Crimping uses copper rings with teeth to seal PEX connections. The crimping process involves squeezing the copper ring around the PEX piping. This creates a firm, reliable, and accurate seal. PEX crimp tools have been around longer than PEX clamp tools. They tend to be more popular and highly trusted.
Full Answer
What are PEX crimp rings used for?
About PEX Crimp Rings PEX crimping system is among the oldest, most reliable and most widely used methods of installing PEX. Copper crimp rings ensure full 360˚ compression of the pipe over the barbs of the fitting without the risk of expansion or corrosion.
How do you use a PEX crimper?
Squeeze the PEX crimper with enough pressure to crimp the crimp ring tightly onto the PEX tubing. The PEX fitting and crimp ring should be secure. Third: To check that the crimping together of the crimp ring and the tubing was adequate, take the Go / No-Go Gauge and slide the “Go” side of the gauge over the ring.
What is the difference between PEX Crimp and Pex clamp?
Another advantage of the PEX clamp is that it can fit many ring sizes, which gives it certain flexibility, compared to the PEX crimp that only works for each ring size. If you aim to be flexible, easy to turn around in tight spaces, don’t need too much effort, use the PEX clamp tool.
How do you use a copper ring on PEX pipe?
The copper ring slips over the end of the PEX tube, and a fitting is then inserted into the PEX tube. The copper ring is then pushed to the end of the tube—over the fitting—and a PEX crimping tool is used to crimp the copper ring (and tube) tightly in place.
How does the PEX crimp tool work?
How to open a PEX crimp tool?
What is the difference between PEX clamp and PEX crimp?
How to cut PEX pipe?
What color are PEX pipes?
What does it mean when a ring doesn't fit on a no go slot?
Can you use Sharkbite to connect PEX pipe?
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How does PEX crimp ring work?
2:216:23Zurn PEX Plumbing Copper Crimp Ring - How it Works - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow this particular fitting. It's got a shoulder on it so in other words the PEX pipe has to go allMoreNow this particular fitting. It's got a shoulder on it so in other words the PEX pipe has to go all the way up to that shoulder. And it will reach a mechanical stop. Once we get it up to that point.
Is it better to crimp or clamp PEX?
Pinch Clamp Tools Work Better in Tight Spaces Especially when your PEX is pressed up against a wall—or there is just otherwise very little wiggle room to work—crimp tools can become a much bigger hassle. The larger jaw of the tool means you need ample room behind your PEX to be able to make a proper connection.
Do PEX crimp rings leak?
As with any other pipes, PEX is not prone to leaking. Nearly all of the plumbing leaks occur at joints (connection spots) and most of them are due to incorrect installation. Much like installing PEX tubing, repairing it is also an easy process.
Which is better PEX cinch or crimp?
Asides for its versatility, the cinch tool is also cheaper than the crimp tool. The cinch rings can be slightly more expensive than crimp rings. A cinch connection will last over 5 years and can last more than 10 years. Crimp connections consist or a crimp ring, a crimp tool, proper fittings and a go/no-go gauge.
Which PEX connection method is best?
The most common connection method used in PEX installation is the “Crimp” method. This process involves sliding a ribbed fitting into the PEX tube and crimping a seal ring around the connection point. These rings are typically made of copper, but may be found in plastic as well as brass.
How long do PEX crimps last?
Durability. PEX is highly resistant to scale buildup, pitting, and corrosion. You will never have to worry about the restricted flow of water or leakage. ASTM provides guidelines to ensure that PEX pipes' life expectancy is at least 50 years.
Why do PEX fittings fail?
Common Causes of PEX Pipe Failures PEX piping has a maximum bend radius, which can lead to stress on the pipe caused by improper installation. In addition, extreme bends and kinks place a very high local stress on the wall of the pipe, making it more susceptible to oxidative degradation.
Which type of PEX crimp is best?
BEST CRIMP TOOL: IWISS IWS-FAS PEX Crimping Tool Kit.BEST CINCH TOOL: iCRIMP PEX Cinch Tool.MOST VERSATILE: Conbraco Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit.BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES: IWISS Angle Head PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Set.
What causes pinhole leaks in PEX pipe?
Over time the bonds start to shake apart, this separation is what causes the pinhole leaks to start. Once the polybutylene gets its first leak it is right to assume that the entire system is becoming compromised.
How long do PEX fittings last?
PEX: Due to its flexibility and durability, PEX piping should last at least 50 years. PVC / CPVC: Under typical conditions, these pipes should last up to 100 years.
Are plastic PEX fittings as good as brass?
Poly PEX Fittings There are many applications where plastic is the best choice over brass. For example, when there is poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, plastic is the superior choice because brass is more apt to corrode.
Is PEX A or B better?
Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest. You should never install kinked pipe. Bursting Pressure – Always check the tubing for maximum temperature and pressure ratings. Remember, the pressure ratings decrease as the temperature of the water increases.
Are plastic PEX fittings as good as brass?
Poly PEX Fittings There are many applications where plastic is the best choice over brass. For example, when there is poor water quality or other corrosive materials in the line, plastic is the superior choice because brass is more apt to corrode.
