DeWalt 20V MAX Compact Press Tool Kit

Why this compact press tool earned space on my truck

Squeezing fittings overhead in a crawlspace is where the DeWalt compact press tool proved its worth for me. The inline form factor makes a big difference when you’ve got to snake between joists or reach around hangers. I’ve used pistol‑grip press tools for years; they’re great on open runs, but this one’s balance and reach in tight quarters are its standout advantages.

I tested it mainly on copper CTS from 1/2 to 1‑1/4 inch and some stainless transitions, with the appropriate compact jaws. With the rotating head set at odd angles, I could keep my wrist neutral and still square the jaw to the fitting. That alone cut down on fussing with body position and ladder moves.

What’s in the kit and setup

The kit I used included two 2.0Ah 20V MAX packs, a DCB115 charger, shoulder strap, USB‑C cable, and a TOUGHSYSTEM 2.0 box. Out of the case, it’s a straightforward setup: pop a battery, select the compact-series jaw, pin it in, and you’re pressing. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V platform, the convenience is obvious—one set of batteries across the van.

The TOUGHSYSTEM case deserves a quick nod. It stacks with other boxes and has enough room for a few core jaws without turning into a rummage exercise. I keep the USB‑C cable and a thumb drive in a small divider so data exports aren’t an afterthought.

Design and ergonomics

The inline body is lightweight enough for one‑handed work—especially appreciated overhead. The 180° rotating head is the right call here; the detents are positive, so the head stays where you put it. With copper press, I’m often reaching around a bracket or working inside cabinets; being able to twist the head, not my wrist, reduces fatigue over a day.

The grip feels secure with gloves, and the balance is neutral with a compact 2.0Ah pack. The LED worklight falls squarely on the press zone rather than lighting your knuckles, which sounds minor until you’re lining up jaws in a dim chase.

Two nitpicks from real use:
- The power button placement makes it a little too easy to toggle while grabbing the tool. A couple of times I picked it up and inadvertently turned it off, then had to power it back on before a press.
- The press trigger is responsive, which is good, but you’ll want to build the habit of positioning first, then indexing your finger. I’d welcome a lock‑off option for transport and tight positioning.

Neither is a deal‑breaker, and with a week of muscle memory they bothered me less, but they’re worth calling out.

Press performance and reliability

Cycle speed is brisk and consistent, even as the battery drops. I never felt the tool lag or hunt at the end of a press. More important than speed is confidence: there’s a clear ramp‑up, a solid dwell at full force, and an unambiguous return. The jaw pins lock solidly, and I didn’t see any slop develop across the test period.

The ram release button is the unsung hero. If the jaw noses don’t sit flush—common when you’re juggling a fitting in a cramped alcove—you can back out quickly without forcing anything. That saves fittings and time, and it’s a feature I used more than I expected.

As a compact‑series tool, it shines in residential and light commercial sizes. If your everyday includes larger diameters or heavy black iron runs, plan on a standard‑series press tool for those. For the common 1/2 to 1‑1/4 inch copper range, this compact tool is right in its wheelhouse.

Data and connectivity

DeWalt’s Crimp Connect system is better than a checkbox feature. Plug in via USB‑C and you can export press‑cycle data for recordkeeping. For contractors who submit documentation to inspectors or GCs—or if you simply want traceability for warranty—having a digital log is useful. It’s simple enough that I actually used it rather than promising myself I’d get around to it later.

The built‑in Tool Connect chip is aimed at inventory and loss prevention. Registering it in the app takes minutes, and on larger crews that alone can reduce “Where did that press tool end up?” moments. It’s not going to stop every disappearance, but it nudges you toward better tool accountability.

Batteries and runtime

With two 2.0Ah packs, I covered a day of service calls—re-pipes, a few fixture tie‑ins—without hunting for a charger. The tool doesn’t demand a high‑capacity brick to feel balanced or powerful, which keeps weight down. If you’re doing wall‑to‑wall rough‑ins, a 4.0Ah compact battery would further reduce swaps, but I stuck with the included 2.0Ah packs and had no runtime surprises.

The broader win is staying on the 20V MAX ecosystem. Between lights, drivers, and now this press tool, I can travel lighter and borrow packs as needed. That’s a real advantage for anyone already invested in DeWalt.

Jaws and compatibility

This tool takes DeWalt compact‑series jaws and adapters, and it’s compatible with many professional press‑fitting systems, including widely used copper and black iron lines (e.g., ProPress and MegaPress families) when you use the correct jaws. The kit I ran included copper CTS jaws from 1/2 to 1‑1/4 inch, which covers a lot of what I see in residential service and smaller commercial tie‑ins.

A couple of practical notes:
- Not all adapters and specialty jaws are included. Budget for refrigeration or black iron sets if you need them.
- Always verify the fitting manufacturer’s compatibility chart. Most mainstream systems are covered, but mixing beyond spec is asking for callbacks.

Label your jaw sets clearly. It sounds basic, but when you’re moving fast, the difference between CTS and other profiles is not something you want to eyeball.

On the ladder and in the crawlspace

The shoulder‑strap hook is the kind of convenience I appreciate after using the tool for a week. Clipping it off while climbing or moving ladders keeps it handy and reduces drops. The tool’s length is short enough to work above ceiling grids without wrestling with the T‑bar, and the head rotation eliminates a lot of awkward body angles.

The LED is bright enough to make alignment easy in dark corners, and because it’s mounted close to the head, shadows are minimized. Cleanup is quick—wipe the rails, check the jaw faces for debris, and stow it in the TOUGHSYSTEM box.

Where it falls short

• Controls: The proximity of the power button to the grip and a sensitive trigger mean you need disciplined handling. A dedicated lock‑off would be welcome.
• Capacity ceiling: As a compact tool, it’s not the answer for larger diameters. That’s expected, but worth planning for if your work mix shifts.
• Jaws sold separately: The kit covers copper CTS well, but if you need black iron or refrigeration profiles, you’ll be adding to the bill.

None of these are disqualifiers, but they’re the trade‑offs to consider.

Warranty and service

The 3‑year limited warranty, 1‑year free service, and 90‑day satisfaction window line up with what I expect in this category. Press tools are high‑duty, high‑stakes devices; knowing you’ve got a defined service runway matters. Keep your data logs—it’s helpful if you ever discuss performance or maintenance with service.

The bottom line

If your work lives in 1/2 to 1‑1/4 inch copper and similar compact‑jaw territories, DeWalt’s compact press tool hits a smart balance of size, power, and modern features. The inline design and 180° rotating head make real differences in tight spaces and overhead, the ram release prevents headaches when alignment isn’t perfect, and the Crimp Connect/Tool Connect combo brings welcome professionalism to documentation and inventory.

Recommendation: I recommend this tool to residential and light commercial plumbers, HVAC techs, and service pros already on (or willing to adopt) the 20V MAX platform. It’s fast, compact, and thoughtfully outfitted for real jobs. Be mindful of the control layout, plan for any specialty jaws you need, and you’ll have a reliable press solution that earns its keep day in and day out.