General metal-on-metal lubrication at moderate load and temperature: hinges, latches, garage door tracks and rollers, window and door mechanisms, drawer slides, cables, linkages, light gears and chassis points. It stays in place, resists water reasonably well and protects against corrosion. It is the default choice for the large population of light mechanical points around a building or vehicle that need grease but do not need a specialist product.

Less than the marketing suggests. Both are typically lithium soap greases and the overlap is substantial. The practical differences are colour, which makes coverage visible on dark metal, and formulation: many multipurpose greases carry extreme-pressure additives for heavier loads, while white lithium products often do not. For light and moderate duty either works; for heavily loaded bearings, choose an EP multipurpose grease.

Use the aerosol where the joint cannot be opened. The grease is carried in a solvent that lets it flow into a closed hinge, cable or track and then flashes off, leaving grease behind at the wear point. Use a tub or cartridge where you can apply directly, since you control the quantity and placement precisely and there is no solvent to evaporate. Both leave the same lubricant behind.

Typically from around -20 °C to somewhere near 130 °C, varying by product. That covers ordinary building, vehicle and light machinery use comfortably but rules it out for hot equipment. Above that range the base oil oxidises and the soap structure softens and bleeds, and the correct product is a lithium complex or other high-temperature grease. Check the specific figures rather than assuming a general range.

Not universally. It is a mineral-oil based product, and mineral oils swell and soften many elastomers and can craze some plastics. Where the lubricated part is rubber or plastic, a silicone grease is the safer choice. White lithium is at its best on metal-to-metal contacts; use it on plastic or rubber only where the manufacturer confirms compatibility with the specific material.

It resists water reasonably well and is commonly used outdoors on gates, hinges and tracks, but it is not designed for continuous water exposure or pressure washing. Where equipment is regularly washed down or submerged, a calcium sulphonate or marine-grade grease will hold up far better. Outdoors, expect to reapply periodically and inspect for the point at which visible coverage has been washed or worn away.

Clean the point first. Applying fresh grease over old, dirty grease traps abrasive dirt at the wear surface and does more harm than good, so remove the old product with a suitable cleaner and let it dry. Apply a thin film to the contact surfaces and work the mechanism to distribute it. Wipe away excess, which will otherwise collect dust and grit and turn into a grinding paste.