Pro Press Copper Crimping Cordless Tools

[IH3444]

Has anyone used and name brand pro press copper pipe crimping tools for 1/2" and 3/4" copper pipe? Pros, cons of specific brands.

 

[Sodo]

Got a link, or a pic of the item or process?

 

[IH3444]

 

[IH3444]

 

[TugBarge]

Yes, I have - I've used both Ridgid and Milwaukee brands and crimped from small to 2" copper lines.

Great for doing repairs. But, as with anything that is sealed via gasket - guys I know are weary of putting these behind walls. I have only used Viega fittings, I believe they have an assumed 50 year lifespan.

As far as between the brands - Milwaukee's will fit nearly anywhere - nice when working between stud bays. Ridgid seemed quicker, more power, but bulkier.

 

[Rustyiron]

It seems that most plumbers on "production" jobs have switched to this or other alternatives that don't require a mechanic, a term that's been slowly disappearing from all trades. My guess is that they simply can't find any young ones that can sweat a pipe.
There putting "joy sticks" on motor graders and big wheel loaders for these reasons.

 

[TugBarge]

Agreed - it is the sad reality.

 

[4570Man]

It seems that most plumbers on "production" jobs have switched to this or other alternatives that don't require a mechanic, a term that's been slowly disappearing from all trades. My guess is that they simply can't find any young ones that can sweat a pipe.
There putting "joy sticks" on motor graders and big wheel loaders for these reasons.

Regulations have probably made more difference than skill. Pro press requires a lot less trouble getting hot work permits and fire watch. And there’s no reason not to use joysticks. All machines should and pretty much do have them. Why would you not want your job easier? You might as well get rid of the grader and use slaves with a mentality like that.

 

[Rustyiron]

I'm talking  in place of a steering wheel, not an excavator or SS-CTL. I'd probably adjust, it's just that "they're" accommodating the basement dwelling gamers who never left the house, stepped in a mud puddle or would rush to the emergency room for a splinter.
I understand technical advancements but a lot of stuff in the trades look an awful lot like "dumbing down" or accommodations for a lack of skills.
You have "hot work & fire watch requirements in TN?
That's a lack of attention and common sense, something else that's disappearing. I'm not saying that the machine joined fittings won't work but time will tell regardless of the "theory" proving out or not.
Besides, who's using (or can afford) copper anymore.

 

[IH3444]

Thank you Tugbarge, this is very good detailed informative information I needed. Where I work, this is all they are using now, I'm sure due to what 4570Man said. No need for a hot work permit.

 

[groundcover]

Also speed of installation.

 

[TugBarge]

Thank you Tugbarge, this is very good detailed informative information I needed. Where I work, this is all they are using now, I'm sure due to what 4570Man said. No need for a hot work permit.

Wish I could be more helpful - if you already have a lot of Milwaukee, go for it. For 1/2" and 3/4" - the smaller batteries will handle it with ease. Otherwise, Ridgid offers a nice product - I believe a few models even have a fully rotating head.

 

[4570Man]

I'm talking  in place of a steering wheel, not an excavator or SS-CTL. I'd probably adjust, it's just that "they're" accommodating the basement dwelling gamers who never left the house, stepped in a mud puddle or would rush to the emergency room for a splinter.
I understand technical advancements but a lot of stuff in the trades look an awful lot like "dumbing down" or accommodations for a lack of skills.
You have "hot work & fire watch requirements in TN?
That's a lack of attention and common sense, something else that's disappearing. I'm not saying that the machine joined fittings won't work but time will tell regardless of the "theory" proving out or not.
Besides, who's using (or can afford) copper anymore.

I only do residential work. There’s not much copper in residential to worry about being hot. It’s too expensive. It’s not any better and arguably worse than pex anyway.

 

[Redlands Okie]

In my area some parts of the county the copper pipes have short life spans. Something in the water.

I do have a love hate relationship with copper. I get a LOT of carpentry remodel work that results from improper install of copper, especially where it comes out of the concrete slabs.

The pex stuff seems pretty resistant to most anything except uv light.

 

[LD1]

Have used alot of propress with a rigid tool.

They are expensive, but I can say they are excellent for repairs. My experience is in a production factory setting. Old copper can be a PITA to sweat with the cleaning of of the old copper, fluxing, and making sure it is DRY. And YES, hot work permits....The pro press dont care and saves valuable time. Which when you have to shut a production line down that cost $600/minute of downtime....and you can propress a leak in 30 seconds flat and sweating takes 5 minutes for prep and drying of the line....that single repair just paid for the tool and fittings.

All these "old school" plumbers that think their old antiquated ways are better and refuse to get with the times.....well its a good thing they are old and retiring. They act like sweating copper is the only permanent plumbing solution and propress, compression fittings, and PEX is all garbage. Well....let me tell you, I have fixed a TON of leaking fittings that were sweated fittings

 

[not2old]

All these "old school" plumbers that think their old antiquated ways are better and refuse to get with the times.....well its a good thing they are old and retiring. They act like sweating copper is the only permanent plumbing solution and propress, compression fittings, and PEX is all garbage. Well....let me tell you, I have fixed a TON of leaking fittings that were sweated fittings

On the other hand, I built myself a house in 1996 with five bathrooms, two kitchens and a wet bar in the dining room and hydronic heating in the floor. That's lots of plumbing. I got talked into using polybutylene instead of copper piping. I sold that house when it was eight years old. I'm sure glad that I don't have that re piping job to look forward to now.

 

[Rustyiron]

On the other hand, I built myself a house in 1996 with five bathrooms, two kitchens and a wet bar in the dining room and hydronic heating in the floor. That's lots of plumbing. I got talked into using polybutylene instead of copper piping. I sold that house when it was eight years old. I'm sure glad that I don't have that re piping job to look forward to now.

My first house needed the copper replaced from acidic water. Used CPVC, this was 36+ years ago. I'm pretty sold on pex, but time will tell. 15 years and counting, so far all is good.

 

[4570Man]

My first house needed the copper replaced from acidic water. Used CPVC, this was 36+ years ago. I'm pretty sold on pex, but time will tell. 15 years and counting, so far all is good.

A big advantage pex has over most other products is it doesn’t breaks like cpvc does and it can be repaired wet. Anyone that’s done much repair works knows what a struggle getting pipes dried up to glue or sweat can be especially when you’re dealing with old valves that don’t seal completely.

 

[TugBarge]

I'm remodeling a house now - was copper originally - I made some repairs with press fittings. Now that I have gutted the whole house, rewired, etc., it will be plumbed with PEX. It's hard to beat the ease of installation, ability to repair, and I don't have to worry about acidic or basic water affecting the lines.

 

[Deere Dude]

In my area people used to have a lot of copper but switched to CPVC. I bought a 25 year old house with CPVC and after 6 CPVC cracks or leaks every few months I finally ripped it all out and PEXd it. I am a happy camper except for the fact I started to use brass PEX fittings which may or may not last, but don't know. The last half of the job I used PEX plastic which hopefully will last till I am pushing up daisies.