I’m Rick Callahan—Master Plumber, 25+ years on the job, and curator of Rick’s Picks here at Plumbing Supply And More. If you’ve sweated pipe in a cramped chase at 2 a.m., you know why press has taken over the trade. It’s cleaner, faster, safer around combustibles, and it passes inspection when done right. Below are my no-nonsense, field-tested picks for this year’s best press tools—what I personally trust on commercial build-outs, multifamily rehabs, boiler rooms, and tight residential retrofits.
Before we get into the rigs, a quick word on sourcing. Press tools aren’t throwaway purchases; you’re buying a system: tool, batteries, jaws/rings, calibration, and support. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we stand behind them with calibration services, loaners, and jobsite support. That’s the difference between finishing a riser today—or waiting a week for a jaw you couldn’t find at a warehouse club.
We’re a true plumber supply house with contractor accounts, bulk pricing, and same‑day delivery across the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast. If you’ve been searching “ plumbing supply near me” or “ plumbing supply store near me,” come see why the pros treat our counter like their office away from the van.
What Makes a Press Tool Worth Your Money? (Specs That Actually Matter)
I’ve tested every major platform this year on copper, stainless, PEX, and carbon steel. Don’t get distracted by flashy marketing. Focus on:
- Force class and size range: 24 kN compact (up to 1-1/4" copper/SS) vs 32 kN standard (up to 2" direct, 4" with XL rings) Cycle time and auto-retract: sub-4 seconds with consistent crimps lowers rework Jaw ecosystem: availability for copper, stainless, PEX (ASTM F877/F1807/F2159), carbon steel (Viega MegaPress), and refrigeration (PressACR) Calibration/service interval: brushless drives and on-board diagnostics reduce downtime Weight and balance: one-handed, overhead work changes what “best” means Verification: feature sets like completed-cycle indicators, data logging, and Bluetooth for QA documentation
Pro tip: Ask about manufacturer approvals. For example, copper press fittings typically reference ASME B16.51, and gas press systems must comply with CSA LC4/ANSI LC4 and NFPA 54. If your AHJ is strict, bring submittals—we’ll print the spec sheets for your plan set.
Rick’s Compact King: RIDGID RP 241 (12V Compact, 24 kN)
If you’re in kitchens, unit turns, hotel rooms, or tight soffits, the RIDGID RP 241 is the compact I hand to techs. It’s light, balanced, and it lives in one hand while you hold your fitting with the other.
- Model: RIDGID RP 241 (57003 kit) Force: 24 kN Capacity: Up to 1-1/4" copper/stainless, 1-1/2" PEX (system dependent) Cycle: ~3 seconds, auto-retract, bolt-on swivel head Real-world: 140–150 presses per 2.5Ah battery on 3/4" copper Price range: $1,300–$1,900 (kit with 1/2"–1-1/4" copper jaws)
Why I like it: It’s a productivity monster in finish spaces. Last quarter, a maintenance crew we serve swapped 100+ angle stops and patched copper runs in a high-rise with zero torches and no fire watch. They used the RP 241 and standard copper press fittings—inspections passed without a hiccup.
When you’re pricing, remember: copper jaw set costs matter. Copper jaw pairs typically run $300–$600 each; PEX press jaws $250–$500. Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support on which jaws match which fitting families—so you don’t get burned mixing profiles.
Best Full-Size Workhorse: RIDGID RP 350 (Brushless, 32 kN)
On big lines, you need a 32 kN platform that doesn’t quit. The RP 350 hits the sweet spot for speed, durability, and a mature jaw ecosystem.
