ProFlo Press Fittings & Ridgid Press Tool

nbeauregard · February 26

My company is looking to transition away from brazing water lines and jump into the press world. Any feedback how ProFlo fittings compare to other brand options? We've found ProFlo to be the most cost-effective option, but would like to make sure we're not sacrificing product quality as a result.

Also looking for feedback on Ridgid's RP251 tool. Most of our jobs will be small scale, residential jobs. Both water & ACR applications.

pecmsg · February 26

only Viega Fittings

Long Beach Ed · February 26

We have some RP240s. The best money we ever spent.

Haven't filled the gas in the torch since we bought the ProPress.

I have nightmares about trying to get the water out of copper at 8pm to solder…. Hours of time wasted. Now it's in and out in ten minutes.

offdutytech · February 26

Viega Press fittings or nothing! I've used Nibco in a pinch, but there is a noticeable difference in the quality. The only issue i've ever had wasn't the Viega fitting, it was imported 1 1/4 copper on an emergency boiler change out. Since then it's only been domestic copper and Viega fittings. Just prep you ends correctly and mark your depth once you insert the pipe. You get the hang of it quickly.

mattmia2 · February 26

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845292#Comment_1845292

it somehow took me decades to figure out that a shop vac is your friend here

Long Beach Ed · February 26

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845304#Comment_1845304

How come I never thought of that? Maybe in a few more decades I would have?

Thank you mattmia2 !!

Intplm. · February 27

My "B" tank and "MC" tank haven't moved since I started using ProPress.

All of the Ridgid press tools are great. Viega fittings I have found to be superior.

What sold me completely was when I prepped a four inch copper water main that couldn't be shut off completely. With water flowing through the pipe, I pressed a four inch valve on in as little as thirty minutes.

With a torch, that job would have taken half a day if not an entire day. Not to mention the inconvenience that was avoided for the occupants of the building not having to be shut down all of that time.

@nbeauregard You will like the propress tool and fittings for both ACR and plumbing.

EBEBRATT-Ed · February 27

@offdutytech

Had the same issue with 2" copper imported from England.

offdutytech · February 27

I'd say the only real thing to look at is what size pipe do you typically press. Went with the Milwaukee M-12 great for copper up to 1 1/4 and gas pipe up to 1". This is 95% of the size I work with and the tool was much lighter. The drawback is without the Milwaukee M18 I can't do IPS pipes over 1". For the 5% I just rent the larger Press Tool for a day. We used it to make repairs on a 3" steam main and it was a life saver. Traditional methods of cutting and threading would have made the job take double the time. I like the concept of the ACR press stuff, just not sure If i want to invest in that with all the other AL2 stuff I need to get

PC7060 · February 27

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845347#Comment_1845347

Nice the M12 can do 1”; the Ridgid 240 is limited to 3/4 mega press. But otherwise great tool. I’ve had very good success with both Viega and JW fitting. With MegaPress; Viega is only option.

Jaws don’t last forever; if you start to get leaky crimps; replace the jaw.

mattmia2 · February 27

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1845347#Comment_1845347

if you get a hydraulic flare tool, is there really any advantage of press over flare for acr?

Graham_2024 · February 27

a few years ago, the Viega trainer told me that they can’t find a way for press to work with the high pressure of ACR.

offdutytech · February 27

@mattmia2 I think the press ACR has its place in some VRF systems and maybe jobs where hot work permits would be a pain. On a standard resi install for AC prob not unless a company is using newer guys that don't have brazing skills and want to boost production. The flip side is they will never get good at brazing if they don't do it. The NAVAC battery flare tool is awesome. I was skeptical until I tried it. It's almost fool proof and it's made near perfect flares. Use it on mini splits and fuel oil lines. The tool paid for its self on a mini split job while making flares standing on a 8 ft ladder. It was so much easier than my trusty Imperial Eastman kit.

offdutytech · February 27

The only other thing to consider on Milwaukee vs Ridgid would be the batteries. I have Milwaukee tools so it was a no brainer having the one charger and batteries than work in multiple tools. Between the tools and pack outs I have done my part for the Milwaukee stockholders lol

GroundUp · February 27

I'd agree with the above feedback, but also have to ask…. Why in the world were you ever brazing water lines?

mattmia2 · February 27

there is also this type of flaring tool that is similar but hydraulic instead of battery powered. it seems to be mostly popular for automotive applications:

https://mastercool.com/product/72475-universal-hydraulic-flaring-tool-set/