2024’s Best PEX Crimp Tools for Plumbing Projects, Tested

When it comes to PEX plumbing tools, understanding the difference between crimps and clamps is crucial for successful installation and longevity of your plumbing system. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:

Crimps

• Material and Design: Crimps are available in stainless steel or copper, appearing as rings that securely slide over pipe joints. A specialized crimping tool compresses these rings onto barbed fittings, ensuring a tight seal.
• Durability: Copper crimps are known for their sturdiness, offering a robust hold on the piping. However, this toughness comes with a downside—they are more prone to corrosion over time, particularly in environments with high moisture levels.

Clamps

• Material and Design: Clamps consist of stainless steel bands equipped with tabs and locking holes. Installation involves using a clamping tool to squeeze the tab, which tightens the band around the tubing.
• Ease of Use and Corrosion Resistance: Stainless steel clamps are often favored for their ease of installation and resistance to rust, making them a popular choice for many DIY enthusiasts. Their thinner construction compared to copper crimps means they may be more susceptible to bending or separating under pressure, necessitating careful installation to ensure reliability.

By weighing these differences, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right option for your PEX plumbing needs, balancing durability with ease of use based on your specific project requirements.

When working with PEX tubing, it’s vital to ensure secure connections by crimping or clamping at each fitting. To achieve a successful bond, you should apply a single, firm squeeze of the tool’s handles, assuming it is properly calibrated. This ensures the connection is tight and leak-free without the need for repeated squeezes. Remember, consistently using a well-calibrated tool is key to maintaining the integrity of your plumbing work.

Advantages and Disadvantages of PEX A, B, and C

When considering PEX tubing for plumbing projects, it’s important to weigh the specific characteristics of PEX A, B, and C. Each type offers distinct pros and cons that cater to different needs and installation conditions.

PEX A

Advantages:

• Flexibility and Shape Retention: PEX A is known for its exceptional flexibility. It can be straightened and will retain its shape, simplifying installation through complex areas such as wall cavities and floors.

Disadvantages:

• Chemical Leaching Risks: This type of PEX may release more manufacturing-related chemicals, including toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), into the water supply, which can be a concern for water purity.
• Lower Bursting Pressure: PEX A has a lower tolerance for high-pressure environments compared to its counterparts.

PEX B

Advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Typically, PEX B is more affordable, often costing nearly half that of PEX A, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects.
• Higher Bursting Pressure: It offers a greater resistance to bursting, which is beneficial in high-pressure systems.
• Reduced Chemical Leaching: There is less likelihood of chemical leaching, which enhances water quality safety.

Disadvantages:

• Installation Challenges: PEX B can be difficult to straighten, and it tends to kink more easily, potentially complicating the installation process.

PEX C

Advantages:

• Less Common Usage: While not as widely used, PEX C presents a niche option in certain low-demand applications.

Disadvantages:

• Weaker Structural Integrity: Due to its manufacturing process, PEX C is generally weaker compared to PEX A and B.
• Reduced Oxidation Resistance: PEX C is more prone to wear and tear from oxidation, leading to a shorter lifespan under normal usage conditions.

Choosing the right type of PEX hinges on specific project requirements, budget constraints, and long-term durability needs. Understanding these advantages and disadvantages helps in making an informed decision for plumbing installations.

PEX pipes are designed to be highly durable, with potential longevity reaching up to 100 years according to long-term testing. This impressive lifespan makes them an attractive option for plumbing systems.

However, a few factors can influence how long these pipes actually last. Here are some key considerations:

• External Damage: One of the main threats to the integrity of PEX pipes is damage from pests, particularly rodents, which may gnaw on the material and cause leaks or ruptures.
• Installation Quality: Proper installation is crucial. Incorrect fittings or poorly executed joins can lead to premature failures.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to extreme temperatures and sunlight can also diminish their lifespan. Proper insulation and protection from UV rays are vital.
• Chemical Exposure: Certain chemicals in or around the home may degrade the material over time, affecting its durability.

By addressing these factors and ensuring quality installation and maintenance, the full potential of PEX pipes’ century-long lifespan can be realized.

