Press Fit Fittings?

I wasn't aware there are Manual Tools for press fittings. Tough getting the 300 + PSI needed.

I have one of those hydraulic manual press tools. I've only used it twice, but it did the job on 3/4". One thing that could be a drawback is that it needs more clearance than the power tools. It's also pretty tricky to do when you hold it horizontally because you're pumping it rather than doing it in one squeeze.

think it would handle 1” fittings ok? Comes with jaws for 1”

Most (all?) of us who use ProPress use battery powered units (Milwaukee or Ridgid).
Doing more than a few by hand seems time consuming. Even with battery press tools with rotatable heads, you have to always be thinking about how you can get the tool into the location. It will be much more challenging with manual tool.
I’d sweat the pipes or (shock 🫨) use shark bites before I’d risk the hand tool for press applications.

@hot_rod said,

It's tought to fit those long handled manual crimpers in many places. The handles open pretty wide. I have a REMS version and found it only works in big open spaces.

LOL Remember the big Viega original press tool (the one with the cord). Those were heavy especially with the 2" or the 2 1/2-4" jaws and adapters & they were long.

First job I used a PP on back around 2002?? That was the only press tool available at that time as far as I know I ran some 1 1/2 copper. Looked pretty good until I tried to press it I was hanging off a ladder and the tool was jammed up between bar joists trying to press.

But when that tool pressed a joint the joint was pressed!!!! No hesitation even on 4"

I've given up on anything copper except for tight areas. There solder.

For anything else, PEX or PERT. Copper is not worth the cost or time. I've also re-plumbed my heat a couple of times now, PEX makes it much easier to modify and change. Stainless cinch rings are your friend for this as they are much easier to remove. You are not supposed to but one bonus of anything pex is you can rotate the fittings after crimping, which makes working in tight areas easier.

The one copper piece I do love is these:

https://www.pexuniverse.com/sioux-chief-3-4-pex-elbow-lead-free-642x3

Great for water and heat.