Earlier, plumbers had to struggle to fit pipes together. Things became a little easier for them with the introduction of tools like wrenches in 1869. Plumbing corporations no longer had to employ two plumbers for fitting small pipes under sinks.
Pipe cutters were another addition to the plumbers’ arsenal. They allowed plumbers to cut damaged or uneven portions of bigger pipes and attach them to undamaged portions.
However, what changed the game was the introduction of tools like portable pipe press tools. These tools helped plumbers finish their tasks efficiently and safely. But what are these tools, and how do they allow plumbers to finish their tasks on time?
Let’s explore below.
What Are Portable Pipe Press Tools?
These refer to tools that utilise hydraulic pressure, electricity, or physical force, to join pipes together. In other words, they do not involve the use of fire or traditional soldering or welding methods.
They operate by applying a pressure that slightly deforms the pipe where the other pipe is to be fitted.
Let us say pipe A is to be attached to pipe B. The pipe press tool slightly decompresses or crimps pipe B when pipe A is inserted into it. This pressure creates a vacuum by pushing air out and seals the pipes in place.
How Do Portable Pipe Pressing Tools Differ From Soldering/Welding Tools?
Let’s take a look at the table below to understand how hydraulic pipe fitting tools differs from welding/soldering tools in the table below:
| Factor/Feature | Hydraulic Pipe Press Tools | Welding/Soldering Tools |
| Method | Use compression or crimping pressure to join pipes. | Use heat generated by acetylene torches or oxygen-acetylene torches |
| Speed | Quite fast and efficient | Moderate to fast, depending on the plumber’s experience and expertise |
| Handling Experience Required | No prior welding/soldering experience required by plumbers | Prior experience of welding/soldering experience is required |
| Danger Levels of Using These Tools | Low due to flameless operations | Moderate to High due to sparks and heat |
| Durability of Pipe Fitting With These Tools After Using Them | Quite high | Good, but the degree depends on the plumber’s expertise. |
| Types of Pipes That They Join | Copper, PEX, Stainless Steel | Copper, Aluminum, Cast Iron |
| Initial Investment Costs | High, but is a one-time investment | Low, but might need to replace tools over time, leading to repeated expenses |
Table 1: Comparing Hydraulic Pipe Press Fitting vs. Traditional Welding/Solder-Induced Fittings
Let’s now take a look at the advantages of using portable pipe press tools below.
What Impact Do Portable Pipe Press Tools Have On Plumbing Operations?
Plumbers enjoy the following advantages when they use portable hydraulic pipe fitting tools:
Speed and Efficiency
Using pipe press tools considerably reduces the time spent on installing pipes. That’s because these tools use hydraulic pressure, electricity, or physical force.
So, all plumbers do is press the trigger of the pipe press tools, manually apply force, or use hydraulic pressure. The tool will then do the job for them.
They will only have to measure, cut, and then deburr the pipes to be fitted first. This speed will allow plumbers to fix many pipes during their shift and enhance their operational efficiency.
Improved Jobsite Safety
Unlike welding or soldering, plumbers do not need to worry about chemical fumes or sparks generated by the blow torches. They will also not have to spend hours standing or bending in awkward positions to fix pipes together.
So, using portable pipe press tools will help plumbers comply with safety regulations by bodies like OSHA. Plumbers can also use these tools in constricted spaces, especially when working near inflammable substances like oil and gas pipelines.
Apart from that, the reduced effort in fixing pipes will help plumbers avoid muscular issues like:
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Back pain
- Wrist pain
Ease of Use
Plumbers don’t need to have prior experience in using pipe press tools. These crimping tools are quite easy to use. So they won’t need to undergo a rigorous training curriculum to start using these tools.
Apart from that, battery-operated or hydraulic pipe press tools allow plumbers to fix pipes without bending or stretching too much. This makes these tools for plumbers ideal for tight or constricted spaces.
Cleaner Installations
Unlike in the case of welding or soldering tools, using crimping tools does not generate too much waste. Whereas welding or soldering involves using chemical mixtures like flux, crimping tools do not.
Apart from that, plumbers need to spend a lot of time cleaning up after a crimping operation In case of welding, however, plumbers would have to use mechanical methods like blasting, grinding, or brushing or blasting.
Environmental Impact
Using portable pipe press tools also protects the environment. That’s because they do not use any flames from torches like acetylene or oxy-acetylene. So it leads to a reduction in carbon dioxide levels* in the atmosphere.
*Note: Oxy-acetylene or acetylene torches are known to emit carbon dioxide and vapour during operations.*
Regulatory Compliance
Plumbers are also able to comply with the various fire safety codes as codified by the fire protection agencies in their location. For example, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) governs fire safety codes in America.
What Should You Consider Before Switching To Pipe Press Tools?
You should consider the following factors before you switch to portable pipe press tools
- The initial cost of the tool and compatible fittings.
- Required training
- Maintenance and calibration of the tool.
Checking the initial costs will allow plumbers to determine whether or not their budget supports them. Apart from that, plumbers should have all the necessary training to use these pipe press tools.
Finally, plumbers will need to need to understand how to maintain each press tool, and how to calibrate them. This will ensure that they can use these tools for a long time.
Wrapping Up
Portable press tools offer faster, safer, and more efficient pipe installations. They ensure that plumbers can finish multiple operations within a day, and also stay safe in the process.
Get Started On Using Press Tools Today!
Connect with a reputed supplier and provider of pipe press tools near you to start your journey today!