Everything You Need To Know About RIDGID Plumbing Press Tools
EVERY PLUMBER NEEDS A RIDGID PRESS KIT!
RIDGID plumbing press tools are a line of professional-grade tools designed for fast, reliable, and precise joining of pipes and fittings in plumbing, heating, and HVAC applications. These tools save plumbers time and money by delivering reliable performance press after press. With more efficient presses that are easy to learn, you can be confident using these tools on your job site. In this post we will discuss how to use your RIDGID Press Tool System with MegaPress & ProPress Jaws, how to take care of your tools, and standard vs compact options.
IN THIS POST:
- Why Press Tools?
- ProPress vs. MegaPress
- How to press pipe using ProPress or MegaPress jaws
- Standard vs Compact Press Tools
- Maintenance
- Cost – purchase vs rental?
If videos are more your speed, we’ve got a full video review with one of our experts of RIDGID plumbing press tools at the bottom of this post.
Why Plumbing Press Tools?
If you’re a plumber (really, if you’re a business owner in general) efficiency on the job site is key. Efficiency means getting more done in less time and completing jobs quicker. Plumbing press tools can help you do just that, by speeding up your presses and allowing you to hire new plumbers who might not be as experienced with welding, threading and soldering.
These “green” plumbers can come behind an experienced plumber with their press tool and quickly press all the fittings together. RIDGID technology gives you confidence that your joints won’t leak, and will last for a long time.
With the many different jaws and attachments that the RIDGID press system is compatible with, you can press many different kinds of pipe including:
- copper
- stainless steel
- PEX
- black iron
- and more!
There are also some different size options for you depending on your intended use – commercial or residential jobs or how tight of spaces you are going to be working in. RIDGID makes a standard/full size tool as well as some different compact alternatives.
MegaPress vs. ProPress… What’s the Difference?
Now let’s talk jaws. RIDGID MegaPress jaws and ProPress jaws are two different types of press jaws that are designed for use with RIDGID press tools. You can easily switch them in and out of your tool depending on application. The main difference is that ProPress jaws are intended for pressing copper, while MegaPress jaws are for pressing steel and black iron.
MegaPress and ProPress jaws also need different fittings for correct presses. The jaws have a unique contour to fit their corresponding fittings. We love Viega fittings for most applications.
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RIDGID JAW CERTIFICATIONS
If you are curious about certifications, MegaPress fittings and jaws are UL Listed and FM Approved for use in gas and oil applications, while ProPress fittings and jaws are UL Listed and CSA Certified for use in a variety of plumbing and HVAC applications.
Tutorial: How to Press Pipe
Once you know how to use the tool, pressing pipe is simple. We have a video below showing you all the steps, or you can scroll down to read the step by step instructions.
Step By Step: How to Press Copper Pipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pipe
Cut your pipe using a pipe cutter to the appropriate length. Next, ream and clean the pipe. You want to be sure that there aren’t any burrs on the inside, and that the pipe end is free of oil, paint, etc. to ensure the best seal.
Step 2: Place Your Fitting
Slide a ProPress fitting onto the end of your pipe. Make sure that it is all the way on. Use a sharpie to mark the end of the fitting, to ensure that it doesn’t slide when you prepare to press it into place.
Step 3: Select Jaw & Insert Into the Tool
Determine which jaws you will need for your pipe. Remember, ProPress is for copper! Match the correct size of jaw to the size of pipe you are fitting. Pull the pin on the tool, insert the jaw and push the pin back into place.
Step 4: Insert the Pipe Into the Jaw
Slide the jaws over the fitting and pipe, ensuring the jaw is centered over the fitting. The jaws should be tight around the fitting and pipe. Double check the line you drew with sharpie to make sure the fitting hasn’t moved.
Step 5: Press!
Make sure your tool is on. Squeeze the trigger on the press tool to close the jaws and press the fitting onto the pipe. Keep squeezing the trigger until the tool reaches its maximum pressure and the jaws release.
Step 6: Remove You Pipe & Fitting
After the tool has released, let go of the trigger and remove the press tool from the fitting and pipe. Sometimes the fitting will be a little stuck in the jaw, so just wiggle it free.
Step 7: Repeat, and Test Your Work
Repeat the process for any additional fittings and pipes as needed. After all fittings have been pressed onto the pipes, test the system for leaks using an appropriate method, such as a pressure test or a visual inspection.
It’s important to follow proper safety precautions when using a press tool, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and reading and following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additionally, make sure to use the correct ProPress jaws for the specific fitting and pipe material you are using, and to inspect the jaws and tool before each use to ensure they are in good working condition.
Standard vs. Compact Tool Options
RIDGID manufactures a few different options for plumbers, depending on size of pipes they are fitting, and types of spaces they will be working in.
RIDGID RP 350 Standard Size
The standard size press tool is the heftiest of RIDGID’s Press tools, perfect for all your commercial jobs. Press pipe in all kinds of tight spaces easily with RIDGID 360° swivel and pistol grip. This tool is capable of over 100,000 press cycles and requires no scheduled maintenance.The RP 350 is the only press tool in the industry compatible with all RIDGID Standard Series jaws, rings, actuators, and attachments.
Model RP 241 – Compact
The RP 241 is the latest tool in the RIDGID Compact Press Tool family. It is perfect for residential plumbing jobs, and some commercial depending on size of pipe you are pressing. It is light, and designed to help you easily work overhead and in tight spaces.
The RP 241 is compatible with all RIDGID Compact Series jaws, rings, and actuators and can press up to 1 1/4″ on Copper & Stainless Steel; up to 1 1/2″ on PEX tubing; and up to 1″ Carbon Steel.
Model RP 240 – Compact
If you prefer the pistol grip, but don’t need the a tool as big as the RP 350, this tool might be perfect for you. It’s lighter than the 350, making it a little easier to navigate tight spaces. This tool also has unique bluetooth capabilities, which allows users to track numbers of cycles, battery information, and much more through an app.
The RP 240 is compatible with all RIDGID Compact Series jaws, rings, and actuators and can press up to 1 1/4″ on Copper & Stainless Steel; up to 1 1/2″ on PEX tubing; and up to 1″ Carbon Steel.
Maintenance of Press Tools
RIDGID plumbing press tools require minimal maintenance, but regular cleaning and lubrication can help prolong their lifespan and ensure consistent performance. Here are a few easy rules of thumb:
- Keep the tool in it's case
- Keep the tool & jaws clean
- Replace jaws when needed
- Recalibrate tool when needed
RIDGID jaws are designed to fail when they have been used enough times. You will know when it’s time to replace your jaws when you start to see a split along the middle of the jaw.
The press tools can perform over 100,000 presses with no routine maintenance needed. However at some point it may need to be recallibrated at a certified RIDGID repair center to ensure a long life for your press tool.
Cost… Purchase vs. Rental?
While press tools aren’t cheap, their ease of use and guaranteed number of presses you can make are worth the price tag, in our opinion.
A full kit with tool and jaws is going to run you anywhere from $2,100 – $3,700 depending on compact vs. standard size.
If you aren’t ready to make this purchase just yet, you can rent the tool from us at a daily rate. Give us a call to schedule your rental!
Video: Everything you need to know about press tools
Get the low down on all things RIDGID press tools, with Cameron from Northwest Contractors in Laramie.
What do you think? Have you used RIDGID Press Tools? Let us know in the comments.
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