FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In
Tools & Materials

Use a Press Tool for Plumbing Connections

The Milwaukee M12 press tool has become a popular alternative to soldering copper for plumbing connections.

By Carly Carey Issue 316 - July 2023
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

We’ve all heard the phrase “Time is money.” When it comes to plumbing, truer words have never been spoken. As with so many other industries, technology has changed the plumbing world. At the company I work for, Erik Nelson Plumbing in Minneapolis, the Milwaukee M12 press tool has almost completely replaced soldering copper for plumbing connections. As a third-year apprentice, I have seen soldering done only twice on job sites; that’s because using a press tool is faster, easier, and safer.

Soldering is a skill that requires a lot of practice to perfect. By contrast, using a press tool is intuitive. Being able to make connections with a press tool has given me a ton of independence as a plumbing apprentice. After only a handful of times watching this tool being used by a journey-level plumber, I was able to use it solo, with little supervision. I found that the most important thing to remember is to make sure the fitting is fully made up, meaning the pipe is completely bottomed out into the fitting. When this is done, you are almost guaranteed to achieve a long-lasting connection.

tightening pipe with tool

Milwaukee advertises that using a press tool is 50% faster than soldering, which in my opinion may be an understatement. And there are a few more advantages press fittings have over soldered connections: In order to achieve a leak-free soldered connection, the pipe has to be completely dry, which can take a long time and sometimes is nearly impossible. Soldering also requires an open flame, which presents its own hazards. In addition, some soldering flux can give off toxic fumes and may introduce undesirable chemicals into water supply lines.

The initial investment in a press tool is significant—the M12 press tool kit, which includes the tool, a battery and charger, and jaws for 1 ⁄ 2-in., 3 ⁄ 4-in., and 1-in. copper, costs around $2300. There is also a 1-1 ⁄ 4-in. copper jaw and a PEX jaw available separately. This tool weighs just 3.8 lb. and is able to get into tight spaces, but if you work on larger commercial jobs often, it might make more sense to invest in the M18 version, which has jaws that can handle fittings up to 4 in. After the initial investment in the tool, there is also the cost of the fittings. Supplyhouse.com sells Viega 1 ⁄ 2-in. press 90° fittings for $2.79 each, versus $0.61 each for Elkhart 1 ⁄ 2-in. 90° solder fittings. But while the tool and fittings are expensive, I believe the extra cost is outweighed by how much more efficient and user-friendly a press tool is.

As I continue with my apprenticeship, I hope to master the art of soldering, as I’m sure there will be some situations where it’s needed. Until then, however, I’ll be using the M12 press tool.

—Carly Carey, a plumber in Minneapolis.

Photos: courtesy of Milwaukee

From Fine Homebuilding #316


RELATED STORIES

  • How to Cute Copper Pipe
  • Connect PEX with Viega PEX Press Fittings
  • Which Pipe Fitting Do You Need?

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Reliable Crimp Connectors

These reliable, high-quality connectors from Wirefy work on 10-22-gauge wire have heat-shrink insulation to keep out water and road salt.
Buy at Amazon

Milwaukee 18v Cordless Reciprocating Saw (2720)

This is a great quick-cutting saw with a brushless motor, an LED light, and a handy folding rafter hook.
Buy at Amazon

Metabo HPT Impact Driver (WH18DBDL2)

This impact driver is a small, light, and powerful tool featuring three hammers and anvils instead of the usual two.
Buy at Amazon

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Repairing an Old Home While Maintaining Its Integrity

Learn about different approaches to making updates and repairs to older homes with historic charm.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • An Easier Method for Mitered Head Casings
  • A Practical Approach to Exterior Insulation
  • Making and Installing Wood Wall Paneling
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Designing and Building an Efficient Slab-On-Grade Home

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

Video

View All Videos
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Shower Wall and Tub Surround Panels Explained
  • Podcast 612: Water Pipes, Attic Air-Sealing, and the Durability of AeroBarrier
  • Podcast 571: Pooling on Flat Roofs, Irrigation Timers, and Single-Pane Windows
  • Podcast Episode 523: Digital Shower Valves, DIY Foam Outsulation, and Air-Sealing Stem Walls
View All

Plumbing

View All Plumbing Articles
  • Cutting Plastic Pipe
  • Plumbing Protection
  • Rainwater Harvesting 101
View All Plumbing Articles

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 81%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data