Is PEX A or B better?
Kink-Resistance - PEX-A has the greatest resistance, PEX-B the lowest. You should never install kinked pipe. Bursting Pressure – Always check the tubing for maximum temperature and pressure ratings. Remember, the pressure ratings decrease as the temperature of the water increases.
Do you need a PEX crimping tool?
Connections for most PEX supply jobs require a special tool. There are several PEX supply connection methods, but only two affordable enough to be practical for DIYers: crimp rings and cinch clamps. Crimp rings are a band of metal, usually copper, that you slip over the fitting and compress with a crimp ring tool.
Are PEX clamps reusable?
No matter which option you choose, the pinch clamp can't be used again but the fitting can be. Before throwing away the fitting away, consider these steps to remove the pinch clamp and reuse the fitting. Always make sure the fitting is in good shape before reusing it.
What is PEX crimping?
PEX crimping system is among the oldest, most reliable and most widely used methods of installing PEX. Copper crimp rings ensure full 360˚ compression of the pipe over the barbs of the fitting without the risk of expansion or corrosion.
What tool is used to remove crimp rings from PEX fittings?
A: A decrimping tool can be used to remove crimp rings from such connections and eliminate waste of PEX fittings.
What size crimp rings are used for PEX pipe?
Size of the PEX crimp ring corresponds to the PEX pipe size, namely, 1/2" crimp rings for 1/2" PEX, 3/4" for 3/4" and so on.
How old is a PEX clamp?
PEX clamp system, while about 10 years old, is easier to install, using a single clamp tool for all PEX sizes up to 1". This method, however, offers no reliable means of checking connections for accuracy. If using a clamp method, we recommend a good quality, factory calibrated tool. Show more.
Is a crimp system better than a clamp system?
A: Both systems are widely used and accepted by code . The crimp system, while somewhat more complex, provides reliable feedback when checking connections with a Go-No-Go gauge and offers peace of mind. This system has decades of proven performance and works well both for both beginners and professionals. PEX clamp system, while about 10 years old, is easier to install, using a single clamp tool for all PEX sizes up to 1". This method, however, offers no reliable means of checking connections for accuracy. If using a clamp method, we recommend a good quality, factory calibrated tool.
Why use a PEX clamp?
PEX crimp tool helps you to create an extremely secure watertight connection over time. Obviously, this is its strong point (removing the crimp ring is not easy at all). The PEX clamp will also create a watertight connection. But because the design only clamps the tab, so maybe after a long time, the connection will not be good anymore.
What is the advantage of using a PEX clamp?
Another advantage of the PEX clamp is that it can fit many ring sizes, which gives it certain flexibility, compared to the PEX crimp that only works for each ring size. If you aim to be flexible, easy to turn around in tight spaces, don’t need too much effort, use the PEX clamp tool.
What is a PEX clamp tool?
The PEX clamp tool is also known as the PEX cinch tool. It can work with stainless steel cinch/clamp rings as well as copper cinch/clamp rings. Because of the clamp mechanism, it can work with most ring sizes and does not need to replace jaw like PEX crimp tools. It also doesn’t need to exert too much force like the PEX crimp tool because it only has to clamp the tab on the cinch/clamp ring.
Do you need to replace jaws with PEX?
Depending on your goals, if you are aiming for flexibility, less effort. No need to replace jaw as well as watertight connection tests, use a PEX clamp. If you are aiming for a perfect connection with time, can withstand harsh weather and high pressure, use PEX crimp.
Does PEX clamp work with stainless steel?
PEX crimp only works with copper rings, each jaw fits only one ring size, it takes a lot of force to crimp. PEX clamp is more flexible, can work with both copper and stainless steel rings, with just one jaw can work with all ring sizes, less effort.
Does a PEX crimp have a jaw?
Therefore, PEX crimp must have a jaw that fits each copper ring size. This means that if you want to installation with the PEX crimp tool, make sure you have the PEX crimp tool set with jaw fits to the size of the copper ring. Or better yet, have a PEX crimp tool that can replace jaw.
Beginners Guide to PEX Connections
PEX connections are used in household plumbing systems. There are various reasons to choose PEX connections. They offer better efficiency and flexibility.
Pex Crimp Rings Copper vs Stainless: Key Differences
You may have got a little idea of the differences from the comparison chart. Below we have discussed a few key differences for you to understand better:
Which One is Best for You?
The comparison above should be enough to decide which one you want. Both of these PEX fittings offer excellent performance. Now, it is personal preference which one you will buy. The efficiency, flexibility, and price are some of the key factors you should consider. No matter which one you opt to go for, we have got some recommendations for you.
Best Pex Crimp Rings Copper
PEX Copper Crimp Ring for XFITTING can be a good option for you. They are compatible with every type of PEX tube. These are 0.5 inches in size. You can use them underground too. If you are not satisfied with the quality, you can return the rings within 30 days of purchase and get your refund.
Best Pex Crimp Rings Stainless
Solarson PEX Stainless Steel Cinch Crimp Rings are outstanding if you prefer going for durable cinch rings. They come in various sizes, and you can use them on every plumbing system. The 360° watertight sealing ensures that the connection is well tightened and there is no leakage.
