I can't find anyone that rents ProPress tools

[b-boy]

I need to do some hot water baseboard plumbing in my basement.

I had to cut out a long section of 3/4" copper pipe when I sistered a joist. I need to replace that pipe, and while I'm at it, run another line into my basement so I can get some heat down there. Before I remodeled the basement, there was a hot water baseboard down there. I cut it out and capped off the pipe because the existing baseboard was in bad condition. I'm ready to replace it.

Based on these 2 jobs, I was hoping to rent a propress tool for a few days to make the work a little easier. I could sweat the copper, but some of the spots I'd be working in are close to flammable stuff and electrical wiring. I hate using a torch in closed quarters. That's just me I guess.

I can't find anyone who rents these. The closest I got was Sunbelt Rentals. They allowed me to reserve the item, then called yesterday to say they don't have the tool available anymore. I wasted 4 days assuming I could get the tool on Monday. Now I'm scrambling.

I also thought about buying used on E-Bay and then reselling the tool. Even used, I'm looking at $$$. This model seems to be available for < $1500 online. Will this do what I need it to do?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009G48D3M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[PCustoms]

I think FW Webb used to rent them, try there.

 

[cgrutt]

I don't know much about these but would a manual crimper work?

Just a quick Google there are others

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Bluefin-CPTLKIT-Copper-Press-Tool-w-1-2-3-4-1-Jaws?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=shopping_neutral&utm_campaign=Shopping_Neutral_New_users&gclid=CjwKCAjwg4SpBhAKEiwAdyLwvCP9fzrn66j1XYATJqXKsJi75ctQIs4z0PGbuws-RXyziZ3CGdOithoCC_YQAvD_BwE

Here's a hydraulic version

 

[b-boy]

I looked at those too. My concern is access to tight spots with those.

 

[mike93lx]

Try a local plumbing supply house

I really hope these tools drop in price over time. It's a fantastic system

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I can't say I've ever seen them for rent anywhere.

We don't have one at work because they won't buy us one. When we've come across spots we couldn't solder - including baseboard heating - we use SharkBites. Not one issue.

 

[nadogail]

Try Home Depot or Lowes, maybe your Local Plumbing Supply.

 

[mike93lx]

I can't say I've ever seen them for rent anywhere.

We don't have one at work because they won't buy us one. When we've come across spots we couldn't solder - including baseboard heating - we use SharkBites. Not one issue.

Are you a pro plumber? Using sharkbites surprises me.

I would be less than happy to see a pro using them in my house.

 

[b-boy]

Try Home Depot or Lowes, maybe your Local Plumbing Supply.

Tried them all. It seems like it would be a popular rental tool. Sun Rental wanted $120 per day for their non-existent ones.

 

[nadogail]

Are you a pro plumber? Using sharkbites surprises me.

I would be less than happy to see a pro using them in my house.

I sometimes use SharkBites, been doing so for 20+ years without a problem.

 

[Jim greengo]

Try putting a piece of sheetmetal behind the copper when you sweat it.

 

[nadogail]

Tried them all. It seems like it would be a popular rental tool. Sun Rental wanted $120 per day for their non-existent ones.

Republic Supply, $50 a day. They are in Massachusetts.

 

[metaleltr]

Look like here in Ohio I could rent one from an Ace Hardware about an hour from me.
Do you have room to potentially use compression fittings?

 

[mike93lx]

I sometimes use SharkBites, been doing so for 20+ years without a problem.

I have as well. But I'm just a diy'r.

No issues on my end as well. I just expect a higher level when paying for it

 

[mike93lx]

Tried them all. It seems like it would be a popular rental tool. Sun Rental wanted $120 per day for their non-existent ones.

Cheaper than around here. I was looking at 250ish for a day at either united or sunbelt

 

[NORDFORD]

I need to do some hot water baseboard plumbing in my basement.

I had to cut out a long section of 3/4" copper pipe when I sistered a joist. I need to replace that pipe, and while I'm at it, run another line into my basement so I can get some heat down there. Before I remodeled the basement, there was a hot water baseboard down there. I cut it out and capped off the pipe because the existing baseboard was in bad condition. I'm ready to replace it.

