ACR press wars RLS / Zoomlock Max / Mueller ACR

There are now 3 competing press tool brands RLS Mueller and Parker Sporlands Zoomlock Max - Connex Maxi pro
side by side comparison of the ACR press offerings

[@rlsrapidlockingsystem7572]

Thank you for the review Navid!

[@gusnamazi2074]

This is great information. thank you energy technologies.

[@joshliljenberg1132]

Great run down... Was looking for some help deciding which path to go. After hearing your thoughts on the double O-Ring... Sold

[@kruszy76]

Just bought Rls m18 jaw kit for my hilti npr 32-a thanks for making greatest review so far in my opinion

[@energytechnologies206]

Thank you

[@lookItsJayden]

I got the streamline jaws because I already had the m18 tool. And I like the redundancy of 2 of rings. Haven’t used it just yet though

[@energytechnologies206]

They all have M18 jaws. Milwaukee makes RLS and Mueller jaws with their branding. let us know how they work

[@henryleon6384]

hilti make those jaws as well, i do own the npr 32, and the milwaukee force logic m 18 as a back up

[@nmhvactech5474]

What’s your opinion on the Nibco PressACR? I wish there would be a standardization for all of these ACR fittings like ProPess for water.

[@69Crimthann]

Maxi Pro does not allow R-22, granted most only do new install, but I thought I would mention it.

[@DwarfenRage]

I just bought ACR streamline Muller fittings (500) to get a free tool. I just wish filter driers and units came with a way to attach these easier. Let people who weld coupling or sweg.

[@energytechnologies206]

They make press compatible dryers valves etc

[@manuelherreros4609]

For refrigeration application which jaw kit is best? I recently purchased the zoomlock max jaw kit 24Kn, hopefully i made a smart decision. Let me know please.

[@mylesm7947]

How close to a compressor can it be use

[@1FourMe]

Can it be used on soft and hard drawn? 1/4 thru 7/8.

[@Nightmare52199]

Hi, can you give us an update on these? Which one do you prefer the most? Also, I would like to ask info about pricing. The Mueller fittings have 2 O-rings, so I imagine they are more expensive than the others. In Europe I can only see Conix Banninger actively on the market.

[@AddisonHomes]

This is a great overview and summary of these different technologies! I purchased and RLS jaw set for an M12 tool only to find that my two main supply houses stock the MaxiPro fittings. I really like the double seal of the RLS Zoomlock fittings. Any ideas on why nobody in my local market carries the Zoomlock versus the Maxipro?

[@energytechnologies206]

They likely carry Maxi pro/Zoomlock max because they are already a Parker distributer. Distributors may like the way its packaged in hangable bags vs boxes. Supplyhouse.com has the full selection FYI they can get you product very fast. We have the opposite situation in the Seattle market RLS is easy to get they are at all Gensco locations and have it cash and carry vs Zoomlock Max is only really stocked by Thermal Supply which is not my primary supplier.We are at Gensco daily for pick ups as we primarily install Mitsubishi and American Standard. Johnstone carries it but in limited quantities.

[@AddisonHomes]

@@energytechnologies206 That's so interesting. Thanks for the perspective. I'm buying from our Mitsubishi / American Standard distributor here and they only stock MaxiPro. Your video was a great summary of the different products and I really like the double sealing of the RLS. I called Johnstone in our market and they were like "huh? press fittings? what are they?".

[@energytechnologies206]

@@AddisonHomes Johnstone is a franchise so each location is different Their main distribution centers have both Zoomlock Max and RLS and they can supply both of them. Just look up the part numbers and they will be like yah they are in Portland / Henderson DC etc

[@stamfordson]

I stock/sell RLS, where are you located? RLS is the superior product but not it’s hard to flip people because they have a gauntlet of jaws for their guys to use.

[@neilcomparetto5282]

Navid, I'm in the market for a press tool and I like the idea of cross-compatibility of the jaws to reduce the cost of the initial investment. My primary use will be residential refrigeration, but we do some water heater swaps so I would like to use it there too... I'm leaning towards the M12 Milwaukee - some kits come with a few water jaws - will those jaws work with the Zoomlock Max fittings? Thanks!

