PEX - Using hose clamps - HomeOwnersHub

alvinamorey · 2007-10-22T20:52:02+00:00

OK, I posted about PEX clamping. I made the mistake of stating myopinion about it, which is not in favor of it. Thus the wholediscussion thread went in that direction and the original point of mypost was lost. So, I am posting it again, with the intended question.1. There are two types of PEX Clamping Tools (Crimp Tools) and twotypes of crimp bands being sold. One is just a solid metal ring thatsomehow (magically) shrinks when the tool is applied. The other looksmore like a common auto hose clamp minus the screw, and requires adifferent tool. Which is better?2. Why cant someone just use a common hose clamp? Hose clamps are atad bit more costly for the actual clamp, but the average DIYhomeowner is not going to spend $100 (or even $50) for the tool to doone job. In the end, hose clamps are cheaper if the cost of the toolis included. Better yet, hose clamps are easily removed and replaced.It would seem to me that they would actually be better. I amsurprised they are not just used overall, even by plumbers, with theironly drawback being that stupid homeowners can loosen them and causeproblems. Hose clamps have been used exclusively for undergroundplastic black pipe (I cant recall the type of pipe that is) wherepeople have wells, and they work well. I'm sure that in time there will be cheap generic crimp tools beingsold that only cost $19.99, but even at that, everyone owns ascrewdriver and with hose clamps being readily available, easy toinstall, and much easier to remove than the PEX clamps now being sold,why not just use hose clamps?

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TekkieÃÂ® 11 years ago

snipped-for-privacy@snyder.on.ca posted for all of us...

Claire, most people do not know that a screw hose clamp does not clamp uniformly, hence they use it inappropriately. I always replace OE stuff with like parts.

I had a buddy whose daughter crashed the LeBaron *again* Ran it into a curb. No body damage but half shaft bent. He comes to me and complains the body shop that did the previous repair used an aluminum bolt on the steering column and it broke. He was cursing the shop for shoddy work, etc. Until I explained that bolt was there to mitigate chest injuries and maybe think that the shop saved the girl from more serious possibly fatal injuries.

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jamesgang 11 years ago

On Monday, October 22, 2007 at 4:52:02 PM UTC-4, snipped-for-privacy@notmail.com wrote :

Hose clamps work on thick walled rubber hoses. Hose clamps wouldn't work o n pex. If you have pex plumbing in your house and usually do diy plumbing then buy the tool. Otherwise there are some reusable connectors that work on pex and can be used on "occasional" repairs. They work fine, the only t rouble is they run around $10 a piece.

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mike 11 years ago

I bought the continuous ring crimper to replace my water main. Cost me $50 per crimp. Still not a large part of the cost. One thing to watch out for is clearance. To get enough leverage, I had to dig the pit several feet wider so I could climb down in the hole and hurt myself trying to squeeze the handles in an awkward position. The other type of clamp may not require precise alignment of the tool and work better in tight spaces. Hydraulic crimpers solve the problem.

I wouldn't even think about using screw-type hose clamps. Just compare the cost of a leak in your wall while you're out of town to the cost of doing it right. Decision should be obvious.

You're gonna get the permits and have inspections, right? Inspector probably won't like hose clamps.

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aplumbernamedlee 11 years ago

Now that's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard! It's a damned piece of poly hose! Don't tell anyone what you think...text it for yourselves! Hose clamps don't provide even pressure, Pex is made for a clamp etc. are about as stupid a response and anyone can write! Just put a 10 cent hose clamp on a piece of pex & a elbow fitting and see for yourselves! Any engineer worth a damn will try it and then write about it instead of spouting some inane response about what they think! And in case you're wondering...everyone else all over the world uses hose clamps with pex and has been doing so longer than we've had Pex! Don't forget when pex was introduced here no self respecting plumber would even consider using pex and it was badmouthed from here to Boston!

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clare 11 years ago

An normal hose clamp is barely adequate for a soft hose. A full circle clamp might be acceptable. Full circle hose clamps are available at good automotive supply houses labeled as fuel injection hose clamps.

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wrtennantll 6 years ago

What if you heated the pex before putting on a hose clamp?

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Hawk 6 years ago

For what purpose?

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joerather04 5 years ago

these posts are quite dated and I'm sure sooner or later one of you have likely tested some if not all of these theories....if not, rest easy tonight in the knowledge that I have!

PEX + average run of the mill hose clamps = eventual disastrous consequences.
PEX does not behave like normal rubber or plastic tubing when heat is used on it. Mine became very brittle and unworkable to any successful application.
PEX fittings are pricey but worth every cent in any and all applications I've blindly jumped into thinking I "knew" I could fix without consulting a professional. (push to connect removable are a godsend for ppl like me)
PEX crimp rings are very affordable and the tools are vital if you want peace of mind knowing that line running the length of your home thru thousands of dollars worth of potential "oops" repairs is firmly in place and ain't going anywhere.

I don't think my horror stories are necessary but if needed just shoot me a message lol

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