Press tools are a reliable and accessible choice for joining pipe in all commercial and residential settings, with a variety of press tool options available depending on the jobsite. Today’s professionals can rely on press tools to make secure, flameless connections on copper, stainless steel, PEX, and black iron in a fraction of the time it takes to solder pipe. A press tool not only saves you time, it also saves you money by delivering reliable performance, press after press.
When deciding which type of press tool to use, tool capacity, application, and size are the primary factors that will determine which press tool is right for the job:
A mini press tool can be used for 1/2” to 3/4” copper, stainless steel, and PEX tubing. It is small and lightweight, making it perfect for most residential and service-oriented plumbers.
The compact press tool category has a slightly larger capacity, 1/2” to 1-1/4” on copper and stainless steel and up to 1-1/2” on PEX, 1” on carbon steel, and 1-3/8” on refrigeration lines. This tool is a good fit for residential jobs but can also be used for light commercial work.
The standard press tool is the workhorse for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It is capable of pressing up to 4” copper and stainless steel. Some brands offer add-ons that allow you to press all the way up to 4” carbon steel and up to 2” PEX.
An extended press tool is a dedicated tool for up to 4” carbon steel with the same capacity as the standard tool in the smaller sizes. It is ideal for anyone in a commercial or industrial setting pressing large-diameter fittings daily.
Along with these basic categories, additional features to look for are ergonomic design, enhanced lighting, head rotation, and Bluetooth capabilities. Using press tools with these upgrades further enhances the simplicity of using a press tool for fast, quality pipe joining on any type of jobsite. For example, the RP 240 Ridgid Press Tool is lightweight and ergonomically designed, with Bluetooth connectivity that allows you to track the battery status and more. Regardless of the tool selected, these features will help you work smarter and more efficiently on any jobsite.
For more information, visit www.ridgid. com.
