Alpha Press SL-1930 TH Profile Press Fit Kit – 16 to 32mm

The Alpha Press SL-1930 (model AP-I-1535) is an affordable, compact 18V battery-powered hydraulic press gun with 19kN of pressing force. It’s also called a press tool, pressing tool or crimping tool. This kit comes with 16, 20, 26 and 32mm TH profile jaws for multilayer composite pipe systems, plus a Makita DC18 charger and two Makita 18V 3.0Ah Li-ion LXT batteries, all at a lower price than many premium-brand kits. The lightweight tool and swivelling head suit domestic installations, overhead work and confined spaces.

This guide covers what’s in the kit, what it can press, which jaws fit, how to set it up, how to look after it, and what to do if something goes wrong.

View the Alpha Press SL-1930 TH Profile Press Fit Kit – 16 to 32mm

What Are the Key Specifications of the Alpha Press SL-1930?

What’s Included in the 16 to 32mm Kit?

• 1 × Alpha Press SL-1930 / AP-I-1535 19kN press tool
• TH Profile jaws in 16, 20, 26 and 32mm
• 1 × Makita DC18 charger
• 2 × Makita 18V 3.0Ah Li-ion LXT batteries
• 1 × hard carry case with lanyard strap

Key Features

• 19kN pressing force for consistently secure press connections
• Fast 2 to 4 second press cycle, with automatic return after a completed press
• 330° swivelling head for tight or awkward spaces
• Long-life motor built for repeatable daily use
• OLED display showing cycle count, warning alerts and a service indicator
• LED indication for completed cycles and tool faults, plus an integrated work light
• Easy-change jaw system
• Lightweight, ergonomic design to reduce operator fatigue
• 2-year warranty

An Affordable Press Gun for Plumbing and Heating Engineers

The Alpha Press SL-1930 is a budget-friendly alternative to premium-brand compact 19kN press tools, without cutting back on what’s in the box.

• Complete kit. It includes the press tool, four TH Profile jaws (16, 20, 26 and 32mm), a Makita DC18 charger, two Makita 18V 3.0Ah batteries and a hard carry case.
• No separate battery purchase. The charger and batteries are included, so there’s nothing extra to buy before your first job.
• A spare battery on hand. A flat charge doesn’t stop a job mid-run.
• 2-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions.

See the Alpha Press SL-1930 TH Profile Press Fit Kit – 16 to 32mm for current price and availability.

Who Is the Alpha Press SL-1930 Kit Ideal For?

The kit includes four TH jaw sizes (16, 20, 26 and 32mm), so you can start work straight from the case. It’s well suited to:

• Engineers who want a complete, ready-to-use press tool with no separate battery purchase
• Plumbers and heating engineers working with TH profile multilayer composite pipe systems
• Underfloor heating and domestic heating circuit installations
• Domestic plumbing and general installation projects

What Can the SL-1930 Press?

Pressing capacity depends on the pipe material, fitting system, jaw profile and jaw size. This kit is supplied with TH Profile jaws for multilayer composite pipe. Always confirm that the jaw profile and size are approved by the pipe and fitting manufacturer before pressing.

What Is TH Profile and Which Pipe Systems Does It Suit?

TH Profile jaws are designed for compatible multilayer composite pipe systems. The kit is suited to TH profile systems from brands including Viega, Wavin, Unipipe/Unicor, Henco, Comap/Purmo and Tiemme.

TH and U profiles have slightly different compression geometry, and fitting manufacturers choose the profile that best suits their pipe and fitting design. TH and U profiles are not interchangeable. Always follow the fitting manufacturer’s recommendations and use the jaw profile they specify, to maintain warranty compliance and system performance.

Can the Alpha Press SL-1930 Be Used on Gas Pipework?

This kit is supplied with TH Profile jaws for multilayer composite pipe systems used in plumbing and heating. The data sheet doesn’t list gas-specific approvals for the tool. Whether a press connection is suitable for gas depends on the fitting system and its manufacturer’s approvals, not the press tool alone. Never use a fitting on gas pipework unless the manufacturer has made and marked it for gas, and approves the jaw profile you’re using.

Browse our Press Fit Pipe Fittings – Gas & Water.

Which Jaw Profiles Fit the SL-1930?

The SL-1930 accepts compatible compact 19kN jaws. The jaw profile and size must always match the pipe and fitting manufacturer’s specification.

Is There an Angled Jaw Set for Tight Spaces?

Yes. The Alpha Press angled jaw set (15 to 28mm M Profile) is designed for improved access close to walls, ceilings and joists, and inside confined spaces where standard straight jaws are hard to position. It includes a 19kN angled gimbal adaptor jaw, 15, 22 and 28mm M Profile pressing collars, and a heavy-duty carrying case. It is suitable for approved 15, 22 and 28mm M Profile metallic press-fitting systems.

The angled jaw set is compatible with these compact 19kN tools:

Always verify compatibility with the pipe and fitting manufacturer before use.

How Do You Set Up and Make a Press Connection?

1. Select the jaw. Choose the correct profile and size for the pipe and fitting system.
2. Check the jaw. Make sure it’s clean, undamaged and correctly fitted to the tool. Remove the battery before fitting or changing jaws.
3. Lock the pin. Insert the jaw-retaining pin fully and make sure it’s securely locked.
4. Position the jaw. Place it squarely around the press fitting.
5. Press. Press and hold the trigger until the full pressing cycle has finished.
6. Inspect. Check that the press is complete and inspect the connection in line with the fitting manufacturer’s instructions.

