FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter Instagram Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe

In every issue you'll find...

  • Expert insights on techniques and principles
  • Unbiased tool reviews
  • Step-by-step details to master the job
  • Field-tested advice and know-how
Subscribe Now!
Subscribe
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
  • Join
  • Log In
Subscribe
Tools & Materials

Faster, Stronger Brushless M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool

Milwaukee releases new M12 FUEL ProPEX Expansion Tool for more efficient Uponor PEX-A tubing installations.

By Brian Alvarado
The newest iteration of Milwaukee's expander tool works much better with larger expansions compared to the older version.

Milwaukee is bringing M12 FUEL technology to its latest tool releases to support lighter, more powerful brushless motor designs while still accepting the batteries you already have. Among the newest releases in the M12 FUEL line is the updated brushless version of the M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool (2532-20), meant to speed up plumbing jobs and last for much longer than its older version.

The original M12 ProPEX Expansion Tool (2432-20) was said to be a game changer by Milwaukee when it was first released, promising to improve workflow, cut down job times, and bring overall convenience to plumbing installers. Developed in partnership with Uponor, this line of expansion tools is designed for use with Uponor PEX-A expansion fittings, taking the place of a manual expansion tool.

The new M12 FUEL tools run off POWERSTATE brushless motors, REDLITHIUM-ION battery packs, and REDLINK PLUS intelligence hardware and software. These three updates are said to increase battery life, increase power, and prevent hardware system failures.

According to Milwaukee, the main differences between the newer 2532-20 and the 2432-20 is the strength and speed of the tool. They claim that the 2532-20 is specifically designed to accommodate larger expansions and can deliver 35% faster 1-in. connections.

 

 

 

 

Product shot of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Expansion Tool kit.
The M12 Fuel Expansion Tool kit features the tool, three heads (½-in., ¾-in., and 1-in.), a case, ProPEX Expander Cone Grease, as well as a REDLITHIUM battery and a charger.

Additionally, the expander heads that come with the 2532-20 now implement what’s called RAPID SEAL technology. Due to the shape of these new heads, expansion of the connecting rings is minimized, which means connections will seal faster (especially at colder temps). According to Milwaukee, the new design provides up to 65% faster sealing at 45 °F, allowing you to test pressure much sooner and identify leaks faster than before.

You can purchase the bare tool, which comes with the tool, three heads (½-in., ¾-in., and 1-in.), a case, and ProPEX Expander Cone Grease for about $430 at most retailers that carry Milwaukee tools. If you can find the extra coin to dish out $120 more, you can get the kit, which features the same components, along with a REDLITHIUM battery and a charger. Additionally, Milwaukee also offers an 18v version if you’re dealing with larger lines, or if you’re already on the 18v platform.

Photos courtesy of the manufacturer.


RELATED LINKS

  • PEX-Connection Fitting Systems – A Rundown
  • Connecting PEX Plumbing

Sign up for eletters today and get the latest how-to from Fine Homebuilding, plus special offers.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters
×

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

New Feature

Fine Homebuilding Forums

Ask questions, offer advice, and share your work

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

A Durable Yet Affordable Timber-Framing Chisel

Arno's timber-framing chisels offer a quality cutting edge at a low price point.

Featured Video

SawStop's Portable Tablesaw is Bigger and Better Than Before

The 10-in. Jobsite Saw PRO has a wider table, a new dust-control port, and a more versatile fence, along with the same reliable safety mechanism included in all SawStop tablesaws.

Related Stories

  • DeWalt Recalls 12-in. Sliding Compound Miter Saws
  • Keep Craft Alive Podcast: Ep.18, Kate Hersey and the Minnesota Tool Library
  • Industry-First Cordless Rebar Cutter and Bender
  • Handy Hose Holder

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Video

View All
  • Podcast 463: The Best of the Fine Homebuilding Podcast, Volume 3
  • Why You Should Use a Cordless Saw
  • Don't Wait to Get These Tools
  • Podcast Episode 163: Live from the Builder's Show: Home Depot’s Pro Services and Advancements in Cordless Tools
View All

Plumbing

View All Plumbing Articles
  • Installing a Bathtub
    Replacing a Bathtub
  • A Vessel-Sink Conversion
    A Vessel-Sink Conversion
  • vanity with drawers
    Installing a Vanity with Drawers
  • Pipe Fittings
    Which Pipe Fitting Do You Need?
View All Plumbing Articles

BOOKS, DVDs, & MERCH

Shop the Store
  • 2021 Fine Homebuilding Archive
    Buy Now
  • Outdoor Projects
    Buy Now
  • Code Check Building 4th Edition
    Buy Now
  • Pretty Good House
    Buy Now
  • Shop the Store

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 309 - Aug/Sept
    • 10 Steps to Install Crown Molding on Cabinets
    • How to Get Sturdy Walls Without OSB
    • Choosing the Right Construction Tape for the Job
  • Issue 308 - July 2022
    • Pretty Good House Book Excerpt: Copper Farmhouse
    • 10 Dos and Don'ts for Electric In-Floor Heat
    • A Sturdy Rail for Outdoor Stairs
  • Issue 307 - June 2022
    • How to Raise a Post-Frame Home
    • Trimming Deck Stairs
    • Evolving an Energy-Efficient Envelope
  • Issue 306 - April/May 2022
    • Framing Stairs to an Out-of-Level Landing
    • Building a Zero-Energy Home for Less
    • Good-Looking and Long-Lasting Traditional Gutters
  • Issue 305 - Feb/March 2022
    • The Steady Surge in Residential Solar
    • The Fine Homebuilding Interview: William B. Rose
    • How Good Is Your Air Barrier?

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences

Taunton Network

  • Green Building Advisor
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Fine Gardening
  • Threads
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Copyright
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2022 The Taunton Press, Inc. All rights reserved.

X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Shop the Store

  • Books
  • DVDs
  • Taunton Workshops

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • twitter
  • facebook
  • instagram
  • pinterest

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in