press tools

Grallert

So the time has come. After many years of pretty hard service the blue smoke got out of my ridged press tool. It seems there is a long service wait for a rebuild or even inspection. Too long to wait I fear. It turns out the batteries I have will not fit the newer Ridged press tools. So. It seems now would be a good time to look at other tools. We use Milwaukee here and have a pile of batteries. Maybe that is the way to go. I don't press anything bigger than 1" really maybe 1 1/4" once in a blue moon. I'd like to be able to press steel but that's not important really. Milwaukee has their M12 and M18 tool. Anyone have an opinion? Thanks in advance.
M

Shane_2

I have the Ridgid 330-B press tool (1/2-2"). If mine quit I might consider the Milwaukee. I would decide based on jaw compatibility. If you could not buy new jaws for the tool you could save some $. I don't need it often but the 1 1/2" and 2" sizes saved me a ton of headache a few times

Ironman

The Milwaukee M12 will do you to 1 1/4” and also Zoomlock if you purchase the Ridgid jaw kit.
I love mine and it’s been several months since I had to use my REMS which goes up to 4” but weighs 5x as much.

GroundUp

I've got a Ridgid 340 for the larger pipe, a Ridgid 200 for smaller pipe, and a Nibco 200 that floats around too. I like the Nibco best, comfort and weight wise, plus it takes Makita batteries which all my other stuff is BUT it only goes to 1". The Ridgid will do up to 1-1/4" and will accept the Viega Pureflow jaws for pex crimping which is nice. I have used the Milwaukee and if I were buying one today that would absolutely be the one I bought. Lighter, shorter, and faster than the Ridgid and at a better price point too.

BillyO

I have the small Milwaukee that does up to 1 1/4" love it. Very compact

Intplm.

Check to see if some places lend out a tool while yours is being fixed. Some places have a lending program while they repair yours.

Grallert

Thanks guys. I have all the jaws and I think the ridged jaws will fit the Milwaukee. Luckily I still know how to solder LOL so I'm in no super rush for a replacement. I like the idea of having fewer batteries to deal with though keeping the ridged charged up was no issue. The real rub is I have four ridged batteries that will be of no use to me if I change tools.

Ironman

Keep an eye on Home Depot's Milwaukee page: they often offer the M12 with the additional 1 1/4" jaw and the M12 tubing cutter on special for the same price as the standard kit.

That's how I got mine. Some other online sellers may do the same.

hot_rod

https://mechanical-hub.com/ahr-expo-best-in-show-erics-picks/

Eric reviewed this tool at the show

Rumor has it Milwaukee builds the Ridgid press tool? Do batteries swap?

Grallert

hot_rod said:

https://mechanical-hub.com/ahr-expo-best-in-show-erics-picks/



Eric reviewed this tool at the show



Rumor has it Milwaukee builds the Ridgid press tool? Do batteries swap?

Boy that battery sure does look like a Milwaukee battery. The batteries I have from my ridged are different, Just different enough.

GroundUp

I know Makita batteries will work in my Ridgid 200, but it sure looks a lot more Milwaukee-esque on that 350

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

I've been very happy with my Ridgid 200, but the Milwaukee tool looking enticing.

BTW, I'm looking for a Ridgid 28043 ProPress ring set 1/2" - 1-1/4" for tight quarters if anyone has one laying around.

BillyO

check eBay

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes

I check it every week. No deals so far.

sallaberry

I bought the Milwaukee because of the batteries. Often I don’t use propress but I’ve have had a whole car wash With probably 20 sweat joints the rest propress. So I didn’t want bad batteries when I go to use it. Like my pex tying gun didn’t use it for a year and was zip tying a 10,000 square foot building when the batteries wouldn’t hold a charge.