[@energytechnologies206]

I think only jaws that will be the same are Zoomlock max 3/4” inch ACR which is 1/2 water 7/8 inch ACR which is 3/4 water copper

[@danhvac2276]

Can I get jaws for the klauke 19kn for water fittings ?

[@georgetsetsakos6088]

Howdy! Great video. Do you know if the Zoomlock Max fittings are compatible with the standard Milwaukee M12 force logic press jaws?

[@energytechnologies206]

discover.parker.com/ZoomLockMAXJaws ACR pipe is not allways the the same as type M/L water sizes. but they do make a Jaw kit for that platform. click on the link 24KN jaws are what you need

[@benjaminwoodward2362]

Have you seen any issues with the Mueller system and soft copper line sets? I’m looking into one of these systems and I like the double o-ring design, but just want to be sure about working with soft copper line sets.

[@energytechnologies206]

No issues . Used RLS / Mueller / ZL max on soft copper no issues so far

[@TerryRGraham]

They're not doing enough to bring the cost down. Besides the cost of the tool, a 3/4 coupling is 16.00, and you cant hardly find the stupid fittings at the supply stores. Online stores are often out when I check, and I doubt that it's because they're selling so many. I'm meticulous when I braze and never get leaks on my joints, but with this thing, I figure there will be at least some leaks, so, with the stupid price of refrigerant, Id be increasing my costs. Other than that, I like it.

[@energytechnologies206]

Which brand are you having trouble finding. Gensco has done a good job keeping stock up for our needs

[@hvac01453]

What about cost comparison?

[@908dirtyjerz]

Can I use the zoomlock max jaws to press the viega fittings on water systems or do I have to change jaws?

[@energytechnologies206]

Viega will say no in practice if it fits it ships remember ACR and type L are marked as different sizes

[@richardprater4653]

we install American Standard also. how do you crimp on the filter dryer?

[@energytechnologies206]

They make filter driers with 3/8 ACR stems

[@jhovanimendoza6384]

Have you guys ever done a full VRF heat recovery system installation with this fittings, if so which one and did you have issues with leaks down the line with the copper fittings since they’re expanding and contracting constantly?

[@energytechnologies206]

We only do residential so the largest units we install are Mitsubishi smart multi

[@energytechnologies206]

So no larger than 8 zones

[@TrustHisWord]

Hoping manufacturers can get their prices down on these fittings! $75 for a 7/8-3/4 reducing coupling is really out to lunch.

[@energytechnologies206]

You need to talk to your supplier that kind of fitting is around $27 at my local distributer

[@energytechnologies206]

Supply House has them for $28 www.supplyhouse.com/RLS-RPC078-075-7-8-to-3-4-Refrigerant-Copper-Press-Reducer-Coupling

[@TrustHisWord]

@@energytechnologies206 a lot of suppliers do not ship to Canada..i am stuck with paying crazy high prices here in Alberta.

[@joepiscitello4661]

are the fittings and jaws cross-compatible between brands?

[@LibLibertyLibertarian]

If I'm understanding correctly 2 of the zoomlock pro fittings are compatible with water copper jaws?

[@victormartin2647]

Great review! Regarding the 30-day leak, it may be the tool. press tool must be recalibrated every 10k presses or so.

[@energytechnologies206]

All of our tools have been serviced and there are 5 tools so non of them ever made it to 10k presses It was likely a nick/ slit in the pipe

[@Gcanno]

A Different Color O Ring Would Probably Be Best At Identifying The Different Fittings .

[@energytechnologies206]

You need a clear color coded sticker or something easy so everyone in the supply chain can easily see what to ship.

[@SuperSteelhorseman]

I’ve cut out those crummy Zoom Lock push to connect fittings installed by other companies/technicians due to leaks too many times. Would never recommend use/them them. I’m interested in the press fittings though.

[@user-wd7bb6mx4j]

You mean shark bites? Lol

[@SuperSteelhorseman]

@@user-wd7bb6mx4j nope Zoom Lock. Never had to cut out a Sharkbite plumbing fitting. Have 2 shark bites installed in my house going on 10 years without issue.

