Press Releases
Stanley VIRAX Launches World-Class Hand-Held Pressing Machines as Alternative to Conventional Pipe Joining Methodologies
New Products Provide Professional Plumbers, Pipe Fitters With Time Savings, Ease of Operation and Improved Productivity
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. – Stanley® VIRAX® is bringing increased productivity, time savings and ease of job execution to the skilled plumber and pipe tradesman via its brand new, innovative professional-grade pressing machines: the M20+ and the P20+.
Launched June 7, 2008 at the 33rd annual Southern California Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Industry Trade Show, Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, Calif., these hand-held devices represent a reasonably priced, high-performance alternative to conventional copper tube and PEX joining methodologies. They further signify the official entry of the Stanley Industrial Tools Group into the U.S. plumbing and pipe trades segment, according to Don McIlnay, president of Stanley Industrial Tools and corporate vice president, The Stanley Works.
"The M20+ and P20+ are designed for commercial, industrial and institutional applications, especially complicated and stressful jobsite conditions," he explained. "Together, they represent the first of what will become a comprehensive line of reliable, efficient, world-class Stanley VIRAX plumbing and pipe fitting tools."
He added, "It’s important to note, these are not crossover Stanley products; they are designed specifically for the professional plumber and mechanical contractor."
As described by Alan English, product manager for the brand launch, the Stanley VIRAX M20+ is a compact pistol grip pressing machine the size of a cordless drill. Designed to crimp half-inch to one-inch copper and 3/8-inch to one-inch PEX tubing, it features a master jaw configuration with interchangeable inserts – the first of its kind in the United States – to accommodate various tube sizes. This revolutionary concept allows for quick, easy change out without the need to carry multiple jaws. Further, it reduces the tool’s overall weight – which, at just over 10 pounds, is already the lightest in its class.
The unit also boasts a four-second cycle time: the industry’s fastest. Additional features include a 180- degree rotating head for ease of operation; an electro-mechanical drive mechanism for reduced maintenance; and a lithium-ion battery that fully recharges in 30 minutes while providing a 45 percent improvement in the number of cycles over competitive products.
The P20+, also a pistol grip pressing tool, provides a copper crimping capacity of half an inch to two inches. Featuring a 360-degree rotating head for optimal reach and efficiency, its narrow profile makes it ideal for tight spaces. The P20+ is a battery-operated, electro-hydraulic unit with variable speed advance trigger. Its fully galvanized jaws resist rust and corrosion, and are held securely in place by a mechanical locking pin.
The P20+ works with the XL and XL-C large diameter systems from VIEGA® and Elkhart Products Corporation for applications requiring 2.5-inch to four-inch copper and bronze fittings.
"Compared to traditional soldering and brazing methods, our new Stanley VIRAX machines are significantly more economical and efficient," stated English. "Residual fluid in the pipes is no longer an issue, since the technology relies on crimping rather than heated liquid ferrous joints. For the same reason, applications are 100 percent leak free, guaranteed for 50 years. Plus, the safety and insurance concerns associated with an open flame and high-temperature soldering and brazing materials are non-existent; hence, the M20+ and P20+ reduce the risk of accidents and can be used without a burn permit. Finally, the machines require little training to successfully operate, meaning the learning curve is essentially flat.
"Consequently, the time and labor savings are phenomenal."
Moreover, the two machines are compatible with the industry’s leading fitting systems, including Elkhart Products Corporation XPress®, the VIEGA® ProPress® System and NIBCO Press System®.
"Stanley is working directly with these premier fitting manufacturers to ensure our tools meet their stringent specifications," reported English. "We’ve performed extensive testing in the U.S. during the last year, exposing the M20+ and P20+ to skilled plumbing and mechanical industry professionals in a variety of commercial and industrial environments. Both have proven to be very dependable and amazingly fast."
Technology for the two systems is supplied by French tool manufacturer, VIRAX, acquired by Stanley in 2006. A proven entity in the European plumbing market since 1920, VIRAX provides the Stanley Industrial Tools Group with the "presence, product expertise and credibility necessary to successfully enter the U.S. marketplace," concluded McIlnay.
About Stanley® VIRAX®
Stanley VIRAX manufactures, sells and services differentiated professional-grade tools to provide productivity enhancing solutions to mechanical contractors, plumbers and pipe tradesmen worldwide. Part of the Industrial Tools Group of The Stanley Works, the company was formed in 2006 following Stanley’s acquisition of VIRAX, Epernay, France. Founded in 1920, VIRAX is a global manufacturer of professional plumbing tools sold in more than 70 countries. North American offices of Stanley VIRAX are based in New Britain, Conn. For more information about Stanley VIRAX, visit www.stanleyvirax.com.
About The Stanley Works
The Stanley Works, an S&P 500 company with 2007 revenues of $4.5 billion, is a diversified worldwide supplier of tools and engineered solutions for professional, industrial, construction and do-it-yourself use, and access security solutions for commercial applications. For over 165 years, the Stanley® brand has been synonymous with quality, reliable products. Its well-known tool and storage brands include Stanley® as well as FatMax®, Facom®, Bostitch®, Jensen®, Mac®, Proto®, La Bounty®, Vidmar®, InnerSpace®, CST®, David White® and ZAG®. Security Solutions brands include Stanley®, Best®, National®, HSM®, Blick® and Frisco Bay®. The company employs approximately 20,000 associates. Additional information about The Stanley Works can be found at http://www.stanleyworks.com.