Using the RLS Press-to-Connect Fittings, Jaws and Tool with Jim Bergmann

[@michaeldill7374]

Thanks, Jim. Good video as always. The one thing that probably needed to be mentioned is that when you change jaws, the manufacturer recommends that you run through one press cycle (without being connected to any copper) just to get the tool calibrated. Then you're ready for normal pressing. As far as the press tool itself, the Klauke tool (shown in the video) is a great tool which I've used many times. But when I finally ended up buying a tool myself, I purchased the Ridgid press tool. I bought the model RP241, but the RP 240 works well also. The deciding factors for me was the warranty (the Klauke has a 2-year warranty, where the Ridgid has a lifetime warranty), the press force used (the Klauke presses at 19KN and the Ridgid presses at 25KN), and finally, if necessary, you can purchase other jaws (like plumbing jaws) for the Ridgid. I only do HVAC work, but it's nice to have the option for other jaws. Otherwise, both the Ridgid and Klauke tools work great for the RLS fittings. And lastly, if you're doing high pressure HVAC/refrigeration work, stick with true RLS fittings. The other brands do not work as well. (For plumbing, however, all brands seem to work equally well.)

[@yayasultan5061]

RU

[@sprockkets]

Looks like the Milwaukee one looks good too.

[@kangaroogod]

Now if we can just get manufactures to option a press bell on their Condensers and evaporators we would be golden

[@raykaye]

Great video Jim. I can see where this tool has its place in the industry. Thank you for sharing the correct way to use it. Now i want one🤦‍♂️.

[@sprockkets]

Way I see it when we had to do compressor change outs and put in suction driers and other stuff, that was a pita. Esp when you had to do remove the suction line dryer next week. Expensive fittings and expensive tools, but dang is it a time saver for sure.

[@buddycheck84]

Thanks guys. Always enjoy your vids.

[@prestigemechanical3600]

I was considering that kit but opted for the Milwaukee M18 Force Logic with One Key and got the RLS jaws in addition. Milwaukee has data reporting to send to the customers that all pressed fittings passed during the pressing on work that is done I attach on a work order.

[@nmhvactech5474]

My Milwaukee crips say Streamline ACR and use the double o-ring system, Not the RLS. I’m wondering is they can crop the RLS too??

[@hectorpena4022]

@@nmhvactech5474 yes, you can change jaw

[@primusheating1]

Good video. Will put this on my wish list.

[@commercialelectrician133]

Great video looking to buy one of Christmas

[@markmacleod1515]

Thanks for sharing!

[@markcavelli9087]

If you braze in the connections to the coils first, Prior to any line set or press fittings, would you still need to flow nitrogen?

[@sprockkets]

Yes.

[@nmhvactech5474]

My Milwaukee crips say Streamline ACR and use the double o-ring system, Not the RLS. I’m wondering is they can crop the RLS too??

[@frankgall6]

The only issue I’ve found is at the bell on the condensing unit. I wish they would make units without the bell at the condenser

[@paulschubert7600]

We are working on it!

[@marvingarcia8982]

Tool is nice but you still have to braze the other end of the street 90...whats the point of making the type of investment when you still have to braize. I could braize with nitrogen and get the same end result. Am going to wait couple years until I dont need the torch at all.

[@jasonmorris858]

Is that milled from a solid billet and hardens when the smoke from the welding goes through?

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

Shamwow guy of hvac industry

[@richardfossani6421]

I want one, but don't see the point if I still have to take my torches, nitrogen, heat sink, etc out for one or two joints. It defeats the purpose. Why hasn't any of the manufacturers taken the one step needed of installing a service valve without the bell so that the installer has the option to use this tool, install a coupling and braze, or use an expander tool to put the bell on themselves and braze. In excited about this tool, but won't get one until what I stated above happens.

[@measureQuick]

You know I thought about that, I would simply brace my stubs on at the back of the truck. Another option though is to just simply use Staybrite #8. Staybite is a silver bearing solder. You obviously don’t want to tin, as that is for water. If done properly it makes a stronger joint then brazing. It is my go to for 20+ years, R-22 and R410-a. I know several contractors that use it exclusively for all their new installs and they have for over 20 years. I worked for one.

[@richardfossani6421]

You would need to flux the copper before using staybrite 8, correct? I would be concerned about contaminating the system with that?

[@measureQuick]

@@richardfossani6421 yes, but used properly it will not contaminate anything.

[@measureQuick]

I pulled that to 21 microns after pressing, final decay was 80. If it was contaminated it would not pull near that low.

[@swinginmad]

Thanks James

[@hmdwn]

But with vibrations, heat/cold cycles and how rubber o-rings break down... what kind of longevity before it starts leaking... few or several years? Can it go 15 years?

[@TruTechTools]

RLS stands behind their 10 year warranty on all of their fittings.

[@memphismafia333]

www.rapidlockingsystem.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/RLS-Third-Party-Testing.pdf

[@texasfrontiersman8245]

​@TruTechTools do they reimburse for freon or is it a pinky promise?

[@richardfossani6421]

Does that tool also have jaws that does plumbing piping?

[@superwout]

Do the beaks fit onto a ropress or viega or rothenberger or rems pressing machines?

[@wtcgasfieldservices2529]

Can this system be used to connect to a steel in line filter going to a copper line?

[@TruTechTools]

No. RLS copper refrigerant fittings are specifically designed for copper-to-copper connections. Connecting to dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion issues that could cause a failure.

[@sajidmehmood2913]

Very good

[@yourrietienne5633]

why do you used L pipe?

[@icmechanical277]

Where can I get the fittings to use?

[@TruTechTools]

TruTech offers and stocks the complete line up of RLS press fittings- www.trutechtools.com/rapid-locking-system.html

[@cn81821]

加油🎉🎉🎉！👍👍👍

[@heatncool]

O yeah

[@williamcalder2416]

Could’ve bent most of that and had 1-2 welds max. Might be easy in the building but on a boat where there more vibration and less room brazing will always win

[@JamesAgans]

All the nay sayers on KZbin are knocking the hell out of these. I spoke with a well respected HVAC tech a couple of days ago whi said this is all he uses any more. I distinctly remember the pro plumbers who po pood PVC drain pipe many years ago. They swore that would not work too. Im pretty sure the nay sayers are scared shirtless of guys like me that do all my own work. The REASON that I do all my own mechanical work is because every single time i had a so called pro do anything, they fucked up the job. There are very very few real pros out there today. Most are new system sellers, or parts canon people.

[@paulrozinski1488]

Would anyone actually entertain the idea of making a replaceable filter dryer utilizing 2 in-line isolation valves and 2 unions so that you don’t have to evacuate the system just to change it ?? Comments welcome, please.

[@HVAC-prochiller]

👍🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesharbour9710]

No kidding. I bought one thinking they would have units with at least an option. Also klauke tool has no other jaws available for water, pex, or anything else. Rls don't have fittings for potable water.

[@lookItsJayden]

That’s why I went with Milwaukee, I’m ordering the streamline jaws

[@truthseekerKJV]

This method is a terrible choice that will result in numerous call backs, increased overhead costs, negative ratings from unhappy customers, and a loss in profit due to leaking. The high pressure on the high side lines, plus the temperature changes on the fittings will always require brazing. I'm surprised the EPA, with their complaining about the ozone being damaged by refrigerants, haven't outlawed this seriously flawed method.

[@ba_la_337]

The data does not indicate that

[@sjefoekel6058]

Meh