Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Crimping tools typically have 1-inch jaws that can crimp 1-inch pipe, but their kits come with smaller jaws for tackling smaller pipes. It also comes with the jaws required for crimping 3/8-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch pipe, plus a PEX cutter, a go/no go gauge, and a hard plastic case to carry it all. Though the risk of copper snapping and becoming airborne is minimal, safety goggles are recommended. Need Help? This kit comes with two crimping toolseach with a go/no go gauge, alerting the user to calibration issues and potential leakswhile also including a handy tubing cutter. However, the fitting underneath should be completely intact. You cannot get a solid, accurate, leak-free joint with pliers, which cant apply even pressure all around the crimp. to 1 in. All Rights Reserved. Those designations just imply the manufacturing process used to create the pipe. PEX can run through floor joists, stud walls, or almost anywhere else that would normally hold plumbing (according to local code). Many of these tools have adjustments on both jaws, allowing for calibrating to a perfectly round result. The jaws swap out with two hex bolts, which the included wrench also fits. Crimps are copper rings that slide over a joint; the crimping tool squeezes the entire ring down onto the barbed fitting underneath. Stainless steel clamps are easier to install and less likely to corrode, but theyre also much thinner than copper crimps, so they may bend or separate easier. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Applying pressure many times over the course of a plumbing project can stretch the jaws a bit, in which case dial them back in. Check it from several angles. This PEX crimping kit is more than just an innovative tool. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Most of the best PEX crimp and clamp tools have calibration gauges and adjustment screws, and they often come with the wrenches required to adjust them. All Rights Reserved. PEX should not run directly to a water heater, but it can run to a copper riser 18 inches or more in length, coming directly from the water heater. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The Conbraco tool provides plenty of leverage for sealing off plumbing joints, good for creating up to 100 pounds of force.
Tools that can handle both crimps and clamps are rare, so choose one style before purchasing. While many types of clamping and crimping tools work for plumbing joints, not all of them work for PEX pipe. For one, even though it comes in rolled coils, PEX A will hold its new shape when straightened, making it easier to install through wall cavities and floors.
If it slides all the way over the crimp, or not at all, the joint may have problems when pressurized. The unique design of the IWISS allows the user to get a grip on any 1/2- or 3/4-inch crimp, even in hard-to-reach places. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. By Tom Scalisi | Updated Mar 30, 2021 2:13 PM. There are tools that work for both copper and PEX pipe, but they generally require additional jaws or fittings. PEX B has a higher bursting pressure than A, and chemical leaching from the pipe is considerably less likely. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. All Rights Reserved. Over time, clamping and crimping tools can fall out of perfect calibration. PEX Copper Crimp Tool with Integrated Go/No-Go Gauge. When learning about PEX tools, a key point is that there are crimps and clamps. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about PEX crimp tools and their corresponding answers. With PEX crimps, it can be difficult to tell if theres a good seal by eye or feel. 2000-2022 Home Depot. PEX C isnt very common, and DIYers are unlikely to come across it. If the clamp is applied crookedly or unevenly, it will leak. Clamps are stainless steel bands with small pegs and locking holes. Before comparing PEX crimp tools, heres a bit of background on PEX pipe. All of the components pack up nicely into the plastic carrying case, keeping everything secure and in one place between projects. But for anyone needing just that kind of item, check out this kit from IWISS.
Those who prefer to use clamps over crimps might want to consider adding this iCRIMP cinch tool to their tool belt. Clamping tools are often one-size-fits-all. All Rights Reserved. The gauge can also determine if the jaws are overtightened, which can just as easily lead to a leak. Next, slide the jaws over the clamps knob and squeeze until the clamping tool cuts through the band. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), ONE+ 18V PEX Crimp Ring Press Tool (Tool Only). Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Look for a crimping tool at least 11 inches in length. PEX Copper Crimp Ring Go/No-Go Gauge, 3/8 in., 1/2 in. One thing to understand is that PEX A, B, and C do not indicate a grade or quality of PEX piping. It leaches far fewer chemicals and has a higher bursting pressure. They can fail, but its usually due to human error. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Less than 5 second crimp time for maximum efficiency, Includes: Go/No Go Gauge, Belt Clip, Press Die Inserts, and Pouch, Over 260 ONE+ Tools All Work With Any RYOBI ONE+ 18V Battery. Because it only comes in only a few sizes3/8-, 1/2- ,3/4-, and 1-inchmost clamping or crimping tools made for PEX will do. Before picking a crimping or clamping tool, be sure to know what type of pipe it works for. Use these gauges to determine how far out of calibration the tool is, and tighten it back to the ideal setting. For a heavy-duty crimping tool that can tackle most PEX-tubing plumbing projects, choose this kit from Conbraco. Need Help? To help ensure each joint performs correctly, some tools come with go/no go gauges. PEX is a flexible tubing that can transport fresh water, hot water, radiant heating, and even sprinkler-system water, making it very popular in residential applications. Take a look through this section for any additional information not covered above. and 3/4 in. To use a go-no-go gauge, slide it over the joint. To clamp those smaller pipes, simply open the 1-inch jaws and slip the necessary-size clamping jaws inside.
