what tools for pex
#1
Member
Thread Starter
what tools for pex
my son has pex plumbing in his house and I am not familiar with how to work with it. it is half inch and three quarter. what tools does it take to remove old fittings and replace with new ones. disconnect and old crimped fitting from and shutoff and crimp on a new line. thanks
frank
frank
#2
Member
If there crimped I use my Dremel tool with a cut off wheel to carefully cut the band, making sure to not cut into the PEX.
I bought the special cutters for doing it and never could get it to work.
I bought the special cutters for doing it and never could get it to work.
#3
Member
As mentioned, they make a special removal tool to remove the crimp rings, but they can also be cut off by other means. You can also just cut the pipe and install a new section. You'll need a pair of pipe cutters and crimpers to start. There are two types of crimp rings, which will determine what type of crimp tool you'll need. If not experienced plumbing with Pex, then I'd recommend getting a ring gauge as well to check your crimps.
#4
Member
Thread Starter
does menards or lowes have these tools? is there one of the two kind that are better than the other? does it take a special pipe cutter?
#5
Member
I know Lowe's and Depot carry them. I can't comment as to which type of crimp ring is better than the other. There is a special type of pipe cutter for PVC, Pex, etc. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/TEKTON-6466-P.../dp/B000NY4THS
Here is a great resource that should answer all of your questions: https://www.pexuniverse.com/types-of-pex-fittings
Here is a great resource that should answer all of your questions: https://www.pexuniverse.com/types-of-pex-fittings
#6
Member
Excerpt from that site regarding the two connecting methods:
Sounds like the clamp style is the more popular of the two.
Q: Which is better – clamp or crimp method?
A: We sell about an equal amount of crimp rings and cinch clamps. Clamps are growing in popularity since they are easier to install and the PEX cinch tool is more compact then the crimp one, allowing to make connection in less accessible locations. In addition, cinch tool is universal and works with all clamp sizes, whereas crimp method requires a separate tool (or a change or tool jaws) for every PEX tubing size. However, crimp method offers a somewhat more uniform and easily gauge-able connection, and has decades of proven performance, which makes is a popular choice among professionals and DIY’ers alike.
A: We sell about an equal amount of crimp rings and cinch clamps. Clamps are growing in popularity since they are easier to install and the PEX cinch tool is more compact then the crimp one, allowing to make connection in less accessible locations. In addition, cinch tool is universal and works with all clamp sizes, whereas crimp method requires a separate tool (or a change or tool jaws) for every PEX tubing size. However, crimp method offers a somewhat more uniform and easily gauge-able connection, and has decades of proven performance, which makes is a popular choice among professionals and DIY’ers alike.
#7
Member
Thread Starter
thanks for the url on the pex fittings. looks like the crimp or clamp might be the way to go. I already have a pipe cutter like that for pvc. now to find out which crimp tool is good. thanks guys
frank
frank
#10
Forum Topic Moderator
My experience has been completely with the crimp rings, which work great. So I can't really say which is better.
Either way you go, you should get a 'Go/no-go' gauge. This is a little metal piece that you put over the crimp/cinch ring every 5-10 crimps to be sure that you're crimping sufficiently. Sometimes the tool can get out of whack, and not crimp/cinch 100% correctly. It's rare to happen, but something you'd rather catch as you're making the connections instead of a few years down the road.
Either way you go, you should get a 'Go/no-go' gauge. This is a little metal piece that you put over the crimp/cinch ring every 5-10 crimps to be sure that you're crimping sufficiently. Sometimes the tool can get out of whack, and not crimp/cinch 100% correctly. It's rare to happen, but something you'd rather catch as you're making the connections instead of a few years down the road.
#13
Go with the copper crimp rings. Dont use the cinch steel ones.
Get a tight spot too. it pulls back and jaws open better.
Get the ring removal tool. It works best. dont waste time with dremmel.
What type system does he have now??
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1...BoCKJEQAvD_BwE
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1...ter/1000400523
Now I got these and cost me about 80 bucks each.. I know there are cheaper versions. but I don't usually buy cheap when it comes to tools.
https://www.ferguson.com/product/sio...RoC7pQQAvD_BwE
Get a tight spot too. it pulls back and jaws open better.
Get the ring removal tool. It works best. dont waste time with dremmel.
What type system does he have now??
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1...BoCKJEQAvD_BwE
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SharkBite-1...ter/1000400523
Now I got these and cost me about 80 bucks each.. I know there are cheaper versions. but I don't usually buy cheap when it comes to tools.
https://www.ferguson.com/product/sio...RoC7pQQAvD_BwE