Running PEX Piping: What You Need to Know

Installing PEX Through Floor Joists

Yes, PEX piping can indeed be installed through floor joists. This flexible plumbing solution is versatile enough to fit through floor joists, stud walls, and most standard locations where plumbing is typically found. Always make sure to follow your local building codes to ensure a proper and safe installation. The flexibility of PEX makes it an excellent choice for weaving through architectural components without compromising structural integrity.

Connecting PEX to Water Heaters

While PEX can be used in proximity to water heaters, there are specific guidelines to follow. For electric or tankless water heaters, PEX should not be connected directly. Instead, use a copper riser that’s at least 18 inches long to create a safe buffer between the water heater and the PEX tubing. Additionally, it’s crucial to maintain a minimum distance of 6 inches between the PEX and the exhaust vent of the heater. This precaution helps prevent heat damage to the tubing, ensuring safety and longevity in your plumbing system.

Following these guidelines will help you harness the benefits of PEX, combining flexibility with efficiency in your plumbing projects.

Understanding the Removal Function in PEX Crimp Tools

The removal function in PEX crimp tools is designed to efficiently separate clamps from piping. This feature is essential when adjustments or repairs are needed in plumbing systems using PEX tubing.

How it Works

1. Purpose: The primary role of the removal function is to cut through or detach clamps without damaging the pipe underneath. This ensures the integrity of the PEX pipe remains intact for reuse or reinstallation with a new fitting.
2. Process: The process typically involves a tool equipped with sharp blades specifically engineered to slice through the metal crimp rings or bands. Once the clamp is removed, it cannot be reused due to the deformation or cutting involved.
3. Tool Requirements: A separate cutting tool is necessary for removing crimp rings. These tools are distinct from those used for installation and have a cutting blade designed to penetrate the metal crimp rings safely.

In summary, the removal function is a crucial component of PEX crimp tools, allowing for the maintenance and modification of PEX plumbing systems without jeopardizing the integrity of the pipes themselves.

Key Factors: Length and Weight of PEX Crimp Tools

When evaluating PEX crimp tools, two crucial elements to consider are the length and weight. Each can significantly impact the tool’s functionality and your user experience.

Length Considerations

For those aiming to achieve strong, precise crimps, longer handles are advantageous. The extra length provides greater leverage, making it easier to apply the necessary pressure on the crimp with minimal effort. Ideally, opting for a tool that is at least 11 inches long will yield optimal results. However, keep in mind that longer handles may require a bit more practice to master due to their slightly awkward maneuverability.

On the other hand, if your focus is on securing clamps, handle length becomes less critical. Clamps generally demand less effort to secure, allowing for a user-friendly experience even with shorter-handled tools.

Weight Considerations

The tool’s weight also plays a pivotal role, especially for professionals like plumbers and electricians who use these tools regularly. Lightweight options, typically weighing under 4 pounds, are easier to handle over long periods and reduce fatigue. However, heavier tools, weighing up to 9 pounds, might offer superior crimping power. Choosing the right weight involves balancing power with ease of use, depending on your specific needs and the frequency of tool use.

To ensure a successful installation, it’s important to follow some key tips when using PEX crimp tools and press fittings:

• Cut Tubing Cleanly: Use a sharp PEX tubing cutter to create a clean, straight cut. Uneven cuts can result in improper crimps.
• Check Your Crimps: Always use a go/no-go gauge to verify that your crimps are properly secured.
• Avoid Overtightening: When using a crimp tool, avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage the fitting or tubing.
• Use the Correct Fittings: Ensure that you’re using PEX press fittings that are compatible with your specific tubing size and system requirements.
• Test for Leaks: After installation, run water or air through the system to check for leaks before sealing up walls or floors.

For the crimping process itself, follow these steps to ensure a leak-proof connection:

1. Position the PEX Fitting: Place the fitting inside the PEX tubing, ensuring it fits snugly.
2. Place the Crimp Ring: Slide the crimp ring over the tubing and position it between the end of the tubing and the fitting.
3. Use the Crimp Tool: Squeeze the crimper handles until they’re fully closed. This ensures the crimp is complete; stopping too soon may lead to leaks.