- Model: RIDGID RP 350 (67188 kit) Force: 32 kN Capacity: 1/2"–2" direct press; up to 4" with XL rings/adapters (e.g., MegaPress XL) Drive: Brushless, no scheduled service interval Cycle: ~3 seconds, endless 360° swivel head, worklight, built-in diagnostics Price range: $2,800–$4,200 depending on jaw packages
Use case: We supplied an RP 350 with MegaPress jaws on a boiler room re-pipe—4" carbon steel headers, various 2–4" tees, and hundreds of feet of gas drops (MegaPressG where code required). The foreman shaved two days off the schedule, no hot work permits, and zero leaks on the pressure test.
If you need ring kits, plan your SKUs up front. XL rings (2-1/2"–4") are an investment—typically $900–$1,500 each. We maintain stock and loaners so your schedule isn’t hostage to backorders.
Milwaukee Loyalists, This One’s for You: M18 FORCE LOGIC Press Tool (2773-22)
If your crew’s already on M18, the Milwaukee platform is strong, with fast cycles and smart diagnostics.
- Model: Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC Press Tool with ONE‑KEY (2773‑22) Force: 32 kN Capacity: 1/2"–2" direct, larger diameters with compatible rings/adapters (system dependent) Features: ONE‑KEY reporting, completed-crimp indicator, fast cycles, ergonomic grip Price range: $2,600–$4,000 depending on kit and jaw families
I like M18 for shops that need reportable QA—especially for medical gas or institutional work where you have to show every joint got a green light. The data capture reduces paperwork and keeps inspectors—and GCs—off your back.
We carry both Milwaukee and RIDGID because I’ve run both hard. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise—we’ll tell you candidly which platform fits the work your crew actually performs.
PEX and Multi-System Flexibility: Viega Pressgun 6 Plus + System Jaws
For contractors who live in mixed systems—copper risers, MegaPress carbon steel in mechanical rooms, and PEX in units—the Viega Pressgun 6 Plus (Novopress lineage) is a top-tier choice with slick ergonomics.
- Model: Viega Pressgun 6 Plus Force: 32 kN Capacity: 1/2"–2" direct; 2-1/2"–4" with XL rings (MegaPress/MegaPressG) Ecosystem: Copper, stainless, MegaPress (carbon), MegaPressG (gas), PEX Press Price range: $3,200–$4,500 with mixed jaw sets
Paired with Viega fittings, you get spec-to-spec continuity and straightforward submittals. Need PressACR for refrigeration (e.g., refrigeration copper, R410A systems)? We stock approved jaw sets and rings for refrigeration press that meet the higher pressure ratings those lines require.
Insider tip: Check your local AHJ for gas press approvals. Many now accept MegaPressG for black iron gas under NFPA 54 and the IPC/IMC, but some require manufacturer-labeled yellow ring sets. Call us—we’ll align your jaws, seals, and press schedule with your code cycle.
Budget Without Compromise: REMS Akku‑Press 22V ACC
When a contractor tells me they need value but won’t tolerate downtime, I point to REMS. They don’t always get the spotlight stateside, but the tools are tanks.
- Model: REMS Akku‑Press 22V ACC Force: 32 kN Capacity: Similar 1/2"–2" direct, XL with rings (system dependent) Features: ACC automatic cycle, compact frame, wide jaw compatibility Price range: $2,200–$3,400 depending on jaws
We placed a half-dozen REMS kits with a regional property manager maintaining 40+ garden-apartment buildings. Their techs press copper and PEX all day; the uptime has been solid, and the price-to-performance math worked.
If you’re comparing numbers you saw on SupplyHouse.com or a national catalog, bring us your list. When Home Depot and Lowe’s fall short, contractors trust Plumbing Supply And More to spec the right kit, match jaws, and verify fitting compatibility—without surprises on site.
