Any suggestions for a Pex crimper tool .

[andrec999]

Hi,
I am looking to buy a Pex crimper tool for a small plumbing job.
Did anyone ever purchase one on line and have experience with them , have any suggestions on what type or what brand to buy.

 

[nikdfish]

If you are only going to do a couple of connections, you might consider a pex "pocket crimper". They are used in conjunction with a set of vice-grips & require multiple steps w/ adjustments to the vice-grip's tension to complete a crimp. Their main advantages are: price (<$30), versatility (they can do crimps on 1/4", 1/2" & 3/4" fittings) & work space requirements (since they use vice grips, they often fit in areas too confined for traditional 1 stroke crimpers). You can google to find on-line sources or just pick them up at a local Lowes or Home Depot.

I opted for a $80 Kobalt set from Lowes. It was a multi-head, 1 stroke tool that works on all pex sizes w/compression rings. I also ended up also getting the clamp removal tool - it allows re-use of removed fittings. Both tools performed as advertised & were much quicker than using PVC and waiting for solvent welding to cure...

A different option is the use of the cinch clamp tool. It can also be used on all sizes, but uses the cinch-clamp bands instead of compression rings. They run about from about half to the same cost as multi-head tools & the bands they use end up with a small tab sticking out ...

Nick

 

[Kays Supply]

Just a point to keep in mind. I tried the cinch crimp bands. The 4th or 5th one I did broke at the crimp point. I sent all I had back and went with the SS rings that use a tool that puts a double ring crimp. When done the fitting looks like a hydraulic fitting. No issues to date with that system.

 

[mixup]

I purchased a crimper locally from a hardware store.

Brand name is "SIOUX". It has a machined steel head and resin handles.

It can crimp 1/2" or 3/4" and came with a "go / no go" gauge to test each crimp. It has crimped about 600 copper bands and is still very tight and accurate. I think I paid about 80 bucks for it 6 years ago. I bought it to run water lines in some farm buildings, but I have also ran air lines in my shop in Pex, It has worked well for both jobs.

 

[mrcaptainbob]

If this is going to be a one-time-only plumbing job using a crimper, rent it. A local shop rented two sizes for a weekend for $10 each. (Although I am now a believer in the SharkBites.)

 

[studor]

Annoying as it is the pex crimper is still a relatively expensive tool for what it is. For a small job I support the rental or sharkbite route suggested above

 

[woodlandfarms]

We just did our 3rd bathroom remodel in the past two years. This time we used Pex (we had done copper). Wow, way cool stuff.

Our local supply store rented us the tool for 3 days for $10. I wanted to buy but it just doesn't make sense. Sharkbites have not worked perfectly for us but it probably is user error.

 

[ronjhall]

My RV plumbing is done with PEX. Purchased a crimp tool and a selection of rings off EBAY. LOWES has them also. Both Lowes and HD have the SS rings.

 

[SpringHollow]

Those pocket crimpers are great. I have done hundreds of connections with them. They take longer but get into tight places. I have never had a connection leak (same for sharkbites). They are so inexpensive now, i would buy those instead of renting if i were a home owner. I have one size of the regular crimpers and a significant percentage of the time, i would have to change how i ran the tubing in order to use them.

Ken

 

[thatguy]

Depending on the size of the job (ie number of crimp) the pocket crimper would be a good value... BUT for a $10 rental fee a regular crimper is a great deal..

I did a small project with Pex and was able to borrow a tool from a retired plumber.. I used the copper rings and only had one 'leak' because we got the ring across a barb on the fitting.. BUT otherwise we had about 20 crimps without any other issues..

There is a guy on Ebay that makes/sells crimpers that will crimp 2 sizes of the copper rings.. IIRC it is about $50 - which is a good price IF you want to own your own tool..

good luck

b