The ProPress Revolution: Why Crimped Connections Are Beating Torches on Modern Job Sites
But is it the right choice for every job? This post will break down everything you need to know: the mechanics, the cost, the safety, and the few places where you should still keep the torch handy.
If you mess up a soldered joint, you heat it up, pull it apart, clean it, and try again. If you mess up a ProPress joint, you cut it out. That fitting is destroyed. You lose an inch of pipe and a $4 fitting every time you slip. propresser
It isn’t all sunshine and ratchets. ProPress has limitations.
Unless you find a screaming deal on a used tool (and you verify the jaws are calibrated), stick to soldering or use push fittings (SharkBite) for your one-off repairs. You will never recoup the cost of a ProPress rig. The ProPress Revolution: Why Crimped Connections Are Beating
Can’t get the line 100% dry? Solder is impossible. With ProPress, you can press a fitting into a dripping line. The O-ring is lubricated and can handle residual moisture and minor dribbles. This is a lifesaver for emergency repairs on domestic water lines in occupied buildings.
Soldering requires: cutting, reaming, cleaning (abrasive cloth), fluxing, assembling, heating, applying solder, wiping, and cooling. ProPress requires: cutting, reaming (deburring is critical), marking depth, pressing. A skilled fitter can press a fitting in 5 seconds versus 60 seconds for solder. If you mess up a ProPress joint, you cut it out
| Feature | ProPress | Solder (Torch) | SharkBite (Push) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Very Fast | Slow | Instant | | Permanent? | Yes | Yes | No (removable) | | Tool Cost | High ($3k) | Low ($100) | None | | Fitting Cost | High ($4) | Low ($0.80) | High ($6) | | Fire Risk | None | High | None | | Reliability (Long term) | Excellent (40+ yrs) | Excellent (50+ yrs) | Good (25 yrs) | | Best Use Case | Commercial, large repipes | Tight spaces, low budget | Temporary caps, homeowner |