What is a propress tool?
A pro press tool is an electro-hydraulic machine that crimps copper fittings to pipe. This new technology replaces the open flame that traditionally is used to solder or sweat copper pipe together.
Benefits
Pro press tools offer numerous benefits to the plumber and installer. The tool produces a consistent pressure on every press which improves workmanship and longevity of the connection. The jaws on these tools are interchangeable on all brands, so if you own a Ridgid press tool you can use the jaws from Rothenberger or a Milwaukee press tool and vice versa.
The tool can be used in a wet environment, so if a fitting is leaking you can press it back on, you can't sweat a wet pipe. Furthermore universities, hospitals, and schools are banning the use of an open flame in their facilities, these tools are safe and non-explosive. Some states even require a fire safety marshal on site if an open flame will be used.
Additional benefits are that an apprentice does not have to go through the long process of learning how to sweat pipe, they can be up and running within a few days after being shown how to operate the machine.
Lastly manufacturers are coming our with new press jaws and crimp jaws to fit new industries such as HVAC and medical facilities. Viega propress has produced stainless steel fittings for their lines of tools.
These machines come in 2 different capacities so choosing the best propress tool for your line of work is important. The first machine has a 22 kilonewton of pressure and has a working range of 1/2" - 1-1/4", the following is an example of different brands:
Rothenberger Twin Turbo Pro Press
Milwaukee M12 Force Logic Press Tool Kit
Ridgid Press Tool 240 & 241
The 2nd machine has 32 kilonewtons of pressure and has capacities of ½” – 4”:
Rothenberger Press Tool, ROMAX 4000
Milwaukee M18 Force Logic
Ridgid Pro Press 350 & 351
A cordless press tool is already the future of modern home building. The industry and customers see the benefits of this technology and have already adopted it into plans and building codes for copper tubing. There are now ACR fitting options and soon there will be fittings for hospital gasses and other niche industries are coming on board.
Large Commercial Job Benefits
• Speed
• Consistency
• Ease of use
• No flame and/or corresponding fire concerns
• Aesthetics – a strong workman appearance, very professional looking, professional carry case
• Ability to do multiple technologies (PEX, copper water, steel, ACR) all with the same tool
Home Building and Service Call Benefits
• Ease of use
• Consistency
• Ability to get in tight spaces that would be hard to get a torch
• No flame and/or corresponding fire concerns
• Ability to make repairs wet
Propress Cost Savings
You may be thinking what cost savings, the average price of a pressing tool can be over $2000 along with the costs of battery packs and you are right. The upfront costs are high the but long term savings is beneficial to the bottom line. Here are some quick reasons why it is cheaper in the long run.
• There is less time needed to teach employees the practice of joining pipes, and you can have more time having someone pressing in the first week.
• Time is money, pro press fittings from JW, Nibco, Viega and Webstone are big time savers. These fittings save the prep time to solder all of these joints, this alone makes it a big money saver.
• Water in pipe that is joined with solder will cause an issue with the weld, not with propress, time saved by not having to dry the pipe or purge the system is a big time saver.
• FIRE - mistakes happen, even the most seasoned veterans make mistakes and a fire from an open flame can damage the reputation of an established plumbing company.
• The hourly wage for an average plumber in the United States is between $22 - $37, if you were to calculate the time spent to setup and prepare to solder a pipe versus the 10-20 seconds to it took to press a fitting, the savings would be significant.
Pro Press Tool Reviews
Tim C – If you are in the plumbing or HVAC trade this is a huge labor cost savings. Im a mechanical insulation contractor while the fittings increase my overall cost by 12-15% the labor and time savings is priceless.
Brian K – We have been using propress tools for a long time, and these machines are absolute game changers, it ends up being cheaper for the customer then soldering and brazing on time saved.
Sam T – Love this tool, im a professional plumber for over 25 years, and this tool is indispensable as I use it on a lot of emergency repairs when there’s no time to wait for water in the pipes to drain.
Julio M – Propress is an amazing system, if you are looking for cons I have only 2 issues: first, once pressed the fitting isn’t going anywhere unlike solder you can heat up and just adjust. The second is in certain tight areas its difficult to use the tool but overall it’s a great system that saves time.
Mario M – I use pro press on mostly commercial properties as most businesses cant go long without water, its such a timer saver! Oh and carrying case is awesome.
Jose L – Pro press has gotten me home earlier for dinner, by being able to transition to pex to temporary water on a customers line after my guys clipped a line at the end of day.
Julian P – I have had my rothenberger propress machine for over a year now and love it. I can use it when water is on if I need to. I can press a ball valve quickly and im good to go. I haven’t had any lines leak or any customer complaints. Cycle times are quick.
If you are looking for the best propress tool for sale, we can help you decide between all the great brands like Milwaukee, Ridgid, Rothenberger, Nibco and Viega. Whether pressing copper, pex or steel we got you covered, remember buying the cheapest is not always the best. We always ask our customers who are on the fence of what tool to purchase, to go to a tool rental store near them to rent a propress tool and try out the brand they are interested in before committing to a large investment.
Tags: Copper press tool, pipe press tool, Milwaukee Propress Tool