Device and method for assembling components of a plumbing fitting

A method of manufacturing a connector assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a connector body positioned along an axis, wherein the connector body includes a catch surface extending circumferentially at an end and around the connector body;
• providing a plurality of internal components including a sealing member, a protecting ring, a grab ring, a demount body, and a cartridge;
• providing a retainer sleeve, wherein the retainer sleeve includes a plurality of latches extending inwardly and configured to engage the catch surface to connect the retainer sleeve to the connector body upon actuation;
• providing a tool member including an adapter sleeve, an adjustment sleeve, a collet sleeve, a tool body, and a plurality of latch engagement members equally spaced about the body, wherein an actuating fixture is configured to act upon the tool member such that the tool member travels a distance relative to the connector body to push the retainer sleeve over a portion of the connector body,
• positioning the connector body on a fixture;
• positioning the retainer sleeve within a socket of the tool body;
• interposing the plurality of internal components including the sealing member, the protecting ring, the grab ring, the demount body, and the cartridge between the retainer sleeve and the connector body;
• pushing and positioning the retainer sleeve over the plurality of interposed internal components and over the connector body using a press;
• aligning each of the plurality of latch engagement members of the tool member with a respective one of the plurality of latches of the retainer sleeve;
• and
• pressing the plurality of latches by pressing each respective one of the plurality of latches inwardly to provide an effective latch or engagement with the catch surface of the connector body to form the connector assembly,
• wherein the pushing and positioning the retainer sleeve over the connector body and the pressing each respective one of the plurality of latches of the retainer sleeve are done simultaneously and all in a single action.