VIVOHOME Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool with 1/2", 3/4" and 1" Die Sets, Press Crimper Suit for Narrow Space Viega Copper, Pro-Press, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings

Does what it's supposed to do

The advantage a 'multi pumped' hydraulic press with a rotating head has over a single pump system is that you can position the handle in line with the trench or with the opening in the wall so it is possible to use in tight spaces. Plus it is less difficult to complete each pump stroke with a hydraulic unit than with a single pump system.The VIVOHOME Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool's press is very heavy. This makes it difficult to hold it in place in some situations. I bought this tool because I found the iGeelee brand 3/4" PEX ring crimping insert set, over crimps the PEX ring. This unit's press inserts properly crimp the 1/2", 3/4" & 1" PEX rings. I haven't tried any other inserts to see if they work correctly or not.The way this brand holds the crimp inserts in the press jaws is not good. It relies on a spring loaded ball to hold the press insert into the jaws. After making a crimp, the inserts are prone to 'stick' to the PEX ring that has just been crimped. (All brands do this) The problem with the spring loaded ball concept is, when I attempt to remove the jaws (and press inserts) from the freshly crimped PEX ring, the inserts try to stick to the PEX ring. Then, sometimes one of the inserts slips out of the jaws and stays on the freshly crimped PEX ring. The first time I used this press, one of the insert halves slipped out of the jaws and stayed on the Pex ring after removing the jaws. Then it just fell off the PEX ring and fell into the wall. I had to cut a hold at the bottom of the wall to retrieve it. Other brands use a pull pin retaining system to hold the press inserts in the jaws so this does not happen.The good news is: The PEX ring crimping inserts from THIS brand press, actually fit the iGeelee brand press tool. The iGeelee press is far lighter and uses the 'pull pin" style insert retaining system so the inserts come off the newly pressed PEX rings and don't drop in the wall.Long story short, I paid for two tools to get one I like. BUT this tool alone will work to crimp 1/2", 3/4" & 1" PEX rings correctly.

easy to use!!

I’ll like to start by saying I’m an adult male in pretty good shape 6’4 230lbs! Although this hydraulic press works as it should, you will probably need two people to assist if you’re trying to do a big job. I did about 12 total fittings and I was pouring sweating afterwards not only that but fittings moved and the dies kept falling out trying to crimp this heavy thing on copper lines was also very challenging. I did take the opportunity to use some copper rings on pex tubing total failure this tool is way to heavy duty for that.

First time using one of these and was able to setup an expansion tank with an shutoff valve. Easily pressed new and old pipe, and old pipe needed solder to be cleaned off and smooth. All crimps were done with 3/4 without issues, but it does take a bit of planning and thinking ahead, as getting into tight spaces is a serious challenge with the length and hefty if this unit. I'm in good shape and can handle tools, but awkward spaces take a little creative thinking and planning before using for sure. Great tool, easily engaged and disengages, but sometimes the tool will take a little wiggle to loosen and off to the next fitting. Great for DIY and person who has the muscle to handle one of these. THere were a few times I wanted to shell out the cash for a more compact and fast electric handheld, but this is a much better value for a person who does a bit of DIY and doesn't do a whole lot of plumbing. Just remember, you MUST allow both end of the clamp to fully close and seat for this to fully crush the fitting onto the pipe, as the pipe needs a slight deformity from the clamping pressure for it to work properly

Great

Finally got around to using this too and it works great. It's a bit heavy for working on a vertical press. I'm 74 and could have used some help holding it in place but otherwise it was worth the money.

Todo