When you acquire a tool for pipe joining—whether a Hydraulic Crimping Tool or a dedicated Plumbing Pipe Crimping Tool—you’ll want to ensure it remains reliable over time. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of the equipment but also preserves joint quality and ensures safety.
First, inspect the dies regularly for wear, deformation or cracks. Worn dies can lead to improper crimps which in plumbing systems can result in leaks or system failures. The manufacturer’s literature often emphasizes that consistent pressure must be applied to create a secure connection.
Second, hydraulic tools require proper care of the cylinder, fluid (if applicable), seals and moving parts. Even if the tool is self-contained, keeping the mechanism clean, free from debris and well-lubricated ensures smooth action. Unexpected tool failure in the middle of a job can cost far more than a few minutes of preventive maintenance.
Third, calibration or inspection of pressure output may be required. Especially where the tool is used many times, calibration ensures that the force applied remains within specification. In plumbing, a crimp that is too tight or too loose poses risk. Some manual hydraulic crimp tools for electricians mention calibration requirements. While that reference is for electrical applications, the same principle applies to pipe crimping tools.
Fourth, storing the tool carefully matters: keeping the dies protected from damage, the tool in a case, avoiding exposure to moisture or corrosive environment. A tool with rotating head or multiple jaws for different sizes should be stored so that parts are not misaligned or dented.
Finally, record-keeping on tool usage can help: knowing how many crimps have been performed, when the tool was last maintained, and any repairs done helps you plan for eventual replacement or overhaul. Given that plumbing pipe systems may face high pressure, temperature variation or expansion/contraction cycles, the integrity of each crimp link becomes part of long-term reliability.
By following these maintenance and care practices, your hydraulic or plumbing pipe crimping tool will serve reliably over many projects, safeguard the joint quality and contribute to fewer field failures.