Alpha Press PZ-3240 Press Fit Kit – 15 to 54mm

The Alpha Press PZ-3240 (model AP-I-1554) is an affordable 32kN press gun for gas engineers. It’s an 18V battery-powered hydraulic press tool (also called a press tool, pressing tool or crimping tool) supplied with M Profile jaws and collars covering 15 to 54mm, two Makita 18V batteries, a charger and a hard case, all at a lower price than many premium-brand kits. The 15, 22 and 28mm sizes cover typical domestic pipework, and the larger sizes up to 54mm give you extra headroom.

This guide covers what’s in the kit, what it can press, whether it can be used on gas pipework, which jaws fit, how to set it up correctly, how to service it, and what to do if something goes wrong.

View the Alpha Press PZ-3240 Press Fit Kit – 15 to 54mm

What Are the Key Specifications of the Alpha Press PZ-3240?

What’s Included in the 15 to 54mm Kit?

• 1 × Alpha Press PZ-3240 / AP-I-1554 32kN press tool
• M Profile jaws in 15, 22, 28 and 35mm
• M Profile jaw collars in 42 and 54mm
• 1 × intermediate jaw adaptor
• 2 × Makita 18V Li-ion batteries
• 1 × 230/240V battery charger
• 1 × hard carry case and operating instructions

Kit contents can vary between listings and promotions, so confirm the configuration when you order.

An Affordable Press Gun for Gas Engineers

The Alpha Press PZ-3240 is a budget-friendly alternative to premium-brand 32kN press tools, without cutting back on what’s in the box.

• One kit, full range. It covers 15, 22 and 28mm for domestic work and goes up to 54mm, so you don’t need a second kit.
• Everything included. Two Makita 18V batteries, a charger and a hard carry case come with it.
• No jaw lock-in. As a 32kN tool, it accepts compatible 32kN jaws from other brands.
• Spread the cost. Interest-free payment options are available at checkout.

See the Alpha Press PZ-3240 Press Fit Kit – 15 to 54mm for current price and availability.

What Can the PZ-3240 Press?

The tool platform can reach up to 110mm in some applications, but that doesn’t mean every material can be pressed to that size. This kit is supplied for M Profile sizes 15 to 54mm. Never exceed the limits set by the fitting manufacturer.

A press connection is only approved when the tool, jaw profile, jaw size, pipe and fitting are all compatible.

Can the Alpha Press PZ-3240 Be Used on Gas Pipework?

Whether a press connection is suitable for gas depends on the fitting system, not the press tool alone. Gas press fittings are a separate range from standard water and heating press fittings. They are marked for gas and use a gas-rated seal, which is usually yellow. Never use water-rated press fittings on gas pipework.

Before using the PZ-3240 on gas, check that:

• The fittings are made and marked for gas by the manufacturer.
• The fitting manufacturer’s current instructions approve M Profile 32kN jaws for that fitting and size.
• The pipe preparation, insertion depth and any tightness testing follow the fitting manufacturer’s instructions.
• The work is carried out by a competent, appropriately registered installer, following the gas regulations and standards that apply where you work.

Which Jaws Fit the PZ-3240?

The PZ-3240 accepts approved standard 32kN pressing jaws and compatible 32kN angled-jaw adaptors. The jaw profile and size must match the pipe and fitting manufacturer’s specification.

Never fit compact 19kN jaws to the PZ-3240. It is a 32kN tool and only accepts 32kN jaws.

Which Other Brands’ 32kN Jaws Are Compatible?

Always confirm the exact tool model, jaw profile, jaw size, pipe material and fitting manufacturer’s approval before pressing.

How Do You Set Up and Make a Press Connection?

1. Identify the system. Confirm the pipe and fitting system, the approved press profile and the jaw size before you start.
2. Inspect the equipment. Check the tool, jaw and retaining pin. Don’t use anything cracked, distorted, corroded or heavily worn.
3. Fit the jaw. Remove the battery first. Open the retaining pin, fit the jaw, then fully insert and lock the pin.
4. Prepare the pipe. Cut, deburr, clean and mark the insertion depth exactly as the fitting manufacturer requires.
5. Position the jaw. Place it squarely around the fitting’s press zone, with enough clearance to close freely.
6. Press. Keep hands clear, refit the battery, then press and hold the trigger until the full cycle finishes and the tool retracts.
7. Inspect. Remove the jaw and check the joint against the fitting manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Handle faults. If the cycle is interrupted, pressure isn’t achieved or the tool shows a fault, treat the joint as incomplete until it has been assessed.

Never operate the tool unless the retaining pin is fully inserted and locked. Incorrect engagement can misalign the jaw and may flare or damage the tool head.

How Do You Check a Completed Connection?

• The full press cycle finished without interruption or a warning.
• The jaw was the correct profile and size and sat squarely on the press zone.
• The pipe is still at the required insertion depth.
• There is no visible cracking, severe distortion or movement.
• Any pressure or tightness test required by the fitting system has been completed.

How Do You Look After the PZ-3240?

