Pressing Guns & Machines
Press gun kits are for fast, repeatable pipe joints without flames or faff, ideal when you are banging out pressfit plumbing on tight programmes.
When you are doing plant rooms, refurbs, or new builds and you cannot be waiting on solder to cool or risking hot works, a press gun is the sensible way to keep joints consistent. Choose a press machine that matches your pipe system and jaw size, and you will fly through runs with fewer call-backs.
What Are Press Guns Used For?
- Running pressfit plumbing on refurbs where hot works are a pain, so you can joint copper or stainless systems cleanly without getting the blowtorch out.
- Knocking out repetitive joints in plant rooms and risers where consistency matters, because a press machine gives you the same squeeze every time across a full day.
- Working in occupied buildings like schools, shops, and flats where downtime is tight, because a pressfit gun keeps noise and mess down compared with cutting and soldering all day.
- Doing repair and maintenance swaps on valves and sections of pipework, where a crimp gun style press lets you get in, make the joint, and get the water back on quickly.
Choosing the Right Press Gun
Match the press gun to your pipe system and joint sizes first, because the wrong jaws or force is how you end up wasting time and fittings.
1. Pipe system and jaw compatibility
If you are on a specific pressfit system, buy the press machine and jaws that are made for that profile, not "near enough". If you are swapping between jobs, a platform with a wide jaw range makes more sense than trying to bodge one set to do everything.
2. Size range and access
If you are mostly on smaller domestic sizes, prioritise a compact pressfit gun that gets behind toilets, under sinks, and into cupboards. If you are pressing larger sizes regularly, go for the press gun that is designed to handle bigger jaws all day without struggling.
3. Battery platform and run time
If you are already on a cordless system, sticking to that battery platform saves money and keeps the van simple. If you are doing high joint counts, do not kid yourself with one battery, you want at least two that can rotate on charge so the press machine is never waiting.
4. Serviceability and calibration
If the tool is earning money every week, pick a press gun range with clear servicing and calibration support, because a tired tool can mean inconsistent presses. Treat it like test gear, keep it checked and it will keep your joints right.
Who Uses Press Guns on Site?
- Plumbers and heating engineers doing first fix and second fix, because a press gun keeps joints quick and uniform when you are chasing programme.
- Commercial fitters and pipework installers on plant rooms and services, because a pressfit machine is built for high joint counts without your hands falling off.
- Maintenance teams in hospitals, schools, and facilities work, because a press gun plumbing setup avoids hot works permits and gets systems back online faster.
The Basics: Understanding Pressfit Guns
A press gun is basically controlled force with the right jaw profile, giving you repeatable joints fast. The important bit is matching the tool, jaws, and fittings so the press is correct every time.
1. The jaw profile is the joint
A pressfit machine squeezes the fitting to a set shape using specific jaws. If the jaw profile does not match the fitting system, you are not "close", you are wrong, and that is where leaks and failed inspections come from.
2. The tool does the consistency, you do the prep
The press gun delivers the same press each time, but you still need clean cuts, proper deburr, and correct insertion depth. Most problems blamed on the crimp gun are actually rushed prep on site.
3. Pressing is about access and repetition
Pressfit guns shine when you have lots of joints or awkward locations, because you can make a solid connection without open flame. That is why they are common on refurbs, risers, and anywhere hot works is a headache.
Shop for Press Guns at ITS
Whether you need a compact press gun for tight domestic work or a press machine setup for bigger pressfit runs, we stock the range to suit different systems and jaw sizes. It is all held in our own warehouse, in stock and ready for next day delivery so you can get back on the tools without waiting around.
Press Gun and Press Machine FAQs
What is a press-fit tool?
A press-fit tool is a press gun or press machine that uses matched jaws to crimp a pressfit fitting onto pipe, creating a sealed joint without soldering. You still need correct pipe prep and the right fitting system, but the tool gives you fast, repeatable presses.
Is it worth buying a propress tool?
If you are doing pressfit plumbing regularly, yes, it pays for itself in time saved and consistent joints, especially on refurbs and commercial work. If you only do the odd press job, it can be hard to justify, because the real cost is the full setup with jaws and batteries, not just the press gun body.
Will one press gun work with every pressfit system?
No, not safely. Pressfit systems use specific jaw profiles and size ranges, so you need a press machine and jaws that are approved for the fittings you are using. If you are unsure, check the fitting manufacturer requirements before you buy jaws.
Do I need a press machine for bigger pipe sizes?
For larger sizes and higher joint counts, a press machine designed for that range makes life easier and avoids struggling with undersized tools. Smaller press guns are brilliant for tight access and common domestic sizes, but bigger jaws and bigger fittings need the right tool to keep presses consistent.
What is the main mistake that causes leaks with a pressfit gun?
Rushed prep. Even the best press gun cannot fix a pipe that is not cut square, not deburred, or not fully inserted into the fitting. Take the extra minute to prep properly and your press joints will be as reliable as the system is designed to be.
