve stem with clearance between the threads of the valve stem and the bore wall;
• the flow channel comprising an inlet opening on an outer surface of the body and extending to a discharge opening in the bore wall, the flow channel being configured to flow pressurized grease received at the inlet opening to the discharge opening;
• the external threads concentric with the body axis and extending axially along the body;
• the adapter nut comprising an annular body having external threads and internal threads,
• the an annular body size to receive with clearance the valve stem passing through the annular body;
• and
• the internal threads of the annular body being configured and disposed to threadingly mate with the external threads of the thread lubricator to enable the thread lubricator to be threaded into the adapter nut.