Press Fitting Tools

Press tools join pipe and tube by crimping a fitting onto it with a battery-powered or electric hydraulic tool, with no flame or solder. They are faster and safer than torches, but they have their own hazards: hands can be crushed between the jaws, a joint that wasn’t pressed can fail under pressure, and the tool can be used on the wrong fitting or near live electrical lines.

• Plumbers & Pipefitters
• HVAC Techs
• Sprinkler Fitters

How press tools work

• A press tool has an electric or battery motor driving a hydraulic ram that squeezes jaws or rings around a fitting with a sealing ring (O-ring). The fitting is permanently crimped onto the pipe.
• Used for copper, stainless steel, carbon steel, PEX and multilayer pipe in water, heating, compressed air and, where listed, gas systems.
• Jaws, rings and adapters must match the fitting maker’s system. Fittings and tools from different systems may not make a safe seal unless listed as compatible.
• Press-fit systems are covered by plumbing and mechanical codes, and are tested and listed for specific uses. Use only products approved for the application. See Building Codes and Listed & Labeled Equipment.

Main hazards

• Crushing and pinching: the jaws apply thousands of pounds of force and close fast. A finger between the jaws or between the tool and a wall can be crushed.
• Failed joints: an unpressed or poorly pressed joint can blow apart, leak or flood, or in gas, steam or compressed air lines cause injury and fire. Fittings that aren’t fully inserted may leak later.
• Tool failure: worn jaws, cracked rings and low-quality or damaged tools can slip, break or fail to close.
• Hydraulic hazards: high-pressure oil in the tool can leak or be injected through skin. See Hydraulic Tools.
• Electrical hazards: metal pipe can be live or become energized. Pressing near electrical panels or live wires, or on pipe that contacts live conductors, risks shock. Corded tools need GFCI protection. See GFCI Protection.
• Battery risks: lithium-ion batteries can overheat, and a drop or damage can start a fire. See Battery Safety and Corded vs. Cordless Tools.
• Awkward positions: pressing overhead, in tight spaces and on ladders strains shoulders and raises fall risk. See Ladder Basics.
• Sharp cut pipe ends and burrs. Remove and deburr, and wear gloves. See Pipe & Tubing Cutters.
• Gas lines: work on gas piping carries extra risks and legal requirements. See Gas Leaks.

Before pressing

• Read the maker’s instructions for the tool and the fittings, and get trained on the system. Each system has specific pipe preparation, insertion depth and pressing steps.
• Use matching components: the right jaw or ring for the fitting size and brand, in good condition. Check the markings and look for damaged or missing O-rings.
• Prepare the pipe. Cut square, deburr inside and outside, clean the pipe end, check for scratches or dents, and mark the insertion depth so you can check afterward.
• Check the system. Make sure the pipe is empty, depressurized, drained and not live. Test pipes for stray voltage when working near electrical systems. See Lockout/Tagout.
• Inspect the tool: battery, charger, jaws, hydraulic fluid leaks, cracks and calibration or service due date. Many makers require periodic servicing and calibration. Don’t use a tool that is overdue or damaged. See Tagging Out Damaged Tools.
• Wear PPE: safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection in some settings. Wear arc-rated gear if electrical hazards exist. See Eye & Face Protection and Hand Protection.

Making the press

• Insert the pipe fully into the fitting to the marked depth, and keep it there. Check the fitting alignment.
• Place the jaw squarely over the fitting bead, on the right spot, and keep the jaw perpendicular to the pipe.
• Keep fingers and hands out of the jaw opening and away from the area between jaw and wall, studs, other pipes or the floor. Hold the tool by the handle only, not the jaw.
• Complete the full press cycle. Don’t release the trigger until the tool finishes, unless there is an emergency. A partial press can leave a leaky joint. Most tools have a cycle indicator.
• Mark each joint as pressed, so that nothing is missed. Some fittings have “leak before press” features, so that unpressed joints leak during testing. Don’t depend on this alone.
• Test the system at the pressure and with the medium that the code and maker require, and inspect every joint. Don’t pressure test with air above the allowed value, because compressed air stores energy and failures are violent. See Air Compressors.
• Don’t reuse jaws or rings that show wear, cracks or damaged profiles. Don’t press the same joint twice unless the maker allows it.

Batteries and tool care

• Use the maker’s chargers and batteries, charge in a safe, dry place, and don’t charge unattended on flammable surfaces.
• Don’t use or charge damaged, swollen or hot batteries. Remove them from service.
• Clean and lubricate the tool as directed, keep jaws free of dirt and debris, and store the tool in its case.
• Keep records of servicing as the maker requires. Many companies require service every 10,000 presses or annually, so check the manual.

Press tool checklist

• I'm trained on this press system; tool, jaws and fittings match and are in good condition
• The pipe is cut square, deburred, clean and marked for insertion depth
• The line is empty, depressurized and checked for stray electrical voltage
• Hands are kept out of the jaws, and I complete the full press cycle on every joint
• Every joint is marked and the system is pressure tested to code
• The tool is serviced on schedule and batteries are charged and stored safely

Last updated: October 5, 2026