Your guide to press fitting tools
Press fitting is a simple method of joining pipework without the need for heat-based processes such as welding or soldering. It has been around for a while but is still considered a relatively new technique.
It can technically be carried out without the need for extensive training, but if you have high-quality press-fitting tools then it could enable you to be more productive.
If you want to know more about the benefits and disadvantages of press fitting, read on.
What is press fitting?
Press fitting uses the friction created by pushing parts together to create a joint. There are two main components: the fitting body and the sealing element.
The fitting body houses the pipe you want to connect and the sealing element is what holds it in place once the pressing tool is used.
Why use press fittings?
Time and money-saving: The main benefits of press fittings is that they significantly reduce the amount of time required to make joints and the parts are cheaper.
Safe: There is no need for an open flame, meaning there are fewer health and safety risks. There is also less mess to clean up.
Effective: The joints created by press-fitting tools are no less watertight than those made by traditional methods. This is because the tool will not shut off until the connection is secure. With welding or soldering, for example, there is always a chance that it could be left incomplete.
Versatile: Fitting bodies are available in copper, stainless steel and carbon steel, so they can be integrated into systems that already use these materials.
What are the drawbacks of press fittings?
Hygiene: Bacteria can grow at the point where the pipe meets the shoulder of the fitting body, so they are not suitable for processes that require high degrees of hygiene.
Repairs: The pipes cannot be separated once they are pressed together, so a portion of the system must be removed and replacement pipes and joints created.
Burrs: Be sure to clear the pipe and fitting body of any burrs before press fitting. Their presence could cause damage to other components and result in leakage down the line.
In conclusion
If you want to save time and money, press fitting could be the way forward. However, you will need to ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the connection is as strong as it would be with traditional methods.