Ever use an off brand press tool?

RayWohlfarth · October 11

Just curious for a future video

It seems like Milwaukee, Ridgid, Viega, and Dewalt are the known brands for press tools and jaws. Have you ever used an off brand and what were your results? I see so many choices now and they all seem to have rave reviews, brands like Zupper, Vevor, & Hhewlee.

Does anyone ever solder or brae anymore?

Thanks in advance

pecmsg · October 11

Refrigeration techs still have to braze and solder.

mikedo · October 11

i havent used one but the vevor has a great price point id also like to know if some has any experance with it.

mikedo · October 11

they now have press fitting for ac pipes dont know if i would trust them with the higher pressures they use now

GroundUp · October 11

I sweat just about everything but personally own a Ridgid press tool that only goes up to 1-1/4". I had a job last year that was 2" and I wanted to press it due to time constraints, so I borrowed a Vevor tool from a friend and was quite impressed with it actually. He's had it for a few years and has no complaints that I'm aware of. I used to be in commercial and had a Ridgid 320 in my truck plus the shop had a few DeWalt tools as well, and I can say with absolute certainty that the Vevor one was better than the DeWalt on all accounts

mniska · October 11

I’m using the vevor right now for a faster service scenario. That said I’m new to propress fittings and don’t love not having as much control over making my piping look plumb and square when the tool crimps- maybe a learning curve. My tool is about 15 crimps in and so far so good. The megapress has been a lifesaver on a job recently. Vevor had a pretty good deal to add mega press jaws also.

Alan (California Radiant) Forbes · October 11

They also make a Slushie Machine for those warm, opressing days!

winnie · October 11

I've been using the manual press too that Supplyhouse.com sells. I am only using it for DIY in my own house, and it is a pain in the arse to use. But it seems to give good results and the price is right for pressing a few fittings.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-CPTLKIT-Copper-Press-Tool-w-1-2-3-4-1-Jaws

EBEBRATT-Ed · October 11

Crooked pipe with press tools is common. Some say to press alternate sides of the pipe to try and avoid this.

Personally I like to solder. But a 4" copper pipe with a leaking valve you can PP a new valve on very easily so it sure has its place.

Is there anything VEVOR does not make? They must be a huge company.

I would bet getting any repair parts or fixing their products is a big hassle.

I predicted 25years ago that HD, LOwes etc would be selling knock off press tools. It took them longer than I thought but here we are.

RayWohlfarth · 2:09PM

Thank you all and especially @Alan (California Radiant) Forbes for the slushy machine LOL

@EBEBRATT-Ed I see DIY ductless systems and that scares me

hot_rod · 4:42PM

The very first press tools to hit the US shores were REMS and Rothenberger, both German brands.

I've had my REMS for 30 years, built like a tank!

Newer brands and models are much lighter, maybe value engineered?

I have had bad experiences with Vevor tools, three attempts. When their tag line is 1/2 the price of other brands, be suspicious

mikedo · 4:55PM

what were youre bad experiences with them. i have a hole pile of milwakkee tools that the triggers are gone bad on.

mattmia2 · 7:49PM

https://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/comment/1867522#Comment_1867522

I read that as "sushi machine" and thought that was some sort of fish chunk or paste for a second

mattmia2 · 8:02PM

you could also do what i did with pex expansion tools, i bought the off brand manual tool but bought the name brand heads thinking that most of the precision is in the head

Ever use an off brand press tool?

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