What is a press tool?
A battery-operated hydraulic press tool is a portable device used for crimping, pressing, or cutting tasks, powered by a rechargeable battery and driven by hydraulic pressure. These tools are commonly used in electrical, plumbing, and HVAC applications for tasks like crimping connectors on electrical cables, pressing pipe fittings, or cutting metal rods and cables.
Here’s how a battery-operated hydraulic press tool works and why it’s useful:
- Operation
- Hydraulic System: The tool has a hydraulic system that uses fluid pressure to generate force. The battery powers a motor, which in turn drives a hydraulic pump that generates high pressure to move a piston within the tool.
- Pressing Action: This hydraulic force enables the tool to press or crimp with significant strength, often requiring thousands of pounds of force, making it suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
- Controlled Force: Most hydraulic press tools are calibrated to apply specific pressures, so users get consistent results with each operation, which is important for maintaining the integrity of electrical and plumbing connections.
- Applications
- Electrical: Crimping lugs and connectors onto thick electrical cables for reliable connections.
- Plumbing: Pressing pipe fittings for secure, leak-free joints in copper or PEX piping.
- Construction: Cutting rebar or reinforcing steel rods, especially on-site where electrical outlets might not be available.
- Advantages
- Portability: Battery operation means the tool can be used in remote or hard-to-reach places without needing a power source.
- Efficiency: Hydraulic press tools significantly reduce manual effort compared to traditional manual tools.
- Reliability: They provide consistent, high-quality results, essential in high-stakes applications like electrical work or plumbing.
Battery-operated hydraulic press tools are designed to be durable and to withstand frequent heavy-duty use, making them ideal for professionals in various trades.
Why calibrate a press tool?
Calibrating a hydraulic battery-operated press tool is essential for ensuring that it applies the correct amount of force for each press. Over time, even small misalignments or changes in hydraulic pressure can cause the tool to lose accuracy, which may lead to several issues:
- Accuracy and Precision: Calibration ensures the tool applies the exact pressure required to create reliable, consistent connections. Without proper calibration, there could be weak, loose, or incomplete connections, compromising safety and functionality.
- Safety: A poorly calibrated press tool could apply excessive or insufficient force, posing risks to both the operator and the equipment. Calibration helps avoid accidents and ensures safe operation.
- Tool Longevity: Calibration prevents overstraining the hydraulic components, which could lead to wear and tear, leaks, or damage. Proper calibration helps the tool last longer and minimises maintenance costs.
- Compliance: Many industries require tools to be calibrated to meet regulatory or manufacturer standards. This ensures that work done with the tool meets quality and safety standards, which is often legally required.
- Battery Efficiency: Proper calibration also helps the tool use battery power more efficiently, as it will avoid unnecessary strain or overexertion, which can drain the battery faster.
Regular calibration keeps a hydraulic battery-operated press tool functioning optimally, ensuring reliable, high-quality, and safe operation.
The Z-PRESS tools require a service after one year or 30,000 press cycles, whatever comes first. Servicing is available through a network of trade stockists that support a tool drop off service that means that it is quick and simple. It is imperative to register your tool on the Z-PRESS website before completing a tool drop off booking form. Any Tool returned without authorisation is at the liability of the sender.