By carefully following these guidelines, you can achieve a reliable and efficient PEX plumbing system.

Check Your Crimps: Always use a go/no-go gauge to verify that your crimps are properly secured.

Over time, the precision of your PEX crimping tools can drift due to repeated use. This can happen as the tool’s jaws gradually stretch from applying constant pressure throughout various plumbing projects.

To address this, most PEX crimp and clamp tools are equipped with adjustment screws. These often come with the necessary wrenches to fine-tune the tool back to its optimal settings. Make sure to adjust both jaws as needed to achieve a perfectly round result.

A go/no-go gauge can be instrumental here, not only ensuring that crimps are secure but also helping to identify if the jaws are overtightened. Overtightening could easily lead to leaks, so proper calibration is key. Keep an eye on these factors to maintain the efficiency and reliability of your plumbing work.

The tool’s extended handles offer better leverage, making it easier to crimp larger diameter tubing without much force. Opting for a crimp tool with longer handles not only enhances the ease of use but also ensures higher quality crimps. This is especially beneficial for anyone starting a plumbing business or dealing with wrist discomfort, as it reduces the physical strain involved in the process.

For those faced with a large volume of PEX crimps, a powered PEX crimper tool might prove to be a valuable investment. This option can save time and effort, allowing for efficient and consistent results across numerous applications.

Below are some of the top-performing PEX crimp tools available in 2024, tested for ease of use, durability, and overall performance:

Expert Insights and Selection Criteria

Before diving into testing, we consulted with industry experts to understand what makes a PEX crimp tool truly effective. The consensus was clear: a tool must create a tight seal around the ring to prevent leaks. With this in mind, we extensively researched and selected tools designed for PEX A, B, or C, catering to different user preferences and tubing sizes, including ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch options.

Thorough Testing Process

Each tool was put through its paces in a series of practical tests. We used the tools to securely attach rings or clamps to PEX fittings, ensuring they were up to the task. When applicable, we swapped out jaws and utilized any included accessories to assess their quality and functionality. To ensure precision, we employed go/no-go gauges to confirm that each tool secured fasteners to the correct degree.

Evaluation and Scoring

Our rigorous testing was guided by a detailed rubric, allowing us to objectively score each tool based on performance metrics. These scores were then averaged to determine the top pick and categorize other models according to their best uses, providing you with a comprehensive guide to selecting the right tool for your needs.

Top PEX Crimp Tools of 2024

Choosing the right PEX crimp tool can make all the difference in your plumbing projects. Here, we dive into the top-performing tools of 2024 and explore key features to consider when selecting the perfect tool for your needs.

1. IWISS F1807 PEX Crimping Tool Kit

The IWISS F1807 Crimping Tool Kit is a favorite among professionals and DIYers alike. This tool works with 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch PEX press fittings. The kit includes a go/no-go gauge to ensure proper crimping, making it a reliable choice for securing PEX connections. Its ergonomic design minimizes hand fatigue, allowing for extended use without discomfort.

2. Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit

The Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit offers a versatile solution for various PEX crimping needs. With interchangeable heads for different pipe sizes, this tool makes it easy to switch between 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, and 3/4-inch PEX tubing. It also comes with a calibration gauge to ensure accurate crimps, ensuring a secure connection every time.

3. SharkBite 23251 PEX Crimping Tool

The SharkBite 23251 PEX Crimping Tool is known for its lightweight and durable construction. Its unique design allows for smooth crimping of PEX press fittings, creating leak-proof connections in just a few simple steps. The tool’s extended handles offer better leverage, making it easier to crimp larger diameter tubing without much force.

4. Ryobi P660 PEX Crimp Ring Press Tool

The Ryobi P660 Crimp Ring Press Tool is a battery-powered option that delivers consistent crimps with minimal effort. This tool is especially useful for large-scale plumbing projects where speed and efficiency are crucial. It’s compatible with 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch PEX press fittings, and the LED light ensures visibility in tight spaces. Its cordless design provides maximum mobility around the job site.