[@shanebroome403]

What should I get for the Milwaukee? I already have the Milwaukee M18 press tool what ones work on the m18

[@energytechnologies206]

All of the fitting makers make jaws for that took

[@hvac01453]

You look like Horatio Sands onSNL I wonder if you could use one fitting on both ref & water? Lead is of no concern in heating applications.

[@energytechnologies206]

The can be used in non potable applications

[@keepthinking2666]

Viega should just make one fitting to rule them all lol just put same o ring no possible law suits no lead

[@joshuamaldonado29]

So you can use Viega jaws to press maxpro refrigerant fittings?

[@energytechnologies206]

Theoretically on 2 sizes. But in general all of the jaws look the same for ACR VS water so the sizes don't match.

[@joshuamaldonado29]

But do they press to the same PSI rating? I thought jaws for plumbing only press to 200 PSI while refrigeration jaws press to 700 PSI

[@prestigemechanical3600]

condenser and evaporator coils are brazed from the manufacturer. The skill set of real tradespeople is low so having press and push fittings is a must so large shops can hire those with little brazing skill and still get the job done. I braze

[@richardprater4653]

will RLS tool work on Zoom Max fittings?

[@energytechnologies206]

The jaws are not the same between all three platforms It is not like plumbing. 5 brands of press fittings same jaws Many of the press tools are interchangeable

[@prestigemechanical3600]

Just braze, I only suggest pressing mini split fittings as they come pre flared and the copper is much thicker than a flare made in the field.

[@keepthinking2666]

U still need braze because of small repairs in coils, but I get ya

[@energytechnologies206]

True. On the service side you still need a brazing kit

[@keenanwalker6597]

Zoomlock is nice until your doing commercial refrigeration and you got 400ft of copper with 75-80 fittings then I take brazing any day 10x faster

[@kenlangham337]

Design a fitting that will attach to the flare at the service vales you lazy but greedy tech guys. If you cant solder just say so.

[@matthatmaker4821]

When you are ready to discuss a true comparison between the 3, please let me know. Your commentary is amateur at best.

[@energytechnologies206]

I am open to any suggestions on how to make the video better. Or an update to it.

[@matthatmaker4821]

@energytechnologies206 I appreciate the opportunity to add some commentary. The MaxiPro fitting is sold all pver the world is in numerous way is superior to all other productd. -It does us a 3 point press method(you referred to as water press type) and this is the most widely used press type in the world for ACR, water, steam and games. It is used in all types of fittings (copper, stainless, carbon steel. -MaxiPro os clearly marked on each fitting with a high vis PINK logo- clearly identifying as an ACR fitting -MaxiPro is hard annealed copper which makes it more durable than a soft copper fitting that is easily damaged -MaxiPro is delivered in an airsealed/resealable bag similar to med gas fittings. This delivers a 100% contaminant free product (which is hugely important in our industry.....and unlike some of MaxiPro's competitors) -MaxiPro has a industry leading 15 year warranty -The MaxiPro fitting design was developed to emulate the length and size of a braze fitting. They offer standard and long radius fittings. Because they utilize a 3 point press, the length of their fitting does not increase like other products. Additionally, becuase they hydrofoil their fitting as opposed to bending it like others do with soft copper, the MaxiPro fitting is almost same size as brazed fittings that have been traditionally used. Hope this helps and I appreciate you openess to info.

[@energytechnologies206]

@@matthatmaker4821 www.conexbanninger.com/uploads/files/June_4_2019_Press_Release.pdf Maxi pro Connex design is from 2019 RLS design is 2015 commercial availability. Maxi pro was sued by RLS for patent infringement and changed the design slightly.

[@energytechnologies206]

@@matthatmaker4821 Maxi pro / Zoomlock max are derived in air tight packaging. RLS is in cardboard boxes. We haven't seen this as a real bonus if you will or a detractor in a sense because the packages are opened and put into Milwaukee pack out trays as soon as we take delivery of them. Yes the sealed packaging is probably a bonus in placed that are extremely humid to decrease oxidization in humid places like Florida .