• Remove the battery before changing jaws, cleaning or inspecting.
• Keep the head, jaws and retaining pin free from copper fragments, grit and residue.
• Clean with a dry cloth and soft brush. Don’t use abrasives on the pressing contours.
• Lightly lubricate approved moving points only, and keep lubricant off pressing surfaces and fittings.
• Check jaws for cracks, corrosion, distortion, worn pivots and damaged contours.
• Store the tool, batteries, charger and jaws in the hard case somewhere clean and dry.
• Arrange professional service and calibration every 12 months or 30,000 press cycles, whichever comes first. The OLED display tracks the cycle count and shows a service indicator.
• Don’t open, adjust or repair the hydraulic system yourself.

Troubleshooting Common Faults

What Do the Warning Indications Mean?

What Is a Flared Tool Head and What Should You Do?

A flared (sometimes written “flayed” or “spread”) head means the sides of the jaw mounting area have opened, distorted or moved out of alignment. This is a serious mechanical fault, because the jaw may no longer be held squarely or securely. Continued use can cause incomplete presses, damage the retaining pin and jaw, or let parts move under load.

Common causes:

• The retaining pin wasn’t fully inserted and locked before pressing.
• The jaw was fitted incorrectly or side-loaded.
• An incompatible jaw, adaptor, force class, profile or fitting was used.
• The tool was used beyond its approved size or material capacity.
• Debris or a damaged jaw pivot stopped the jaw moving correctly.
• The tool was dropped, hit or overloaded previously.
• Pressing continued after a jam, odd noise or incomplete cycle.

If you suspect a flared head: remove the battery immediately and mark the tool out of service. Don’t attempt another press, and don’t hammer, clamp, bend or machine the head back into shape. The tool and jaw must be professionally inspected and the pressing force verified before it returns to use.

How to prevent it:

• Check the retaining pin passes fully through the jaw and is locked before every press.
• Use only the correct approved 32kN jaw for your tool and fitting system.
• Keep the jaw square to the fitting with room to operate without side loading.
• Stop at once if the tool stalls, sounds wrong, shifts out of alignment or won’t retract.
• Inspect the head, pin and jaw after any drop, jam or overload.

Safety Information

• Read the tool, jaw and fitting manufacturers’ instructions before use.
• Only trained, competent people should operate press tools.
• Wear eye protection and any other required PPE.
• Keep hands and fingers clear of the jaws during pressing.
• Remove the battery before fitting or changing jaws, cleaning or inspecting.
• Never use a damaged, cracked, distorted, corroded or heavily worn tool or jaw.
• Don’t use the tool on live electrical systems, and keep it, the batteries and charger away from excessive moisture.
• Never force an incomplete cycle, bypass a safety control or modify the hydraulic system.
• Stop immediately if the tool leaks oil, overheats, behaves abnormally or shows head distortion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affordable press gun for gas engineers?
The Alpha Press PZ-3240 is a budget-friendly 32kN press gun (also called a press tool or crimping tool). It covers 15 to 54mm M Profile pipework and includes two batteries, a charger and a hard case.

What’s the difference between a press gun, press tool and crimping tool?
They are different names for the same thing: a battery-powered hydraulic tool that presses a fitting onto a pipe to make a permanent joint.

What sizes does the Alpha Press PZ-3240 kit cover?
The kit covers 15, 22, 28, 35, 42 and 54mm in M Profile.

What is the pressing force of the PZ-3240?
32kN.

Is the PZ-3240 the same as the AP-I-1554?
Yes. The AP-I-1554 is the current model number, and the PZ-3240 is the former tool reference. Both names refer to the same 32kN tool.

Is the PZ-3240 suitable for domestic work?
Yes. The 15, 22 and 28mm M Profile sizes cover typical domestic pipework, and the 35 to 54mm sizes let you handle larger runs without switching tools.

Can the PZ-3240 be used on gas pipework?
That depends on the fitting system. Use only press fittings made and marked for gas, and check that the fitting manufacturer approves M Profile 32kN jaws for that fitting and size. The tool’s data sheet doesn’t list gas-specific approvals.

Can the PZ-3240 press pipe larger than 54mm?
In some applications, up to 110mm, using separately approved profiles and jaws. Capacity depends on the pipe material and fitting system.

Which profile is supplied in the kit?
M Profile. Other approved profiles (V, TH, U, VAU, SV, VUS) may be available separately.

Can I use other brands’ jaws on the PZ-3240?
Compatible 32kN jaw families include Z-Press, Rothenberger, Novopress, Geberit, Milwaukee, Klauke and Ridgid. See the compatibility table above. Never use 19kN compact jaws.

What batteries does the kit include?
Two Makita 18V Li-ion batteries and a 230/240V charger.

When does the PZ-3240 need servicing?
Every 12 months or 30,000 press cycles, whichever comes first.

Can a flared tool head be straightened?
No. Remove the battery, take the tool out of service and arrange professional inspection and repair. The pressing force must be verified before reuse.

Does the PZ-3240 have a light?
Yes. The rotating head has an integrated LED light for dim or awkward spaces.

Need More Help?

If you’re unsure which jaws, profile or fittings you need for your pipework, get in touch with the Hamilton Gas Products team on 028 9146 1111 and we’ll help you find the right setup. Submit a request