$100 vs $1000 Press Tool

I'm a homeowner and invested in the Ridgid RP-241 along with the Ridgid V/1 C/1 Ring kit. I use it constantly and fix neighbors leaks and use it to replace ball valves along with other plumbing issues. It's a lifesaver. A very expensive lifesaver.

Now explain why press tools (battery) are so expensive???

My wife and I are landlords. I’m comfortable soldering, but my wife is nervous about the flames. We bought the Ibosad in case she needed to do emergency repairs. When a water heater broke and the valve for it wasn’t closing, she had no trouble applying pressure caps with the hydraulic tool until we could make a better plan. I wouldn’t recommend it for professionals, but it’s a nice backup for the DIY types.

I own proPress it paid for itself in 4 jobs - Always Use real Viega fitting and Blue stripe copper I have been Propressing since 2006

Remodels and apartment maintenance here I have a igang bolt cutter style one(not the cylinder) . Though it's even more arm strength to press with the one I have (around 120 dollars) it's more narrow and I can get it into smaller space. Of course I'd like a 1k rigid but for the once a week I need it my manual one works fine. Also the style I have let's you know when it's done on the tool no guessing like you had. I hate sodering so this is a fantastic option even the manual ones in tightish spaces like under a sink. I would day 70% of my plumbing new shutoff/shower valves cabinets are rotted and we're replacing them. Shower valves you have as much space back towards you as you could need. One thing I do is pre build as much as I can so I don't have issues. I'm always looking for a used rigid for cheap until then.

I currently have both… the manual pump and the RP241. They both work great… I use the hand pump for extremely muddy or sandy situations under homes. I’m not comfortable dragging a $2,000 machine into scenarios where a pinhole leak has been leaking for a couple days or months

Can you leave a link to where you can find the Ridged propress tool for $1000? Cheapest I’ve seen then are $1600 and most places are around the $2000 mark. I rented the 18 volt Milwaukee kit for $50/day from a local plumbing supply shop. As a homeowner, that’s a great option for a decent size project.

As a DYIer I am interested in the manual press tool. If I ever soldered more than 10 joints in a day I would be in the business. To do the occasional repair of a pipe that won't stop dripping what a great alternative. A professional plumber pumping all day would start soldering again.

For a DIY guy it maybe worth renting the electric tool while a pro will regularly use the electric and keep the hand tool on the truck as a backup.

I have a manual press and it’s great. Mine does not require as much clearance as the one you have either. I think it’s the same manufacturer. Mind will do 3 different pipe sizes too. That’s all I need.

I have one of the hand manual ones but it has extendable handles on it without the handles extended I cannot press it even with half inch. However I have also been disabled since I was 31 I'm 52 now. And I'm a fraction of what I used to be.. I also found with the amount of force you have to put into it half the time your ends are not where you lined them up to begin with.. which does not save you any time at all. In fact it cost you because you have to go back and do everything all over again. New fittings new pipe..

I've had a similar press tool from Ibosad for a couple years now. It's been great.

Thanks for the short and to the point video Roger. Like other comments below, good luck finding that RP115 for $1000, more like $1500 in the kit with 1/2 & 3/4 jaws & 1 battery. Pumping that hydraulic version looks like it would get old before you finish the first press.

Man, I've been trying to land an apprenticeship for 2 months but none of the local companies will call back and the union forgot about me I think. Really wanting to make the switch and become a plumber, but the market seems to be tough.

Final summation buy the Milwaukee ProPress tool

We need some closer zoomed in shots. I feel that would be a big improvement.

I've heard that REAL plumbers solder!!!!

Probably my favorite plumbing tool, easy too! Love Pex A though, maybe even easier

Been rocking the ibosad ht1950, came with dyes viega pureflow pex too, almost 2 years in shes holdin up and going strong.

Good deal Roger........