Best Overall
Iwiss ICrimp F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
Runner-Up
Plumbflex Crimper Tool Kit
Best Bang for the Buck
Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX Cinch Tool Kit
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PEX ( cross - join polyethylene ) tube is widely used in today ’s plumbery and HVAC system because it ’s flexible and easy to exercise with if you have in high spirits - quality PEX crimptools . We researched more than 20 PEX hair curler , and we chose four for hand - on examination . While all performed well , our favorite is theIwiss iCrimp F1807 kitfor its lastingness and multipurpose versatility .
In addition to the ones we try out , we ’re have several additional PEX piping tool that we finger would be undecomposed plectrum for anyoneworking with PEX tubing . Keep reading to find out what to reckon for when shop for tools for PEX plumbing system , and find out how the followers earn a spot on this lineup of the adept PEX crimp tool .
Product Comparison
Our Top Picks
The best PEX flexure tools on the market place are made with effectivity , ergonomics , and easiness of enjoyment in judgement . Check out our lean of the ones we essay plus some additional models we think look great .
Iwiss iCrimp F1807 All-In-One Crimping Tool Kit
Our evaluation : easiness of Use4.5/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value5/5
If you ’ll be install a lot of PEX , this Iwiss iCrimp kit has everything you need in one place . The outfit comes with a roller ; jaw for ⅜- , ½- , ¾- , and 1 - inch pipe ; solar apex pipecutter ; and a crimp - remotion tool . It also features a go / no - go gauge and a twist for calibrating the crimper . We liked the elbow room all the tools outfit nicely into the included hard plastic carrying subject for protection .
The Iwiss PEX crimping tool outfit is easy to use . We were able to switch jaw when we were crimping different sizes of tube . The retentive handles make applying sufficient force for crimping relatively easy , but it still demand some script strong point to crimp the ring snugly . The include go / no - go caliber is a definite perquisite .
After crimping a annulus on a PEX trying on , we used the gauge to see if we ’d frizzle it accurately . The remotion tool made it gentle to shorten through incorrectly fitting crimp ring , and the cutter was a gracious bonus because it ensured moneyed tubing edges that fit smoothly against the shoulders of the bull fittings . This outfit give you everything you need to run PEX tube .
Get the Iwiss iCrimp F1807 all - in - one PEX crimp tool atAmazon .
Runner-up
Our rating : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4.8/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value5/5
The Plumbflex PEX crimper is suitable for employment with ½- and ¾-inch tubing , the most rough-cut sizes used in residential construction . This clamp - character puppet performed cleanly in our tests . We used it to confiscate stainless steel duck soup clinch to both size of PEX tubing , and the fitting were cozy and safe . Plus , it fare with 50 clamps of each size , so we had plenty to screen with .
It does n’t add up with a go / no - go tool , but you’re able to cull one up for under $ 10 from any home advance store . We used one of the go / no - go tools that came with another model we test , and each clamp we practice was right on object .
One of the benefit of a PEX clamp tool ( including this one ) over a traditional crimp tool is the ability to attain into tight spots because there ’s no need to spread the handles as far . We tried out the Plumbflex on a few cinch ring we had from a different manufacturer , and it work just as well .
Another perk is the PEX cutter that comes with the clinch tool . It cut the tubing straight and flush so the bound fit smoothly against the shoulder of the brass crimp fitting . If you wo n’t be set up narrow ⅜-inch or larger 1 - inch tubing , the Plumbflex is a quality pick .
Get the Plumbflex PEX crimp tool atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Best Bang For The Buck
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.5/5;Performance4.5/5 ; Durability4.5/5 ; Value4.8/5
If you ’re looking for a budget - friendly tool for securing stainless brand cinch pack , attend no further than the iCrimp PEX cinch tool . This clinch cincher works for any sizing PEX and comes with 30 clamp , so you’re able to get begin right aside . It performed well in our tests , but it took a bit more bridge player strength to entirely snug the cinch rings than the Plumbflex model .
