By Steven Reid · Last updated on September 23rd, 2026
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A press-fit tool has changed the game for plumbers working with copper pipe. It makes pipework quicker and easier than soldering ever was. Soldering still has its place, but for most jobs a press-fit gun wins hands down.
I’ve been a full-time Gas Safe registered engineer and plumber in Newcastle for over 15 years, and switching from soldering to a press-fit gun was one of the best tool upgrades I’ve made.
Best press-fit tools in the UK: quick picks
The REMS Mini-Press is my pick for domestic plumbing, and it’s the copper press tool I use myself. The table below compares it with alternatives from Rothenberger and Bosch. Before buying, check which jaws, batteries and charger are included, these can make a big difference to the total cost.
REMS Mini-Press 22V ACC
A compact press tool with a rotating head and automatic return, making it a strong choice for pipework around boilers and inside cupboards.
View REMS on Amazon
Rothenberger ROMAX Compact III
Fast pressing in a compact design. The M15, M22 and M28 jaw kit covers common domestic copper pipe sizes when used with compatible fittings.
View ROMAX on Amazon
Bosch GPT 18V-32
A powerful press tool that uses Bosch Professional 18V batteries. Choose the M15, M22 and M28 jaw option for compatible fittings. Battery and charger sold separately.
View Bosch on AmazonBest overall press-fit gun
It took me a while to accept it but press fitting copper is so much easier and better than soldering. It’s much quicker and tidier, but it’s also more expensive and the fittings are bigger and chunkier.
It still makes sense to solder sometimes when it’s too tight to use press-fit fittings, but if you are doing a lot of copper pipework then a copper press-fit tool will make all the difference.
REMS press-fit gun
REMS are the market leaders when it comes to press-fit tools and certainly make the best press-fit guns in my opinion.
REMS is a German company that specializes in manufacturing pipe-working and pipe-bending tools.
The REMS Mini Press tool is great for domestic plumbing jobs. It’s capable of pressing up to 35mm pipes but I only use it for 15mm and 22mm pipes.
You must have the correct size jaws for whatever pipe sizes you work on as you’ll need a different jaw for each pipe size. You can also get angled jaws for those extra tight angles.
REMS Mini Press vs Akku Press
The main difference between these two press-fit guns is their size. The REMS Mini Press Tool is good for pipes between 10 – 40mm which is more than enough for domestic properties. The REMS Akku Press Tool is for pipes up to 110mm which is more aimed at commercial properties.
Press-fit vs push-fit
Press-fit fittings are much more solid and robust than push-fit fittings on copper pipes.
Push-fit fittings are pushed onto the pipe with your hands and when they are fitted, you can still turn the pipe inside the fitting and has lots of movement.
Press-fit fittings need to be pressed on with a heavy-duty plumbing press tool. Once fitted, they aren’t going anywhere regarding movement, no turning or twisting of the pipe. It’s more like a soldered connection than a push-fit.
Are press-fit fittings reliable?
Yes, press-fit fittings are very reliable. If they are fitted correctly, press-fit fittings are solid and robust with not much chance of leaking. I haven’t been using press-fit fittings for very long compared to solder and other fittings but I’ve never had a press-fit fitting leak yet.
Press-fit jaw profiles explained: M vs V
M and V are the shapes of the jaws that press the fitting onto the pipe. The jaw profile and size must match the fitting, so a 22mm jaw isn’t suitable for every 22mm press fitting.
- M-profile: Used with systems such as Geberit Mapress and widely available copper press-fitting ranges.
- V-profile: Used with systems such as Viega Profipress. Jaw markings can vary between manufacturers, so check the exact compatibility.
- Jaw sizes: 15mm and 22mm cover much domestic pipework. Add 28mm if you regularly work with larger pipes.
- Tool compatibility: Compact and full-size press tools can use different jaw attachments. Matching the profile and size doesn’t mean the jaw will fit your gun.
Markings such as M15 mean M-profile for 15mm pipe, while V22 means V-profile for 22mm pipe.
Some fittings are approved for more than one profile, but only with specified tool and jaw combinations. Don’t assume M and V jaws are interchangeable.
Choose your fittings first, then buy the approved jaws to suit them. Neither profile is inherently better, but local fitting availability can make one more convenient.
Which press fittings are easiest to buy from UK plumbing merchants?
For someone starting with domestic copper pipework, M-profile is a practical first choice based on the ranges available from major UK suppliers. You have several places to buy common fittings without relying on one brand.
- Screwfix: Its Flomasta press-fit range includes M-profile elbows, tees, couplers and other everyday fittings.
- Toolstation: Its copper press-fit range includes Made4Trade M-profile fittings, with collection and delivery options.
Before choosing a jaw kit, check stock at the branches you actually use. Look for 15mm and 22mm elbows, tees, straight couplers and reducers, plus 28mm fittings if needed. A fitting being listed online doesn’t guarantee your local branch has it ready to collect.
If your usual merchant reliably carries a V-profile system, that can be an equally sensible choice. Being able to pick up a missing fitting during a job matters more than choosing a particular profile.
Also check that each fitting is suitable for the intended application. Water, heating and gas suitability depends on the fitting specification, not simply whether it uses M or V jaws.
Which press-fit tool should you buy?
The REMS Mini-Press 22V ACC is my pick for domestic plumbing. It’s the tool I use myself, and its compact size makes it useful for working around boilers and inside cupboards.
The Rothenberger ROMAX Compact III is worth considering if you want an M-profile starter kit, while the Bosch GPT 18V-32 makes sense if you already own Bosch Professional 18V batteries.
Before buying, compare the complete kit cost, including jaws, batteries and charger. Choose jaws approved for the fittings you can easily buy locally, with 15mm and 22mm as the starting point for most domestic work.
For my recommended option, check the REMS Mini-Press on Amazon.
