What is the difference between TH, U, V and M?

It is the section the jaw leaves as it compresses the fitting. The fitting manufacturer states which profile to press with; pressing with another profile can leak.

Do a press jaw and a press ring do the same job?

The purpose is the same, the application differs. A jaw mounts straight on the tool for small and medium sizes. A ring wraps the fitting completely and is closed by an adapter jaw in large sizes.

Does a jaw fit any press tool?

No. Jaws and rings belong to a tool family; these are for the Virax M20+ and P22+. The tool is named in the product title.

How often should a jaw be checked?

Inspect the profile regularly for crushing, cracks and wear. A deformed jaw will not make a tight joint even when the profile is correct.

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Press Jaws & Rings

A press jaw is the part that closes on the fitting, and its profile has to match the fitting's profile exactly. This page lists TH, U, V and M profiles from 12 to 54 mm for the Virax M20+ and P22+ press tools, as jaws and as rings.

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Why the profile is not negotiable

What seals a pressed joint is the O-ring inside the fitting being compressed in the right place by the right amount. The inner profile of the jaw sets that geometry: press a TH fitting with a U jaw and the metal deforms, but the seal is not compressed on the face it should be.

The result usually does not show at once. The joint holds on test and starts to weep after a few heating and cooling cycles. That is why the fitting manufacturer names the profile, and that profile is used.

Profile	Typical use
TH	Multilayer (PEX-AL-PEX) pipe fittings; the most common profile
U	Multilayer and plastic pipe systems, depending on the manufacturer
V	Copper and stainless steel press fittings
M	Copper and stainless systems, common in larger diameters

The fitting maker decides the profile, not the tool.

Jaw or ring?

In small and medium sizes the tool carries the jaw directly. As the diameter grows the pressing force has to be applied all the way round rather than at one point: a ring goes around the fitting and the tool closes it through an adapter jaw.

The M20+ rings and P22+ jaws here use the same profile families; the choice follows the tool and the diameter. Profile and diameter are stated in every product name and spec table.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between TH, U, V and M?
It is the section the jaw leaves as it compresses the fitting. The fitting manufacturer states which profile to press with; pressing with another profile can leak.
Do a press jaw and a press ring do the same job?
The purpose is the same, the application differs. A jaw mounts straight on the tool for small and medium sizes. A ring wraps the fitting completely and is closed by an adapter jaw in large sizes.
Does a jaw fit any press tool?
No. Jaws and rings belong to a tool family; these are for the Virax M20+ and P22+. The tool is named in the product title.
How often should a jaw be checked?
Inspect the profile regularly for crushing, cracks and wear. A deformed jaw will not make a tight joint even when the profile is correct.