Still , it did a good job and comes with a top - notch PEX cutter . The only downside was that the removal feature of the tool did n’t exercise well for us . We observe the instructions for adjusting the tool from the clamping feature to the removal feature ( which requires about five steps ) , and then we tried to cut the tab , but all we got were smashed tabs . Maybe we did n’t do it correct ( that ’s likely ) , but it seems like a complex operation and simpler to just habituate a consecrated remotion instrument .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
One extra thing to note is that the iCrimp child’s play tool can not be calibrated . However , we found it well graduate right out of the package , and it should be all right for nail most PEX plumbery labor . This cock permit you make eminent - lineament connector at an affordable price decimal point .
Get the Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX crimp tool atAmazon .
Best Multipurpose
SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool
Our Ratings : Ease of Use4.8/5;Performance5/5 ; Durability5/5 ; Value4.8/5
We ’re big fans of traditional push - to - colligate SharkBite fitting , so we were excited to test the sword ’s crimper instrument and were n’t disappointed . At just under 4 pounds , the SharkBite crimper is one of the heavier PEX bathymetry tools we tested , but it did a spectacular job of creating a strong connexion each time .
We tested it with stainless steel crimp rings , but it ’s also designed to adapt copper crimper rings . Changing jaw on the SharkBite was mere , and it comes with a go / no - go gauge so we could check each ring after frizzle to ensure it was right . It perform flawlessly .
Photo: Amazon
The SharkBite comes complete with a mini hard case that secures the gauge and the jaws , and it fits over the read/write head of the PEX pipe crimping prick . We actually favour this type of case because it does n’t take up a lot of distance in our shaft boxful , and we can even slip it in atool belt . The mini case protects the working share of the tool and keep the accessories untroubled .
However , it does n’t come with a removal tool and is not design for use in restricted spots — its handles must be altogether opened ( about 180 degrees ) to crimp a ring . However , it bring off all standard PEX sizes , and the ergonomic handgrip deoxidise hand fatigue .
Get the SharkBite PEX crimp cock atLowe ’s .
Photo: The Home Depot
More Great Options
While we did n’t personally test the espouse PEX plumbing crimpers , they were on our unforesightful list before we selected the ones we want to test — and they ’re still among our top picks .
Best Compact
Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX Copper Ring Crimp Tool Kit
We know it can be toughened to find a compact PEX hair curler that fits in atool boxbut still provide the leverage required to seal off a PEX joint . But if you ’re expect for just that kind of item , moderate out the Iwiss IWS - FAS PEX crimping tool . This roller uses a gamey - leverage design that allows the drug user to put on enough pressure for a perfect sealskin despite its heavyset 12.2 - column inch design .
This PEX crimping outfit is more than just an innovative prick . We like that it do with the jaws required for kink ⅜- , ½- , ¾- , and 1 - inch pipe , plus a PEX cutting tool , a go / no - go calibre , and a hard plastic caseful to contain it all . That ’s a pile !
Get the Iwiss iCrimp IWS - FAS PEX crimp peter atAmazonorWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best Multisize Head
Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit
For a heavy - duty crimping instrument that can undertake mostPEX tubingplumbing project , we call back the Apollo PEX multihead crimp tool kit is worth a look . This peter outfit comes with the crimper , four circle of jaws ( ⅜- , ½- , ¾- , and 1 - inch sizes ) , a go / no - go gauge , and a wrench for adjustments and calibration . The jaw swap out with two hex thunderbolt , which the admit wrench also fits .
The Apollo provides stack of purchase for sealing off plumbing joints , respectable for make up to 100 dog pound of force . The component pack nicely into the plastic carrying grammatical case , keeping everything secure and in one place between projects . The only affair we would like it to admit is a PEX ship’s boat to make straight flush cut .