Never interrupt a pressing cycle unless necessary for safety. Incorrect installation of the jaw-retaining pin may damage the tool head.

How Do You Look After the SL-1930?

• Keep the tool, jaws and retaining pin clean and free from debris.
• Clean and inspect the jaws regularly, and lubricate moving components with an approved lubricant.
• Don’t let water, dirt, silicone or other contaminants enter the tool head.
• Remove the battery before changing jaws, cleaning or inspecting the tool.
• Store the tool and accessories securely in the carry case.
• Arrange professional servicing and calibration every 12 months or 30,000 press cycles, whichever comes first.
• Don’t attempt to adjust or repair the hydraulic pressure system.

Regular servicing helps maintain accurate pressing performance, spot worn or damaged components, reduce the risk of incomplete presses and maintain warranty cover.

Troubleshooting Common Faults

Before any check, remove the battery unless power is needed to read the OLED display. Never dismantle the hydraulic system or attempt an internal repair.

Stop using the tool and arrange professional service if it repeatedly fails to reach pressure, stalls on approved fittings, leaks hydraulic fluid, shows persistent OLED warnings, becomes unusually hot or makes abnormal noises.

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

A flared (sometimes written “flayed” or “spread”) head means the tool head has spread or become distorted, usually because the tool was operated when the jaw-retaining pin wasn’t fully inserted and securely locked. The pressing load is then carried unevenly through the head. Impact damage, using an incompatible jaw or repeatedly forcing a jammed cycle can also contribute.

If you suspect a flared head: stop using the tool immediately, remove the battery and don’t attempt another press. Check for:

• A loose or misaligned jaw
• A retaining pin that’s difficult to insert or remove
• Visible spreading around the pin holes
• A jaw that no longer sits squarely

The head must be inspected and repaired or replaced by a service specialist before the tool returns to use.

Safety Information

• Read the operating instructions before using the tool.
• Only trained, competent people should operate the equipment.
• Wear eye protection and any other required PPE.
• Keep hands and fingers away from the pressing jaws during operation.
• Never use damaged, cracked, distorted or heavily worn jaws.
• Don’t use the tool on live electrical systems.
• Don’t expose the tool, batteries or charger to excessive moisture.
• Only use compatible, approved batteries, chargers and jaws.
• Stop using the tool immediately if it’s damaged or operates abnormally.

Service, Calibration and Warranty

The SL-1930 comes with a 2-year warranty, subject to terms and conditions. Proof of purchase may be required for warranty claims. Damage caused by misuse, accidental damage, water ingress, contamination or inadequate maintenance may not be covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an affordable press gun for heating engineers?
The Alpha Press SL-1930 is a budget-friendly 19kN press gun (also called a press tool or crimping tool). This kit comes with 16, 20, 26 and 32mm TH Profile jaws for multilayer composite pipe, two Makita 18V batteries, a Makita charger and a hard case.

What’s included in the Alpha Press SL-1930 TH Profile kit?
The 19kN SL-1930 press tool, 16, 20, 26 and 32mm TH Profile jaws, a Makita DC18 charger, two Makita 18V 3.0Ah Li-ion LXT batteries, and a hard carry case with lanyard strap.

What pipe does the SL-1930 TH Profile kit press?
TH profile multilayer composite pipe systems from 16 to 32mm, including brands such as Viega, Wavin, Unipipe/Unicor, Henco, Comap/Purmo and Tiemme.

Are TH and U profile jaws interchangeable?
No. Always use the jaw profile specified by the fitting manufacturer.

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 is the pressing force of the SL-1930?
19kN.

How long does a press take?
Approximately 2 to 4 seconds.

How many presses can I get per charge?
Up to 180, depending on pipe size and conditions. Charging takes approximately 40 minutes.

Is the SL-1930 suitable for domestic work?
Yes. It’s lightweight with a swivelling head, which makes it particularly suitable for domestic installations, overhead work and confined spaces.

Can the SL-1930 be used on gas pipework?
That depends on the fitting system. Use only fittings made and marked for gas, and check that the fitting manufacturer approves the jaw profile for that fitting and size. The tool’s data sheet doesn’t list gas-specific approvals.

Can I press copper or steel pipe with this kit?
The jaws supplied are TH Profile, for multilayer composite pipe. The SL-1930 can press copper and carbon steel from 15 to 35mm and stainless steel from 15 to 28mm with approved M Profile jaws, sold separately.

What does the OLED display show?
Battery power and cycle information, plus warning alerts and a service indicator. The onboard PCB also monitors temperature and pressure.

What batteries does it use?
18V Makita LXT-compatible Li-ion slide batteries. This kit includes two 3.0Ah batteries and a Makita DC18 charger. Only use batteries and chargers approved as compatible with the tool.

When does the SL-1930 need servicing?
Every 12 months or 30,000 press cycles, whichever comes first. It should also be inspected straight away after a persistent pressure warning, hydraulic leak, abnormal operation or accidental damage.

What should I do if a press cycle is interrupted?
Don’t assume the joint is safe or complete. Follow the fitting manufacturer’s procedure for an interrupted or incomplete press, check the battery and tool setup, and have the tool inspected if it repeats.

Can a flared tool head be repaired?
Stop using the tool and remove the battery. The head must be inspected and repaired or replaced by a service specialist before the tool is used again.

What warranty does the SL-1930 have?
2 years, subject to terms and conditions.

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