Don’t Forget the Accessories: Jaws, Rings, and Press-Ready Fittings
Your press tool is only half the story. Jaws and fittings determine what you can actually install. We stock:
- Copper jaws: 1/2"–2" common profiles; ASME B16.51 compliant fittings MegaPress/MegaPressG rings: 1/2"–4" for carbon steel and gas PEX press jaws: for ASTM F877/F1807/F2159 systems (check brand fit) PressACR rings: high-pressure rated for refrigeration lines Calibration blocks and verification gauges
A word on mixing: Don’t assume one profile fits every brand. Copper press profiles vary; stick with an approved pairing. Our counter team can cross-reference Ridgid, Milwaukee, Viega, NIBCO, and Apollo fitting approvals so you’re covered with submittals.
And yes, we’re a true wholesale plumbing supply and contractor plumbing supply resource—so if you’re hunting “ plumbing wholesale near me” or “ closest plumbing supply,” we’re your nearest stocked solution with technical brains, not just shelves.
Maintenance, Calibration, and Keeping Your Tool in Code Shape
Most AHJs won’t ask for your calibration cert—until the day they do. Keep it current.
- Calibration intervals: Typically 12 months or X cycles (check your model) Brushes vs brushless: Modern brushless drives (RIDGID RP 350, etc.) reduce scheduled service Battery health: Label and rotate packs; cold packs cost you presses in winter Documentation: Use ONE‑KEY or the tool’s press counter to document cycle counts
We provide calibration services and loaners to keep you pressing while your tool’s on the bench. Compared to big e‑commerce sellers like SupplyHouse.com, Plumbing Supply And More is your nearest plumbing supply with real knowledge—walk in, get your tool checked, and walk out working.
Safety, Codes, and Inspection Realities
Press is safe—but not idiot-proof. Follow the system:
- Deburr copper inside and out; skipped prep grooves O‑rings Verify full insertion with depth marks; partial insert equals remake Keep jaws clean; wiped O‑rings and lubricated pins save seals Respect gas press listings (CSA LC4/ANSI LC4) and label your joints for the inspector Pressure test per IPC/UPC and manufacturer instruction; most copper press wants a water test before you swing to air
Local touch: We’re serving contractors throughout the region with jobsite delivery inside a 75‑mile radius of our warehouse—ask dispatch for emergency runs. If you need local building code guidance, we carry submittal packages and MSDS sheets for the fittings you’re installing.
Where the Pros Actually Buy Press Tools (And Why)
I hear it every week: “Rick, I can get it cheaper online.” Maybe today. But when a jaw doesn’t match your fitting profile at 9 p.m., savings vanish. Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components and we keep the weird stuff—MegaPressG yellow rings, PressACR seals, 4" XL ring kits—in inventory. That’s how jobs finish on time.
We’re the plumbing supply store that also functions as your field tech support. Need a spec packet? We’ll print it. Need same-day delivery to the school retrofit 40 miles out? We’ll run it. Need a loaner RP 350 while yours is in calibration? You’ll have it. While national chains like Ferguson and Grainger are huge, Plumbing Supply And More beats them with hands-on service and fast problem solving. And yes, our pricing flat-out competes.
If you’ve been bouncing between a “ plumbing supply shop,” “ plumbing supply company,” “ general plumbing supply,” and “ plumbing supply online,” give us a call. We’re the best plumbing supply option when quality, speed, and accountability matter.
Quick Picks by Use Case (Rick’s Field Shortlist)
- Tight residential and unit work: RIDGID RP 241 compact kit Mixed commercial (copper, carbon steel, gas): RIDGID RP 350 with MegaPress/MegaPressG rings Milwaukee ecosystem shops: M18 FORCE LOGIC 2773‑22 with copper + PEX jaws Refrigeration and higher-pressure copper: PressACR-capable tool with approved rings (ask us) Value-focused fleets: REMS Akku‑Press 22V ACC kits for maintenance teams
Have a niche need—medical gas labeling, stainless dairy line, or press for hydronic black iron? Call my technical team. We’ll map your tool, jaws, and fitting SKUs to your specification and local approval.