Conclusion
The comparison of pex crimp rings copper vs stainless shows that both of these PEX fittings are worth using. Now, based on the detailed comparison above, you can set your preferences. And then get the one that fits your needs. Or you may also try both of them to check which one works better for you.
What is PEX pipe?
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX), a type of flexible plastic, is currently replacing traditional copper and galvanized steel as water supply lines in both new construction and remodeling projects. You’ve probably seen rolls of blue and red PEX pipe in the plumbing aisle of your local home improvement store, but might not know that this colorful tubing now makes it possible for enthusiastic DIYers to replace their own leaky water lines instead of calling a pro. Read on to learn more about PEX—what it is, where it can be used, and all the pros and cons of this popular plumbing material.
What type of fittings are used for PEX?
Hundreds of types of fittings, usually brass, are available for connecting PEX to existing copper or steel pipes, and for making connections to fixtures. Fittings are also available for connecting pipes of different sizes. The following five methods are used for making the connections watertight. Photo: amazon.com.
What is PEX tubing?
Choose the tubing best suited to your needs: PEX-A is manufactured using peroxide. This type of PEX is the most flexible of the three types and is suitable for use in all home water-supply plumbing needs.
What color is PEX?
Water flows silently through PEX, eliminating the “water hammer” noise associated with metal piping. Color-coding (red and blue) make it simple to distinguish hot and cold supply lines. PEX can be connected to existing metal supply lines with the correct fittings.
What is the advantage of PEX pipe?
PEX has a distinct advantage over these materials because of its flexibility, which allows one end of PEX pipe to connect to a PEX manifold (the main water control system) and then wind through walls and floors—uninterrupted—all the way to an individual fixture.
What type of PEX pipe is used for hot water?
Blue PEX pipe carries cold water. White PEX pipe can be used for either hot or cold water. Gray PEX pipe, like white, can be used for either hot or cold water (although not all DIY centers carry gray).
How long is a PEX pipe?
PEX is available in a variety of lengths, from short 10-foot pieces (for small repairs) to rolls over 500 feet long, which are used to install a home’s entire water supply system. PEX pipe ranges from 3/8- to 1-inch in diameter and its color-coding makes it a snap to identify what a specific pipe is used for. Although there are three types of PEX (see Label Lingo, below), the different colors don’t connote the distinctions; they simply make it easy for the installer to identify which lines carry hot water and which carry cold.
How to crimp a PEX fitting?
Next, insert the PEX fitting into the tubing. Slide the crimp ring up 1/8 of an inch from the end of the tube so that it is on the fitting. Second: Take the PEX crimper and place it over the crimp ring. Squeeze the PEX crimper ...
What is a PEX crimp tool?
This may be accomplished by making use of a PEX Crimp Tool. This tool crimps together a piece of PEX tubing and a PEX fitting by the pressure and indentation it makes, ...
Can you slide a crimp ring through a no go gauge?
It should not be possible to slide the crimp ring through any part of the "No-Go" gauge. Fifth: If the crimp wring does not go past the "Go" side, or does go past the “No-Go” side, of the gauge, then the crimping was unsuccessful. The PEX fitting should then be extracted from the tub, and a new crimp ring used to attempt again from the first step.
How does the PEX crimp tool work?
The PEX crimp tool not only simplifies PEX pipes installations but also saves your time. And working with this tool is also very simple. You can follow this guide to know how to use your tool in the simplest and easiest way.
How to open a PEX crimp tool?
Pull the handles of the PEX crimp tool apart to open it. This will create an opening on the tool. Fit the opening on the tool into the crimp/clamp ring.
What is the difference between PEX clamp and PEX crimp?
If you look at these two types of tools, you will notice some differences. First, the PEX crimp tools work only with copper crimp rings. On the other hand, PEX clamp tools work with both copper and stainless-steel clamp rings. More detail about the difference you can read on this article:
How to cut PEX pipe?
Step 1: Cutting down the PEX pipes to the right sizes with PEX Cutter Tool. Step 2: Take the PEX crimp ring or PEX clamp ring and slide them over the ends of the pipes. Step 3: Insert the PEX fittings into the ends of the PEX pipes. Step 4: Slide the rings towards the edge of the PEX pipe.. Step 5: Take out your PEX crimp tool and open it.
What color are PEX pipes?
And understanding the color-coding of the pipes is important. PEX pipes come in three different colors red, blue, and white. The red pipes are for hot water, blue pipes are for cold water and white ones are neutral pipes. That means you can either connect them to hot or cold water.
What does it mean when a ring doesn't fit on a no go slot?
To confirm if you have an excellent seal, use the No-Go slot as well. If the ring doesn’t fit on the No-Go slot, you have a watertight seal or perfect connection.
Can you use Sharkbite to connect PEX pipe?
Alternatively, you can use SharkBite fittings to make super-watertight connections with PEX or copper pipes. Simply push the PEX or copper pipe into this type of fitting and you will be all set. But first, you will need to put the PEX pipe into a SharkBite depth tool.
