Partnership leads to updated, more versatile expander

In the ultra-competitive plumbing industry, partnerships between large tool manufacturers are rare. But when they work, the results are often great. Once again, Milwaukee Tool and Uponor have partnered to deliver a solution for ProPEX installs with the introduction of the M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander. Equipped with RAPID SEAL heads to seal up to 65% faster than competitive solutions at 45 degrees, the tool serves as part of a complete solution to provide consistent PEX piping installations.  

“In 2010, Milwaukee and Uponor changed the way plumbing and mechanical contractors installed ProPEX fittings with the introduction of the M12 ProPEX Expander,” says Morgan Sokany, senior product manager for Milwaukee Tool. “This tool set the new standard for productivity, delivering faster and more consistent installations by eliminating the need for cumbersome hand tools.”

Ten years later, Milwaukee Tool has once again partnered with Uponor to deliver the next breakthrough in productivity for ProPEX installs. Providing up to 35% faster connections, the ProPEX Expander includes a POWERSTATE brushless motor, delivering sustained peak power even under the toughest conditions, and an extended dual-actuating trigger for better access in tough-to-reach workspaces. The expander comes standard with ProPEX Expander Heads with RAPID SEAL, designed to provide faster sealing connections in colder temperatures while maintaining the expected time to insert a fitting. Like its M12 predecessor, the M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander is equipped with an auto-rotating head for quick, uniform expansions and built-in LED lights allow for convenient operation.  

“With the introduction of the new M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander, installers can expect the fastest 3/8- to 1-inch expansions and decreased seal times especially as temperatures decrease, all while maintaining the promise of the most consistent installations,” Sokany says. 

The M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander joins the M12 Cordless System, a large subcompact system focused on delivering durability and power in the tightest spaces. Currently the M12 System is made up of more than 100 solutions. The full M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander kit comes with the tool, 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-inch ProPEX Expander Heads with Rapid Seal, two M12 CP2.0 batteries, a charger, cone grease and a carrying bag. It is also available as a bare tool option with the Rapid Seal Heads sold separately. 800-729-3878; www.milwaukeetool.com