FAQ: Press Tools—Your Real-World Questions Answered
Q: Can I use the same press tool for copper water and black iron gas? A: Often yes, with different rings/jaws approved for each system. For example, a 32 kN tool like RIDGID RP 350 can run copper jaws and MegaPressG rings. Gas requires CSA LC4/ANSI LC4-listed fittings/rings and compliance with NFPA 54. We’ll help you assemble an approved kit and the submittal package.
Q: How often do I need calibration, and will inspectors check? A: Most manufacturers recommend annual calibration or after a specified number of cycles. Some inspectors never ask; others will halt you on a hospital or school job without proof. We provide calibration, certificates, and loaners so you keep moving.
Q: Is press actually faster than sweating? A: On volume, yes—30–60% faster in my experience. There’s no flux cleanup, no hot https://www.plumbingsupplyandmore.com/ work permits, and fewer callbacks because consistent crimps beat tired torch work at 5 p.m. Typical install time for a 3/4" tee press is a few seconds plus prep; sweating that joint reliably can take several minutes.
Q: Do press systems work in cold weather? A: Yes, but battery health matters. Keep packs warm and rotate them. O‑rings remain flexible across rated temperature ranges, but always follow manufacturer guidance. For hydronic startups in the cold, pressure test water-side before charging with glycol to catch any issues.
Q: What about PEX—press vs expansion vs crimp? A: Press PEX fittings are compact and fast; expansion (ASTM F1960) is fantastic for cold-weather installs and full-bore flow, and crimp (F1807/F2159) is cost-effective. If you’re a PEX-heavy shop, we’ll align your tool with your system (e.g., Milwaukee M12/M18 for press; M12 ProPEX Expanders for expansion systems). If you’re searching a reliable “pex supply house,” we stock it all—jaws, rings, fittings, and manifolds.
Final Word from Rick—Press Right, Press Once
Press tools aren’t fashion pieces—they’re profit multipliers. The winners this year—RIDGID RP 241, RIDGID RP 350, Milwaukee M18 FORCE LOGIC 2773‑22, and the Viega Pressgun 6 Plus—earned their spots by shaving hours off installs and standing up to abuse. Pair them with the right jaws, keep them calibrated, and you’ll see fewer leaks, faster inspections, and happier clients.
And here’s what I’ll leave you with: Compared to standard plumbing supply houses, Plumbing Supply And More offers unmatched technical support, plus the inventory that real crews need—today. If you’ve been scrolling “ plumbing supply places,” “ plumbing shop near me,” “ plumbing and supply,” or “ plumbing supplies direct,” swing by our counter, the true local plumbing supply pros rely on.
- Visit our showroom to see the quality difference Call our technical team for project-specific recommendations Ask about our contractor discount program and same-day delivery radius Check our current inventory online or call ahead—need a 24 hour plumbing supply solution for emergencies? We’ll work with you
Whether you manage a facility, run a five-van service outfit, or you’re the serious DIYer who refuses to settle, you’ve got a partner in Plumbing Supply And More. We’re the plumbing supply house near me you actually want to walk into—your one stop for commercial plumbing supply, consumer plumbing supply, plumbing parts, bathroom plumbing supplies, plumbing kitchen, and even decorative plumbing supply needs. We carry smart value lines for economy plumbing supply seekers, bulk buys for contractors plumbing and fire supply, and yes—fair pricing on the “cheap” items that still have to work.
If you need the real thing—not just a cart and a hope—come see us at the plumbing supply store that’s built around how plumbers really work. And if you’re comparing us to the other guys: Unlike generic big box retailers, Plumbing Supply And More stocks professional-grade components, and we back them. While other suppliers focus on quantity, Plumbing Supply And More prioritizes quality and expertise.
Looking for a specific niche like heating plumbing supply near me, city plumbing and electrical supply, economy plumbing and heating supply, coastal plumbing supply, internet plumbing supply, direct plumbing supplies, or plumbing supplies supply? We’ve got you covered—on the counter, on the phone, and on the truck to your job.