Based on these 2 jobs, I was hoping to rent a propress tool for a few days to make the work a little easier. I could sweat the copper, but some of the spots I'd be working in are close to flammable stuff and electrical wiring. I hate using a torch in closed quarters. That's just me I guess.

I can't find anyone who rents these. The closest I got was Sunbelt Rentals. They allowed me to reserve the item, then called yesterday to say they don't have the tool available anymore. I wasted 4 days assuming I could get the tool on Monday. Now I'm scrambling.

I also thought about buying used on E-Bay and then reselling the tool. Even used, I'm looking at $$$. This model seems to be available for < $1500 online. Will this do what I need it to do?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009G48D3M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Where are you located? My company rents them. We have 15 location from Denver to Indy and KC to the UP.

 

[b-boy]

Buffalo NY

 

[MMcClure21]

Buffalo NY

Call up ferguson supply. They rent them here in Rochester. Make sure you call their commercial supply not the residential waterworks.

 

[Fav Onefour]

I use these for soldering in tight spaces.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Blue-Monster-71032-Blue-Monster-Torch-Guard-Heat-Shield-9-x-12?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pmax_nca_test&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIldyih-DlgQMVLPyUCR2xEgFoEAQYBCABEgIgn_D_BwE

The blanket allows me to work tighter spaces than a pro press setup.
I am amazed how well they work. It might make you nervous the first time you try one close to the heat. The material will glow. It still protects.

 

[housewolf]

Call up ferguson supply. They rent them here in Rochester. Make sure you call their commercial supply not the residential waterworks.

Yeah, Ferguson. I know they rent/lend them to plumbing contractors with accounts. I would be surprised if they wouldn’t do same for any customer. Where did/will you get the fittings?

ETA; the tool you posted will do 1/2”, 3/4”, & 1” (5/8”, 7/8”, & 1-1/8” OD). I’ve never been around the M12 stuff but I’d lay long odds it’s good as gold. Keep in mind, press isn’t exactly zero clearance, it does take some room to get the tool in there.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Are you a pro plumber? Using sharkbites surprises me.

I would be less than happy to see a pro using them in my house.

Facility maintenance. They're all in commercial/institutional buildings. Office workers don't care how their pipes are connected as long as the heat is working. Never had a failure. There's also a handful in my house that haven't failed over 10-12 years.

Obviously they're not the best solution financially, but sometimes they are the best overall solution.

If I had my own plumbing business, I would most certainly own a Pro Press.

 

[mike93lx]

Facility maintenance. They're all in commercial/institutional buildings. Office workers don't care how their pipes are connected as long as the heat is working. Never had a failure. There's also a handful in my house that haven't failed over 10-12 years.

Obviously they're not the best solution financially, but sometimes they are the best overall solution.

If I had my own plumbing business, I would most certainly own a Pro Press.

As I said, I have used sharkbite myself and have had good experiences.

They can save labor and eliminate hot work, so I definitely get the advantage. A set of propress rings really opens up usage in close quarters, but like anything propress, damn they are expensive.

Rings for ProPress® | RIDGID Tools

Rings for ProPress® permit access in tighter spaces and serve as an excellent complement to your RIDGID® jaw sets. Shop now.

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[RPH]

Get the induction heater. No flame but the tube is soldered in. No room issues because you can mold the inductor.
Get a tool that has many uses.

 

[mike93lx]

Get the induction heater. No flame but the tube is soldered in. No room issues because you can mold the inductor.
Get a tool that has many uses.

An induction heater for soldering plumbing? Interesting, never seen that

 

[RPH]

Continuous welding of steel pipe using induction heating.


Brass and copper being soldered.

 

[b-boy]

Get the induction heater. No flame but the tube is soldered in. No room issues because you can mold the inductor.
Get a tool that has many uses.

I've never heard of that either. Interesting.

 

[b-boy]

I use these for soldering in tight spaces.

https://www.supplyhouse.com/Blue-Monster-71032-Blue-Monster-Torch-Guard-Heat-Shield-9-x-12?utm_source=google_ad&utm_medium=pmax&utm_campaign=pmax_nca_test&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIldyih-DlgQMVLPyUCR2xEgFoEAQYBCABEgIgn_D_BwE

The blanket allows me to work tighter spaces than a pro press setup.
I am amazed how well they work. It might make you nervous the first time you try one close to the heat. The material will glow. It still protects.

