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

Jim Bergmann shows how to use RLS (Rapid Locking Systems) crimping tools and jaws along with their patented press-to-connect HVAC and refrigerant fittings.

If Jim says it's easy, believe him, it's easy!

Special thanks to Jim Bergmann of measureQuick for making this video!

[michaeldill]

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.)

[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🤦‍♂️.

[kangaroogod]

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

[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.

[primusheating]

Good video. Will put this on my wish list.

[commercialelectrician]

Great video looking to buy one of Christmas

[prestigemechanical]

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.

[raymondgonzalez]

Can the gasket be lubricated with refrigerant oil to help it slide and keep it from cracking?

[frankgall]

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

[nmhvactech]

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??

[marvingarcia]

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.

[JamesAgans]

All the nay sayers on YouTube 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.

[richardfossani]

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.

[jasonmorris]

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

[markcavelli]

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?

[superwout]

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

[williamcalder]

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

[richardfossani]

Does that tool also have jaws that does plumbing piping?

[marinrodriguez]

The video is nice and also the tool. Why would I spend 2 or 3 thousand dollars on an equipment. That you still need to brace. On the condenser and by the coil. Because they don’t have the fittings for that. So for me it’s dumb because I still would have to do the bracing like always. And I could do my bends nice and neat with my benders. Now with all those fittings I have more chances to have leaks everywhere.

[paulrozinski]

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.