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.
Soldering requires: cutting, reaming, cleaning (abrasive cloth), fluxing, assembling, heating, applying solder, wiping, and cooling. ProPress requires: cutting, reaming (deburring is critical), marking depth, pressing. A skilled fitter can press a fitting in 5 seconds versus 60 seconds for solder. propresser
The ProPress Revolution: Why Crimped Connections Are Beating Torches on Modern Job Sites Unless you find a screaming deal on a
Can’t get the line 100% dry? Solder is impossible. With ProPress, you can press a fitting into a dripping line. The O-ring is lubricated and can handle residual moisture and minor dribbles. This is a lifesaver for emergency repairs on domestic water lines in occupied buildings. Solder is impossible
But is it the right choice for every job? This post will break down everything you need to know: the mechanics, the cost, the safety, and the few places where you should still keep the torch handy.
ProPress doesn't make you a better plumber than the old-timer with the torch. But it does make you a faster , safer , and often more profitable one. In a trade where margins are razor-thin, that clicking sound is the sound of money being saved.