5. Milwaukee M12 PEX Expansion Tool

While technically an expansion tool, the Milwaukee M12 is worth mentioning because of its unique functionality with PEX press fittings. Unlike crimping, this tool expands the PEX tubing to fit over the fitting, allowing for a more flexible installation. It’s compatible with F1960 fittings and works especially well in cold climates where PEX tubing becomes stiffer.

Key Considerations for Choosing a PEX Crimp Tool

Handle Length and Leverage

When selecting a PEX crimp tool, consider the handle length. Longer handles provide better leverage, making it easier to apply the necessary pressure for a secure crimp. This feature is particularly useful for those who may experience hand fatigue during extended use.

Weight and Ergonomics

The weight of the tool is also important. Tools that weigh between 1 and 9 pounds are generally preferred, with lighter options reducing fatigue and heavier ones offering more crimping power. Ergonomic designs can further minimize strain during prolonged use.

Compatibility and Versatility

Ensure the tool you choose is compatible with the PEX sizes you plan to work with. Many tools come with interchangeable jaws or heads to accommodate different pipe diameters, allowing for greater versatility in your projects.

Calibration and Maintenance

Calibration is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of your tool over time. Look for models that include gauges for checking crimp precision and adjustment screws for recalibrating the tool as needed. This ensures a tight seal and prevents leaks.

Removal Functions

Consider tools with removal functions for clamps and crimps, which can save time and effort when adjustments are necessary. However, remember that most clamps and crimps cannot be reused after removal.

By understanding these features, you can confidently select a PEX crimp tool that meets your specific needs and ensures a professional finish to your plumbing projects.

FAQs

How often should PEX be clamped?

PEX should be crimped or clamped at each fitting, requiring just one solid squeeze of the handles if the tool is properly calibrated. This ensures each connection is secure and reliable.

What are PEX press fittings used for?

PEX press fittings are used to securely connect PEX tubing in plumbing systems, creating a watertight seal without soldering or adhesives. They offer a reliable solution for ensuring leak-free connections in various plumbing setups.

Can I use PEX crimp tools with different sizes of tubing?

Yes, most PEX crimp tools come with interchangeable heads, allowing you to work with various tubing sizes. This versatility makes them a valuable tool for both residential and commercial plumbing projects.

Are PEX press fittings compatible with all types of PEX tubing?

PEX press fittings are generally compatible with most types of PEX tubing, but it’s important to verify compatibility with your specific system. Always check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure optimal performance.

How do I know if my crimp is secure?

Use a go/no-go gauge to check if your crimp is properly secured and meets the required standards for a leak-free connection. This tool helps ensure that your fittings meet professional standards, preventing potential leaks.

What maintenance do PEX crimp tools require?

Regular cleaning and lubrication of the crimp tool’s moving parts are essential to ensure smooth operation and long-term durability. Proper maintenance extends the life of your tools and ensures consistent performance.

What is the best PEX to use?

PEX B is considered the best all-around PEX pipe due to its lower chemical leaching and higher bursting pressure. However, it may be more challenging to work with compared to other types.

Do PEX clamps fail?

While PEX clamps can fail, it’s usually due to human error, such as applying them crookedly or unevenly. Ensuring compatibility between the clamp or cinch type and the pipe is crucial to prevent leaks.

Can I run PEX through floor joists?

Yes, PEX can run through floor joists, stud walls, or almost any area that typically houses plumbing, provided it complies with local codes. This flexibility makes it a popular choice for modern plumbing installations.

Can I run PEX to a water heater?

PEX should not run directly to an electric or tankless water heater. However, it can connect to a copper riser 18 inches or longer, ensuring it is at least 6 inches away from the heater’s exhaust vent.

What is the lifespan of a PEX pipe?

PEX has the potential to last more than 100 years according to long-term testing, although it hasn’t been around long enough to confirm this in real-world conditions. It’s important to protect it from potential damage by rodents.

How tight do I need to crimp PEX fittings?

Typically, you will squeeze the crimper handles until they’re fully closed. At that point, the crimp is complete. Ensure the tool is calibrated correctly to avoid leaks from incomplete crimps.