ZoomLock or RLS vs Brazed Fittings

Is it worth the extra money for a ZoomLock or RLS pressfit fitting? How can you save money with a pressfit fitting for your refrigeration piping fitting requirements.
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#zoomlock #vrf #RLS

[@whitesheatingairappliancer7101]

3:16 right picture fire watch starring at the welding flame while wearing clear safety glasses. 😂😂

[@VRFWizard]

Yeah, not recommended. Good observation.

[@winpupu]

imagine is there is a small leak in the coil? how do u fix it? lol.

[@VRFWizard]

It's not for every application, but it has its advantages. When working in a senior facility constructed of wood, owners and insurance companies would prefer a non-flame alternative. It's situations like these that allow you as a contractor to have an alternative that is acceptable to the owner and the job situation. It's good to have more than one option in your toolbox, especially if you're doing commercial work.

[@coolezum]

Can’t see this going very far, as an AC contractor. What if you get a leak in press fit? Plus, no one is getting 90 dollars an hour in our trade as a journeyman.

[@VRFWizard]

I thought the same thing, but having been the owner of a Union Contractor I can tell you that our labor rates were over $100/hour. Of course the Journeymen or Foremen didn't get this amount, but this is what was charged to cover the burdens. A lot of contractors add additional money on top of the hourly rates to cover cost of employees such as for Trucks, Small Tools, Safety Training, etc.
You can't do much work for Public or Commercial Projects without a Fire Watch or Hot Permit as most projects mandate them, so basically you need two people for every one that does a Pressfit joint. Good Luck.

[@AlexMurilloh23]

I like how well these comments aged in as little as 1 year. Seems like they were afraid of their job security.

[@VRFWizard]

You're right, as with any new technology there are those that are early adopters, and those who stick to the security of doing things as they have always done them before.

[@billburkhalter411]

You do realize they changed the fittings and jaws recently right?

[@VRFWizard]

Yes, in August 2020 the inventor and manufacturer of the original ZoomLock fittings - RLS, LLC ended its relationship with Parker-Hannifin and no longer supplies it fittings to them under the ZoomLock name, but under their own name RLS. The RLS fittings still use the same jaws and equipment, so no need to buy new jaws, just buy the RLS fittings which is the same as the old ZoomLock branded fitting. ZoomLock MAX is now manufactured oversees by Conex Banninger and requires new jaws. See our article on ZoomLock MAX at vrfwizard.com/rls-vs-zoomlock-max/

[@billburkhalter411]

@@VRFWizard Thank you for clarifying that I can see benefits of both types of fittings the new ones are a lot shorter and would work for the bell end cutoff for residential units. Most techs still do not use the repair or slip couplings that do not have a dimple stop. Many techs are still fearful of leaks do they not realize that service valves also have HBNR O-rings?

[@VRFWizard]

@@billburkhalter411 Good Point. Remember the Space Shuttle also has O-Rings. It's good enough for NASA, it should be good enough for refrigeration. It's all based on making the joint according to the manufactures requirements. Thanks.

[@billburkhalter411]

@@VRFWizard Where can I buy from RLS?

[@VRFWizard]

Not sure where your located, but check your local HVACR distributor. If you can't find a distributor you can call RLS directly as their website doesn't have a distributor locator feature yet. RLS (1-833-757-3278)

[@hmdwn]

Yea but, talk about LONGEVITY, vibrations, heat/cold cycles etc... brazing is the LONG TERM way to go.

[@sjefoekel6058]

Can you pressfit a txv in reachin cooler? LMAO😁😁, Fire watch? Que? All those times you encounter different pipe sizes, you cant press them eighter! Besides i will bet i am faster with brazing than the zoomleak, with the cutting and fitting checking marking and whatnot.

[@VRFWizard]

There are advantages and disadvantages to both methods. There are times when the use of a flame is at a disadvantages, like wise there are times when pressfit fittings are not the best choice as you point out.

[@winpupu]

what about if u need to fix a small leak??? in a tight space??? this tool is stupid

[@soundslikebstome]

So the less skilled guy installs the system using ZoomLock. He is less skilled, right? I think it logical that the quality of the install will overall will not be as good. (customer notices a pounding sensation in his ass about now but knows from not where it comes from) The unskilled guy knows if he learns how to braze, he will be out of a job. This is STOOPID! Penny pinching misers everywhere in this trade. Bid the job right. Stop huffin' 22.