Press fit Gun Tool

This is a precision-engineered, powerful tool used by plumbers across the UK, Ireland and around the world. They are an easier and more efficient way to repair and create high-quality joins to pipes and fittings. With its long-life reliability, this tool is now becoming one of necessity and is replacing soldering as a method. The tool uses interchangeable jaws (most often 15mm-35mm), which clamp around the fitting and squeeze it into place. This action compresses the fitting and internal sealing ring, forming a permanent, watertight joint.

The tool is perfect for a range of domestic and industrial applications and is commonly used with copper, stainless steel, and multilayer pipe systems. Choose this tool with confidence (which is usually supplied in a kit form) for a high-speed, professional installation, with a consistency of joint quality that human soldering cannot match. The uniform repeatability is perfect for larger plumbing projects.

Benefits of using a press-fit tool

There are numerous benefits of using plumbing press tool technology. We summarise just some of these below:

• Consistent joint quality – mechanical pressing is more consistent than human soldering and welding. Joints are uniform and precise and do not vary depending on the installer. Long-term, this leads to highly accurate leak-proof seals

• Durable in the long-term - connections are robust and built for the long-term. These leak-resistant connections will endure and, with minimal maintenance, could last 50+ years

• Ease of use and reduced training - a press-fit tool is designed to be user-friendly and requires significantly less specialised training than traditional welding or soldering. This ease of use also dramatically reduces job error rates and the need for costly rework

• Immediate pressure testing – joints can be tested immediately, which reduces site downtime, which is important for plumbers and customer efficiency

• Less mess and consumables - a press-fit gun avoids the need for solder, flux, threading oils and the related debris and clean-up that is needed

• Lower labour costs – the faster connection time reduces costs to both the plumber and the customer

• No heat or open flames - "cold working" eliminates the risk of working with heat and open flames. This removes fire hazards and the need for hot work permits

• Speed - connections are made rapidly, in just a few seconds. This saves significant labour time when compared to traditional methods like soldering or welding

• Suitable for confined spaces - the compact tool design can be used in restricted areas and tight spaces. These include inside wall cavities or under floorboards, where the traditional need for flames and access would make the job more challenging

• Wide material compatibility – the tools are highly adaptable and can be used in conjunction with copper, stainless steel, carbon, PEX, multilayer pipe systems, etc.,

With all these benefits, why not add a press-fit plumbing tool to your cart today?

FAQs

1. Can I buy a plumbing press tool in a kit?

Yes, it is often wise to buy a press-fit tool kit. This gives you the tool, plus jaws and a range of accessories and related items. Examples of our plumbing press tool kits selection at Plumbing World are:

1) MDS Z-Press 15-28mm M-Profile Jaws Press-fit Tool Kit

2) MDS Z-Press 15-54mm M-Profile Jaws Press-fit Tool Kit

3) Novopress 15-35mm ACO203 Press-fit Kit - M Profile

4) Novopress 15-35mm ACO203 Press-fit Kit - M Profile

Naturally, contents will vary from one manufacturer to another, but typically a kit will include:

• Battery charger

• Battery pack

• Carry case

• Calibration gauge

• Cleaning cloth

• Depth gauge

• Extension jaws

• Instruction manual

• Lubrication oil

• Maintenance tool kit

• Press gun body

• Press indicator gauge

• Press jaws - 15mm, 22mm, 28mm and 35mm

• Press sling or safety strap

• Protective gloves

• Shoulder strap

• Software update dongle

• Tool alignment pin

• USB diagnostic cable

2. How durable is a plumbing press-fit tool?

Not only do plumbing press-fit tools produce durable, long-term connections, but they are also durable themselves! Designed for long-term professional use, this tool will handle all the knocks that can be expected from everyday plumbing use. Expect press-fit gun tools to be high-quality and built with reinforced housings and hardened steel jaws, which can withstand innumerable repeated press cycles. They will require some maintenance and particularly regular calibration. Proper storage in a carry case prolongs life expectancy. With appropriate care, a tool will deliver tens of thousands of dependable connections over many years of use.

3. Can they be used as a copper pipe press tool?

Yes. Normally, press-fit tools are compatible with copper pipe systems. This is entirely dependent, though, on having the correct press jaws and press-fittings. The tool can be used with various materials, including copper, stainless steel, PEX, etc. However, operators must use fittings specifically designed for copper pipes to ensure a proper and lasting seal. The interchangeable jaws being used (common profiles include 'M' and 'V') in a copper pipe press tool must match the size and type of the copper press-fitting being used.

4. Why does using a plumbing press tool seem expensive?

Plumbing press-fit tools must be seen as an investment. Just as electric cars cost more and save money on fuel, press-fit tools cost more upfront and save money each time they are used. First, there is the technology. Press-fit tools consist of a tool and press jaws, which are highly durable, precision-engineered and built for long-term professional use. Whereas everyday soldering kits can cost less than £100, a high-quality press-fit tool will easily cost £1,000+.

In addition to high-quality precision engineering, operators will save on every job. There are time savings of instant seals and connections, and the elimination of needing to have hot work permits. Also, think of the savings on solder and other consumables, which are no longer required. Providing a massive medium-long-term return on investment (ROI), a press-fit gun tool can be considered an essential buy for any plumber. Where cash flow does not allow, the alternative is to rent a tool and enjoy all the benefits until you can afford to buy one of your own.

5. Is using a press-fit crimping tool better than soldering?

Crimping is just one of the jobs that a press-fit tool can complete. It involves the tool squeezing it, deforming it and then adding a connection to lock together. Inside would then be a compressed sealing ring, which creates a watertight and pressure-tight joint.

6. Do you sell batteries and accessories only?

Yes, of course. As well as the standard full kits, we also stock press-fit tool batteries, jaws only, and adaptors. Browse the products on this page, and you will be able to find the perfect product. Although plumbing press tools are built with exceptional durability, the parts will wear with repeated use. The jaws typically last between 30,000 and 40,000 press cycles. It is difficult to be precise, but this often equates to around 3 to 5 years of regular professional use.