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Taking into consideration that the Egyptians had pipe fitters and that parts of Rome’s water systems are still working 2,000 years later gives some crediblity to the importance of pipe and rebar tools. With press technology having been around for some time now, most trade pros already benefit from the the cost-savings. Manufacturers continue to offer new innovations in the space.
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| To meet the demand for lightweight tools in the press category, RIDGID recently unveiled the RP 251 Compact Press Tool that is compatible with the company’s compact series jaws. |
RIDGID
In the pipe and rebar tool category, the adoption of press over traditional methods of pipe joining continues to grow.
“An advantage to press technology is that it’s been helping trade professionals do more in less time,” says Joe Devries, product manager, RIDGID. “That means more jobs completed for the trade pro and the ability for clients to stay on track with project timelines. Both are win-wins in today’s changing economic climate.”
Having been available in North America for more than 25 years, there is little to no hesitancy to using pressing on a job site as more trade pros experience the benefit. Devries says the current trend is a demand for more lightweight tools that are intuitive and enhance efficiency.
To solve that, he says RIDGID introduced the RP 251 Compact Press Tool that is compatible with all RIDGID compact series jaws, rings, and actuators and can press up to 1 1/4-inch on copper and stainless steel, up to 1 1/2-inch on multilayer/PEX tubing, up to 1-inch carbon steel; and up to 1 3/8 inches on copper refrigeration.
“Its ergonomic design with forward-positioned trigger and SlimGrip handle allows for one-handed use to help trade pros easily work overhead and in tight spaces,” Devries says, noting that it also features a 360-degree head swivel, bright LEDs, and a brushless motor capable of over 60,000 press cycles.
In terms of future advances within the sector, Devries is anxious to see how AI will incorporate itself more into the jobsite.
“We’ve seen AI be leveraged in a number of different industries and it’s only a matter of time before it makes its way into the trades,” he says. “There is a lot of potential for new innovations as it relates to incorporating this new technology.”
Like most manufacturers, RIDGID is always looking to provide solutions to trade pros’ biggest job site challenges.
“We’re talking to them at trade shows and on job sites to understand their pain points,” Devries says. “With this insight, over the next few years, you’ll continue to see RIDGID introducing tools and product enhancements that solve these pain points.”
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| Transitioning between different systems is made easy with the new Viega transition couplings that provide seamless integration across various piping systems. |
VIEGA
Like RIDGID, Viega has noticed how more people are recognizing how useful press technology can be for joining pipes, whether they’re working on commercial, industrial, residential or even marine projects.
“Our solutions are being used globally in plumbing, flushing, heating and cooling projects,” says Jason McKinnon, director of engineering services, Viega.
He notes that one of the remaining misunderstandings about press technology relates to the number of applications it can be utilized. Recognized for its use in residential and commercial applications, many are surprised to learn that press technology is viable for marine applications.
McKinnon says Viega MegaPress, ProPress and PureFlow systems are all approved for over 2,500 applications, across industrial, residential, commercial and marine industries, covering nearly every plumbing need for pipe that is 4 inches or less. Together, the systems offer a comprehensive solution and the same tool can be used for pressing all Viega press fittings and valves.
“This simplicity helps to reduce downtime and labor costs while eliminating connection variables that could otherwise cause serious issues in the system,” he says.
Transitions between different systems is easier with Viega’s new transition couplings, the MegaPress 1/2 inch to 2 inch zero lead bronze transition coupling. Engineered for seamless integration across various piping systems, the MegaPress IPS to CTS coupling includes an EPDM sealing element, ideal for transitioning between IPS and CTS piping systems, while the MegaPress IPS to IPS coupling offers options with both EPDM and FKM seals, catering to different application needs.
“With this versatile range, you can seamlessly connect galvanized piping systems to Viega systems,” McKinnon says.
More recently, pressing technology has been embraced as part of the construction of data centers.
“With the rise of AI and the huge demand for fast searches, new data centers are popping up all over the world,” McKinnon says. “These centers need a lot of water to stay cool, so there’s a big push toward closedloop cooling systems that recycle water and help save resources.”
He says Viega press technology is being used within these types of facilities, as it allows for quick installation as the need for more data centers grows.
Looking into the future, Viega is committed to supporting the trades with North American-manufactured products.
“Quality being a priority, we can maintain our standards with domestic production,” McKinnon says. “Beyond quality, the community and economic impact of domestic production we strongly believe in is an important piece of who we are and how we also support the long-term stability of our industry and customers.”
LEARN MORE
This article originally appeared in the October/November 2025 issue of Contractor Supply magazine. Copyright 2025, Direct Business Media.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
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