PEX tubing looks like the perfect tubing to run a hot water loop to a distant bathroom. I see some very expensive tool to crimp the tubing, using a crimp collar, to the barb. Is there any other way to do this? That is, without buying $100+ is special tools. Will clamps work? Are there any compression fitting that can be used on PEX. Thanks.
Use of PEX tubing
Apr 02, 2005
7 Replies
PEX can be joined with the PEX barbed fittings AND metal rings SS or copper) & a crimper OR wiith PEX doubler rings & an expander tool.
The expander takes advantage of the shape memory of PEX, the ring & crimper you're just squeezing the PEX down over the fitting.
I getting ready to do a repipe, I just bought an expander on Ebay. I haven't got my who repipe system thought out but I guessing that the cimp & expnader methods use different diameter fittings.
The expander & crimpers can be had on Ebay.
Art-
I'm not PEX expert but I've done a lot of reading about it. I getting close to doing a repipe in my own house. Several guys I know really like it & have suggested that I give up on my "old school" love of copper.
this site has the crimp tools & fittings
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this site has both type of tools
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Wirsbo is the leading mfr of this type of tubing, they also make a screw together type of fitting (appears to have some sort of internal compression ring)
If you're only doing a few connections that's probably the way to go.
cheers Bob
The simplest solution is to get your plumbing runs cut and already to put together and then rent a tool for half a day. HD and any plumbing shop have the crimp rings, something like $6.00 a box of 15. The tool will rent for about $15.00. Ask me how I know? Well, my kid asked me to help seal up the bottom of a trailer after a leak and the first thing I did was put a staple into a pex tubing, so I had to repair it.
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