Which PEX Crimp Rings are Best?

While shopping for a PEX crimp tool, bothj at local stores and online, I have found there are two types of crimp rings. There are the staniless steel ones that appear to be more expensive, but look to be more adjustible. Then there are the solid copper rings, which are cheaper.

The price difference is not huge between the rings, so I am open to either type. My preference is more which based on which type of ring works best, and is the easiest to apply without a lot of defective crimps and thus loss. Also is the cost of the tool.

I'll be only doing one job on my own home, to replace all the old pipes, but I may need the tool in the future. Renting the tool is not an option at $8 per day, and I dont want ot have to rush to do the job in one day either. So, I'd rather spend the money to buy the tool. However, i first have to decide which type of crimp ring to use. It appears taht all the tools are either for one type or the other, not both.

Also to consider is which ring is easier to remove, if I make a bad connection or want to modify something. I have seen they sell removal tools also, but I'd rather not have to buy yet another tool for a one time use, if I can remove a ring with a tin snips or other common tool.

I'll be using both 1/2" and 3/4" so I want a tool for both.

What is my best choice?

Thanks.

Reply to
Caulking-Gunn
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I prefer the copper rings and seemed to have less problems in getting them on correctly the first time. When planning the layout consider where the crimp tool can go in the proper crimping position without a lot of trouble and a lot of your problems will be solved. If you do mess up one of the rings, a dremel tool with cutting disk and a very light touch will remove it in no time and not damage the pex. Good luck and definitely plan your layout in advance.

Reply to
NamPhong

Hi, Ring crimp lasts long time for sure.

Reply to
Tony Hwang

When I bought a new house that was all PEX, I needed to do a plumbing modification. I really didn't like the pinch-type rings, although they probably work well. The good thing about them is 1 tool fits all. As for the copper rings, I only found one tool where one size fits all, and that's a "pocket crimper" made for getting in tight spaces. I bought one for about $25 and have used it on 1/2" and 3/4" PEX. It's certainly not as convenient as the normal tool but it works for the few jobs I have done. You must use a pair of vice grips to provide the crimping force. But that was 4 years ago and maybe there is a nice crimping tool available for multiple sizes ... I haven't checked recently.

Reply to
Art Todesco

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