I do have 1 of these. I've used them with good luck. My big concern here are the electrical wires. This is in a utility closet in my basement and they are everywhere. I accidently singed one a few years ago when I was adding a shutoff valve for my fridge. I'm a little gun shy now.

 

[Jackfre]

How about using pex for your drops. Yes, you have to make one sweat joint, but from there it could work out. You do not say what type of “baseboard” element you are going with. you could use the Euro low temp gear. Runtal make nice stuff. Pricey but works well with a lower temp supplying it. Assuming you are using a conventional boiler you are running at probably 180* supply. You might be able to supply a low temp baseboard off the return leg of your system. For that one joint a Ring Tip might help. Do a bit of practice so you know how it handles, but it might help out.

 

[Fav Onefour]

I do have 1 of these. I've used them with good luck. My big concern here are the electrical wires. This is in a utility closet in my basement and they are everywhere. I accidently singed one a few years ago when I was adding a shutoff valve for my fridge. I'm a little gun shy now.

I get the concern. It's always more challenging with tight spots. I'm usually watching the soldering closer than the surroundings. In some spots I do a practice layout with flame direction and solder. I've even short tapped a screw or two just to hold the blanket in place.

If you don't have luck with finding another solution, pick up another blanket. You could wrap one around the wires and use one just to shield the pipe weld.

 

[b-boy]

How about using pex for your drops. Yes, you have to make one sweat joint, but from there it could work out. You do not say what type of “baseboard” element you are going with. you could use the Euro low temp gear. Runtal make nice stuff. Pricey but works well with a lower temp supplying it. Assuming you are using a conventional boiler you are running at probably 180* supply. You might be able to supply a low temp baseboard off the return leg of your system. For that one joint a Ring Tip might help. Do a bit of practice so you know how it handles, but it might help out.

I'm going to stick with copper.

I heard that the pex expands quite a bit.

Also, my basement has exposed copper pipes running across the ceilings. The basement is finished, The copper looks like it fits into the area, Pex will look a little weird,

 

[mike93lx]

I'm going to stick with copper.

I heard that the pex expans quite a bit.

Also, my basement has exposed copper pipes running across the ceilings. The basement is finished, The copper looks like it fits into the area, Pex will look a little weird,

I had a baseboard heater bypassed with pex as part of a renovation. That damn pipe moved around a ton. Copper grows too, so you have to leave room for it

 

[Monza Harry]

Can you solder these fittings together on the bench with enough tubing/fittings to make the "in place" solder joints someplace safer/less congested? You know after you mount the baseboard-heater with the pre-soldered plumbing? I try to pre solder any joints I can in the vertical down position, leaving as few horizontal joints as I can, as my lead free horizontal joints kind of ****, I'm better with lead-tin or silver-bearing. Harry

 

[b-boy]

I went ahead and ordered the Milwaukee propress.

I'll use it to do my project and then just resell it.

I should get most of my money back, and I won't have time constraints so I can take my time adding the extra zone in my basement.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[Dr_Pippin]

Where are you located? My company rents them. We have 15 location from Denver to Indy and KC to the UP.

What company? I'm in KC and debating buying the tool. Would maybe be nice to rent if the price point is reasonable for me.

 

[NORDFORD]

What company? I'm in KC and debating buying the tool. Would maybe be nice to rent if the price point is reasonable for me

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[scooby074]

Too late, but do you have a source for fittings? Viega Pro Press is only available through the plumbing wholesalers in town and over the last couple years theyve turned into pricks IRT only selling to licensed individuals.

 

[drmarkr]

My local Ace has a kit they loan out, with a deposit.

 

[b-boy]

Home Depot carries Viega fittings. Lowes carries a product called Streamline. I don't know much about those.

 

[mike93lx]

Home Depot carries Viega fittings. Lowes carries a product called Streamline. I don't know much about those.

Viega is good. Having a local backup is good but I'd look at supplyhouse.com first, or a local plumbing supply. Make sure you get quality stuff

 

[b-boy]

Yep - The Viega stuff is about twice the price of the generic stuff. I'm guessing there is a reason for that.