1. Armatex
  2. Guides
  3. Press, push-fit, compression or solder? A comparison of jointing methods
Guide · 5 min read

Press, push-fit, compression or solder? A comparison of jointing methods

Every jointing method has its customers. We compare tools, diameter ranges and applications to make it easier to put together a wholesaler’s range.

Comparison in one table

PressPush-fitCompressionSolder
Brand in our rangeBescoTectiteKuterliteBesco
Toolspress tool with V or M jawspipe cutter, deburrer, depth gaugespannerstorch, solder, flux
Diameters12–108 mm10–54 mm6–54 mm (copper), 20–32 mm (PE)6–108 mm, imperial 1/4″–4 1/8″
Pipescopper, carbon steelcopper, PEX and PB with liner, steel depending on the linecopper, PEcopper
Flame during installationnononoyes
DismantlingnoClassic, Pro and 316 yesyes, the ring stays on the pipeonly by desoldering

Press

Fast, flame-free installation, but it requires a press tool with jaws in the correct profile. Typical customers are installation companies working on boiler rooms, risers and larger projects. Besco also has gas lines and carbon steel for heating and compressed air. Besco press fittings

Push-fit

Installation without a press tool, electricity or flame: the pipe needs to be cut, deburred and inserted to the required depth. Good for servicing, renovations and work in places where a torch cannot be used. The manufacturer gives a 25-year warranty on Tectite Sprint, Classic, Pro and 316. Tectite push-fit fittings

Compression

The ring compresses onto the pipe as the nut is tightened. Spanners are all you need. A classic counter product for connecting boilers, water heaters and valves, and the K700 series also connects PE pipes. Kuterlite compression fittings

Solder

Capillary fittings for soft soldering and brazing. The widest range of diameters and sizes, including imperial ANSI B16.22 and G-size up to 80 bar for refrigeration and industry. Besco solder fittings

What this means for wholesalers

These methods do not compete with each other; they serve different customers: the installer with a press tool, the service engineer without tools, the counter customer and the refrigeration technician. A full range of all four methods from one supplier lets you serve them all on a single invoice.

Data source: Besco 2026 and Tectite 2026 catalogues, Kuterlite price list (October 2024). As of 2026.

Call