These plastic pipes all work the same way, and most of the same joints will apply for all three types, but their makeup and characteristics vary. 1-Hand PEX Pinch Clamp Tool, PEX-A Expansion Tool Kit with 1/2 in., 3/4 in. Instead of using expensive copper piping, torches, and solder, you can create watertight joints in these plastic pipes with crimps and clampsjoints that are fast, easy, and affordable. These crimps and clamps do require special tools, however. The IWISS crimper uses a high-leverage design that allows the user to apply enough pressure for a perfect seal despite its compact 12.5-inch design. Then remove the clamp. The manufacturing process used to create PEX C makes it relatively weak compared to PEX A and B. Its also less resistant to oxidation, meaning PEX C will wear down through normal usage faster than A and B. Clamps tend to be easier to secure and require less effort, so handle length isnt as much of a priority.
Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 3/8 in. and 1 in. To remove a clamp, switch the clamping tool to the cutting function. They slide over the knob on the clamp and squeeze it, and those knobs are relatively universal in size. PEX piping is becoming more popular with DIYers and pros alike. PEX may be able to last more than 100 years. Given that crimp cutters can slice through copper, its important to keep fingers clear from the jaws. Removing crimps requires an entirely different tool with a blade for cutting through the copper crimps. In this case, cut the joint out of the system, slide the cutting tool into the fitting, and squeeze the handles until the jaws cut through the copper crimp.
This clamp cincher works for any size PEX and needs no calibration. After completing a plumbing job, its not ideal to find leaks or faulty joints. During usage, the iCRIMP holds the jaws in place, while the handles are opened to provide plenty of leverage. Need Help? 2000-2022 Home Depot. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Dont worry about choosing the right size PEX crimp tool. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 3/4 in., and 1 in. While it hasnt been around long enough to verify that longevity, long-term testing indicates it could last a century before breaking down. IWISS Angle Head PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Set, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, 6 Beginner Ways to Use a Woodworking Router, The 15 Most Useful Power Drill Attachments, The 12 Best Places in Your Home to Try Out Trendy Paint Colors, 10 Useful Items You Should Keep on Your Nightstand.
One advantage that PEX fittings have over copper piping is that in-wall repairs are much easier and safer, but they can still be challenging to reach and crimp. Rent a Ridgid Ratchet Soil Pipe Cutter 6 in. Also, it has a lower bursting pressure than PEX B. PEX B can cost half as much as PEX A, and that price comes with some advantages and disadvantages. The gauge should slip over the crimp about halfway before stopping. Swapping between those sizes is usually pretty straightforward. Finding a compact PEX crimper that fits in a toolbox but still provides the leverage required to seal off a PEX joint isnt easy. These gauges have U-shaped cutouts meant for specific pipe sizes. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Conbraco Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. It comes factory-calibrated and wont need adjustment. Since longer-handled tools can be slightly awkward, they might have more of a learning curve than shorter-handled ones. Copper crimps are burlier than clamps, but theyre more susceptible to corrosion. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Clamping tools squeeze a knob until the peg lands in the appropriate hole, securing it on the barbed fitting inside the joint. However, PEX A does have the potential to leach more production-related chemicals, like toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), into the water supply.
The kit comes with a crimper, four sets of jaws (3/8-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch), a go/no go gauge, and a wrench for adjustments and calibration. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. When it comes to putting pressure on a crimp, length is better. Need Help? Keep all of the important considerations in mind when comparing these products to ensure the best tool selection for a particular project. Many of the best PEX clamp tools have removal functions for separating clamps from the pipe. The longer the tools handle, the more leverage the user can apply to the crimp or clamp, requiring less effort to create a perfect seal. PEX B is considered the best all-around PEX pipe. PEX A is the most expensive type of PEX, and it has some desirable properties. The disadvantage is that it can be harder to work with. Below is a list of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the best PEX crimp tools to make watertight joints. If youre not sure how to find a good tool, this guide explores the features you should consider when shopping for the best PEX crimp tool. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The crimp either isnt tight enough or was installed with uneven pressure, and the crimp is now oblong. However, it doesnt straighten well and it kinks relatively easily, which can make it a bit of a hassle to install. Below are some of the best PEX crimp and clamp tools on the market. Switching a fitting on a clamping tool takes less time than sweating a copper joint with flux and solder. Dont expect to reuse these clamps or crimps, though, as the removal process either cuts them or damages their integrity.
Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. A second cut on the other side of the crimp will separate it completely. To ensure youre getting the well-functioning joint, its important to choose the best PEX crimp tool for your project. Expander Heads. It can get expensive quickly, but for those who do a lot of plumbing, it might be worth the investment.
Tools that can handle both crimps and clamps are rare, so choose one style before purchasing. While many types of clamping and crimping tools work for plumbing joints, not all of them work for PEX pipe. For one, even though it comes in rolled coils, PEX A will hold its new shape when straightened, making it easier to install through wall cavities and floors.
If it slides all the way over the crimp, or not at all, the joint may have problems when pressurized. The unique design of the IWISS allows the user to get a grip on any 1/2- or 3/4-inch crimp, even in hard-to-reach places. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. By Tom Scalisi | Updated Mar 30, 2021 2:13 PM. There are tools that work for both copper and PEX pipe, but they generally require additional jaws or fittings. PEX B has a higher bursting pressure than A, and chemical leaching from the pipe is considerably less likely. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. All Rights Reserved. Over time, clamping and crimping tools can fall out of perfect calibration. PEX Copper Crimp Tool with Integrated Go/No-Go Gauge. When learning about PEX tools, a key point is that there are crimps and clamps. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about PEX crimp tools and their corresponding answers. With PEX crimps, it can be difficult to tell if theres a good seal by eye or feel. 2000-2022 Home Depot. PEX C isnt very common, and DIYers are unlikely to come across it. If the clamp is applied crookedly or unevenly, it will leak. Clamps are stainless steel bands with small pegs and locking holes. Before comparing PEX crimp tools, heres a bit of background on PEX pipe. All of the components pack up nicely into the plastic carrying case, keeping everything secure and in one place between projects. But for anyone needing just that kind of item, check out this kit from IWISS.
Those who prefer to use clamps over crimps might want to consider adding this iCRIMP cinch tool to their tool belt. Clamping tools are often one-size-fits-all. All Rights Reserved. The gauge can also determine if the jaws are overtightened, which can just as easily lead to a leak. Next, slide the jaws over the clamps knob and squeeze until the clamping tool cuts through the band. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), ONE+ 18V PEX Crimp Ring Press Tool (Tool Only). Copyright 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. 2000-2022 Home Depot. Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. Look for a crimping tool at least 11 inches in length. PEX Copper Crimp Ring Go/No-Go Gauge, 3/8 in., 1/2 in. One thing to understand is that PEX A, B, and C do not indicate a grade or quality of PEX piping. It leaches far fewer chemicals and has a higher bursting pressure. They can fail, but its usually due to human error. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), Less than 5 second crimp time for maximum efficiency, Includes: Go/No Go Gauge, Belt Clip, Press Die Inserts, and Pouch, Over 260 ONE+ Tools All Work With Any RYOBI ONE+ 18V Battery. Because it only comes in only a few sizes3/8-, 1/2- ,3/4-, and 1-inchmost clamping or crimping tools made for PEX will do. Before picking a crimping or clamping tool, be sure to know what type of pipe it works for. Use these gauges to determine how far out of calibration the tool is, and tighten it back to the ideal setting. For a heavy-duty crimping tool that can tackle most PEX-tubing plumbing projects, choose this kit from Conbraco. Need Help? To help ensure each joint performs correctly, some tools come with go/no go gauges. PEX is a flexible tubing that can transport fresh water, hot water, radiant heating, and even sprinkler-system water, making it very popular in residential applications. Take a look through this section for any additional information not covered above. and 3/4 in. To use a go-no-go gauge, slide it over the joint. To clamp those smaller pipes, simply open the 1-inch jaws and slip the necessary-size clamping jaws inside.
These plastic pipes all work the same way, and most of the same joints will apply for all three types, but their makeup and characteristics vary. 1-Hand PEX Pinch Clamp Tool, PEX-A Expansion Tool Kit with 1/2 in., 3/4 in. Instead of using expensive copper piping, torches, and solder, you can create watertight joints in these plastic pipes with crimps and clampsjoints that are fast, easy, and affordable. These crimps and clamps do require special tools, however. The IWISS crimper uses a high-leverage design that allows the user to apply enough pressure for a perfect seal despite its compact 12.5-inch design. Then remove the clamp. The manufacturing process used to create PEX C makes it relatively weak compared to PEX A and B. Its also less resistant to oxidation, meaning PEX C will wear down through normal usage faster than A and B. Clamps tend to be easier to secure and require less effort, so handle length isnt as much of a priority.
Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 3/8 in. and 1 in. To remove a clamp, switch the clamping tool to the cutting function. They slide over the knob on the clamp and squeeze it, and those knobs are relatively universal in size. PEX piping is becoming more popular with DIYers and pros alike. PEX may be able to last more than 100 years. Given that crimp cutters can slice through copper, its important to keep fingers clear from the jaws. Removing crimps requires an entirely different tool with a blade for cutting through the copper crimps. In this case, cut the joint out of the system, slide the cutting tool into the fitting, and squeeze the handles until the jaws cut through the copper crimp.
This clamp cincher works for any size PEX and needs no calibration. After completing a plumbing job, its not ideal to find leaks or faulty joints. During usage, the iCRIMP holds the jaws in place, while the handles are opened to provide plenty of leverage. Need Help? 2000-2022 Home Depot. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Dont worry about choosing the right size PEX crimp tool. Products shown as available are normally stocked but inventory levels cannot be guaranteed, For screen reader problems with this website, please call 1-800-430-3376 or text 38698 (standard carrier rates apply to texts), 3/8 in., 1/2 in., 3/4 in., and 1 in. While it hasnt been around long enough to verify that longevity, long-term testing indicates it could last a century before breaking down. IWISS Angle Head PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Set, 11 Ways to Make the Most of Your Towns Curbside Cleanup Day, 6 Beginner Ways to Use a Woodworking Router, The 15 Most Useful Power Drill Attachments, The 12 Best Places in Your Home to Try Out Trendy Paint Colors, 10 Useful Items You Should Keep on Your Nightstand.
One advantage that PEX fittings have over copper piping is that in-wall repairs are much easier and safer, but they can still be challenging to reach and crimp. Rent a Ridgid Ratchet Soil Pipe Cutter 6 in. Also, it has a lower bursting pressure than PEX B. PEX B can cost half as much as PEX A, and that price comes with some advantages and disadvantages. The gauge should slip over the crimp about halfway before stopping. Swapping between those sizes is usually pretty straightforward. Finding a compact PEX crimper that fits in a toolbox but still provides the leverage required to seal off a PEX joint isnt easy. These gauges have U-shaped cutouts meant for specific pipe sizes. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. Conbraco Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit. BobVila.com and its partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links. It comes factory-calibrated and wont need adjustment. Since longer-handled tools can be slightly awkward, they might have more of a learning curve than shorter-handled ones. Copper crimps are burlier than clamps, but theyre more susceptible to corrosion. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Clamping tools squeeze a knob until the peg lands in the appropriate hole, securing it on the barbed fitting inside the joint. However, PEX A does have the potential to leach more production-related chemicals, like toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), into the water supply.
The kit comes with a crimper, four sets of jaws (3/8-, 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch), a go/no go gauge, and a wrench for adjustments and calibration. Use of this site is subject to certain Terms Of Use. When it comes to putting pressure on a crimp, length is better. Need Help? Keep all of the important considerations in mind when comparing these products to ensure the best tool selection for a particular project. Many of the best PEX clamp tools have removal functions for separating clamps from the pipe. The longer the tools handle, the more leverage the user can apply to the crimp or clamp, requiring less effort to create a perfect seal. PEX B is considered the best all-around PEX pipe. PEX A is the most expensive type of PEX, and it has some desirable properties. The disadvantage is that it can be harder to work with. Below is a list of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for the best PEX crimp tools to make watertight joints. If youre not sure how to find a good tool, this guide explores the features you should consider when shopping for the best PEX crimp tool. Local store prices may vary from those displayed. The crimp either isnt tight enough or was installed with uneven pressure, and the crimp is now oblong. However, it doesnt straighten well and it kinks relatively easily, which can make it a bit of a hassle to install. Below are some of the best PEX crimp and clamp tools on the market. Switching a fitting on a clamping tool takes less time than sweating a copper joint with flux and solder. Dont expect to reuse these clamps or crimps, though, as the removal process either cuts them or damages their integrity.
Please call us at: 1-800-HOME-DEPOT (1-800-466-3337), Please enter in your email address in the following format: you@domain.com. A second cut on the other side of the crimp will separate it completely. To ensure youre getting the well-functioning joint, its important to choose the best PEX crimp tool for your project. Expander Heads. It can get expensive quickly, but for those who do a lot of plumbing, it might be worth the investment.