In the process of pipeline installation, it is rare to do without a crimping operation. In essence, this is a simple action that a non-specialist can perform at home. However, for the qualitative implementation of the procedure, an appropriate tool is still required. Usually, for such purposes, press fittings or crimping pliers are used, which make it possible to provide a damage-resistant and tight connection with minimal physical effort.
Features of hand presses
There are several varieties of pressing tongs, which differ in the nature of the principle of operation and performance. Usually, manual and mechanized battery or network models are distinguished. The manual version is considered the standard solution. This option is suitable for working with pipes with a diameter of up to 26 m. That is, it is advisable to use this tool at home with light workloads. It is more profitable to use a network or battery press for metal-plastic pipes where large amounts of work are to be performed. Also, electrical devices outperform manual presses in that they also provide additionalopportunities - for example, implement backlighting in dark rooms without access to artificial lighting. But such modifications are also more expensive.
Main features of the tool
The main working characteristic is the diameter with which the tool can serve pipes. It is important to note that in choosing it is not enough to pay attention only to the maximum upper bar - for example, 32 mm. The fact is that each version covers a specific range of sizes. So, there are tongs for pressing metal-plastic pipes, which work only in a corridor of diameters from 12 to 24 mm. Or there are more powerful versions that can serve the 16–32 mm spectrum. In addition, for ease of use, it is important to take into account the characteristics of the rotation of the press head. Almost all modern models provide 360° torsion, but there are exceptions. Especially when it comes to regular use of the device, its weight should also be taken into account. On average, press tongs weigh 6-8 kg. The smaller the mass, the more forces are saved in the process of performing work steps.
Producers
Despite the external simplicity of the tool, its manufacture and design development requires serious resources. Not every company can afford it. In the Russian market, in particular, a high-quality press for metal-plastic pipes is represented by the brands ROTHENBERGER, REMS and V altec. ROTHENBERGER manufactures a wide range of different crimping machines,as well as accessories for working with pipelines.
REMS brand products are distinguished by their design advantages and the high quality of the materials used in the manufacture of tools. No less remarkable is the V altec press for metal-plastic pipes, which is mainly produced in the form of radial models. This is an almost universal plumbing unit, through which it is possible to service not only metal-plastic, but also copper, stainless and cast iron pipes. Another thing is that in each case the tool must be suitable in terms of performance for the implementation of a specific task.
The nuances of tool operation
Typically, crimping operations are performed on pipes that may have been deformed when cut. In this case, it is necessary to restore the optimal round shape by means of a calibrator, and also to remove the chamfer on the inner edge. Further preparatory work is carried out. They consist in installing a fitting that will not allow the pipe to deform again when working with tongs. It is very important to perform the correct equipment with liners and gaskets. This will eliminate the risk of mechanical damage to surfaces. Now you can set the press for crimping metal-plastic pipes to the working position and, through physical effort, perform the operation. The quality of the crimp will also depend on how correctly the size was selected - that is, the degree of conformity of the diameters. The end result will be the formation of two metalarcuate strips that will ensure the pairing of different sides of the pipes.
How much do press fittings cost?
The simplest models of pressing tongs are estimated at 3-4 thousand rubles. As a rule, these are models from Russian manufacturers, which differ in small dimensions and modest sets of nozzles. Versions from the above-mentioned manufacturers, even in entry-level versions, cost about 10-12 thousand rubles. A professional manual crimping tool is available for 15-20 thousand. It is important to note that such devices are often supplied without nozzles at all, and their advantages are expressed in high quality mechanics and versatility. If the price of a press for metal-plastic pipes is less than 5 thousand, then it is more likely to be a short-lived low-quality tool. True, such models are also found in the lines of large manufacturers. The low cost in this case will be due to the small size of the press tongs, their poor ergonomics and focus on performing work with diameters in a narrow range - usually small.
How to choose a plastic pipe press?
If you plan to purchase a model for frequent use in working with pipelines, then preference should be given to universal tools, that is, those modifications that can serve the widest range of work. By the way, a device that works with formats of 10-16 mm is quite suitable for use in everyday life. Larger diameters are still serviced by experienced specialists. If chosentongs for pressing metal-plastic pipes that form the critical lines of trunk networks, then here it is worth considering the advisability of buying a hand tool as such. Perhaps the best solution in this situation would be a mains or battery device. But, on the other hand, the complete autonomy of manual modifications in work at remote de-energized objects is also a significant plus, and this should be taken into account.
Conclusion
Plumbers practice many ways to connect pipes. Some of them are characterized by ease of application, while others allow for durable joints with a high degree of tightness. Crimp press for multilayer pipes rather belongs to the second category of joining techniques. Provided that the operation is carried out qualitatively in this way, it is possible to organize a reliable pipeline network at minimal cost. As for the availability and ease of this method in terms of installation, it is certainly not the easiest, but the result is more likely to justify the technical efforts.
