Propresser -

A Milwaukee ProPress tool weighs about 8 lbs. Holding that above your head in a ceiling tile while balancing on a ladder for the 50th press of the day is a legitimate workout. A torch is light.

The fittings are thicker than standard copper. If you are retrofitting into an old wall cavity where pipes are tight together, you may not have the clearance to swing the press tool or fit the jaws around the pipe. Solder has a much smaller profile. propresser

For a DIY homeowner, a $3,000 tool is insanity. Even for a journeyman, the ROI only makes sense if you are pressing 100+ fittings a week. The fittings themselves cost 3x to 5x more than a standard copper fitting. A ½” copper elbow is $0.80; a ProPress elbow is $4.00. A Milwaukee ProPress tool weighs about 8 lbs

Have you made the switch to ProPress? Or are you still soldering until the bitter end? Drop a comment below—let’s hear the debate. And don’t forget to check your local code amendments before pressing that first fitting. Disclaimer: Plumbing codes vary by jurisdiction. Always consult local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) before using alternative joining methods. The fittings are thicker than standard copper

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 liability of fire alone justifies the tool cost. Being able to press a valve onto a live 2" main line without shutting down a 40-story building is a superpower.