Propress crimper

[MarineScott]

I am looking at purchasing a propress copper pipe crimper, (manual) for at home uses. What brand or style would you suggest? I am on a budget, so no cordless, or electric crimpers.

 

[Plumber4]

If you're only going to use it a few times then I'd recommend renting one instead. A friend of mine bought a manual one and ended up giving it away. You need a lot of space to work the tool and even if you have proper access the effort versus soldering isn't worth it. He ended up getting an M12 like mine.
Another option is to buy a used one and then resell it after you're done. They hold up their value but, with it being a specialty tool, it may not sell quickly.

 

[mike93lx]

These manual tool options (same goes for pex expanders) seem like they make the work easy for a homeowner to do. The reality is that they **** to use and will likely make you regret the purchase.

It would be like a tire shop using the emergency scissor jack in your trunk to do rotations.

If you want a no-solder plumbing option, consider PEX, CPVC, or sharkbites

 

[danski0224]

Heck, I didn't know that a manual propress crimper was available.

I looked at a few, and there are many comments about being difficult to crimp and space needed to operate the tool.

A biggie seems to be the inability of some versions to crimp a tee fitting, can't get the jaw around the middle piece, or the tool is too big to crimp in place.

I have noticed that even on jobsites where a cordless tool is used, the piping is different to accommodate the fittings and/or tool access.

Plan accordingly.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Tried one once, thinking it may be a good back up, tossed into the never use again tool bin. We do thousands of crimps, can’t beat the cordless crimpers, i have mostly ridgid and a couple german ones, i would keep looking for a good used one.

 

[snyder]

I use the battery operated rigid. The milwaukee looks smaller and easier to manipulate. Never used a manual one.

 

[fastev]

My Milwaukee M12 is a treat to use. Can’t imagine doing it manually…
Another vote for renting a power version when you need one.

 

[dnschmidt]

All the above ^^^^^

 

[MarineScott]

I wanted the manual crimper for home use. I have access to the cordless electric ones where I work, which is what I will probably use. I'm thinking of when I retire in the near future, that I will have a tool on hand.

 

[mike93lx]

I wanted the manual crimper for home use. I have access to the cordless electric ones where I work, which is what I will probably use. I'm thinking of when I retire in the near future, that I will have a tool on hand.

Try one before you buy one. It will **** to use

Or buy with a return policy

 

[danski0224]

I wanted the manual crimper for home use. I have access to the cordless electric ones where I work, which is what I will probably use. I'm thinking of when I retire in the near future, that I will have a tool on hand.

The reviews aren't that great.

Usability is an issue, as well as access on certain fittings (a tee in particular).