Get the Apollo PEX crimp tool atAmazon , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Lowe’s
Best For Tight Spaces
Iwiss iCrimp Angle Head F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
One advantage thatPEX fitting have over Cu pipingis that in - wall repairs in tight spaces are much easy and safer , but they can still be challenging to reach and crape . This merchandise ’s unique offset printing - header design allows the drug user to get a grasp on any ½- or ¾-inch crimp , even in heavy - to - reach piazza . We think this would be optimum for renovations where the user is retrofit the plumbing system .
This outfit ’s roller comes with build up - in jaws for ½- and ¾-inch pipe , as well as a tube cutter and several fold rings . It also has a go / no - go gauge , alarm the user to standardisation issues and possible leaks . All of this gear stores away in a hard plastic carrying case . While we did n’t try this model , we ’re familiar with many Iwiss iCrimp PEX plumbing tools , and we ’ve never had a problem with any of them .
Get the Iwiss iCrimp slant principal PEX flexure peter atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Best Professional
Milwaukee M18 Press Tool Kit With PEX Crimp Jaws
We ’re well aware that using a manual PEX fold prick all day can lead in hand pain . While we ’ve never used a powered crimp tool , we remember the engineering is awe-inspiring and we ’re looking forwards to find more manufacturer implement it in the penny-pinching future .
Milwaukee ’s muscular 18 - V press tool kit is the answer many professionals prefer . Spring - loaded jaw provide accurate coalition for flawless fitting of all PEX crimp sizes . According to Milwaukee , this tool is 40 per centum quicker than powered rival , with a full wheel taking just 3 moment .
Optimized force out mean no calibration intervals interrupt study , and no calibration tool is required . A pre - press battery confirmation ensures sufficient charge to complete the crimp successfully , and a green light-emitting diode confirm this at the end of the cycle . However , there ’s no carver in the kit , and while three sets of jaws are included , the ⅜- and ⅝-inch rendering be superfluous .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Milwaukee PEX bend dick atThe Home DepotorAmazon .
Also Consider
Iwiss iCrimp IWS-C Angle PEX Crimping Tools
Occasionally , plumbing projects and stamping ground get so soaked and restricted that they require scaled - down tools to get the business done . For projects like those , we like the iCrimp slant PEX plication tool jazz group . This two - pack of PEX crimping shaft features a ½-inch crimp and a ¾-inch model , plus a PEX tube cutter , both sized to easy go in a received tool box .
These PEX crimping peter can meet in some tight spot thanks to their compact size and diam - dedicated jaw . Unlike many other crimp tools , both of these tool come from the manufactory precalibrated . If you ’re looking at defecate water - supplying credit line repairs or retrofit , we mean this is a good plectrum for aim in those tight dapple .
Get the Iwiss iCrimp IWS - C angle PEX crimp tool atAmazon .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best PEX Crimp Tools
Before selecting the dick we wanted to test , we chatted with Korey Gregory , superintendent at water damage specialistsASAP Restorationin Tempe , Arizona . He stresses that “ ineffective PEX flexure tool do n’t create a tight enough seal around the ring . ”
We then extensively explore and prefer to screen PEX crimp tools made for PEX A , B , or C with crimps or clamps to suit individual drug user ’ preferences . We selected models for various PEX tubing sizes , including ⅜- , ½- , ¾- , and 1 - inch sizes . Several of our picks make out fromIwiss , a leading maker of eminent - quality crimping tools .
In actual testing , we used each tool to securely tie rings or clamps to PEX appointment . We swapped out the jaws ( when applicable ) and used the accessories that came with the tools to see how well they were made . We used go / no - go gage to determine whether the crimping creature were guarantee the fixing to the correct degree .
Photo: The Home Depot
During the tests , we awarded point based on a gloss . Afterward , we averaged the points to witness our top woof and categorize the other models accord to their best role .
What to Consider When Choosing a PEX Crimp Tool
Gregory offers some extra good advice : “ One of the ways to ensure that you get a quality crimper is to choose unity with foresighted handgrip rather than shorter ones . Longer handles assist to give you leverage when doing the actual crimping . ” He add together , “ If you are starting a plumbing business sector , have wrist problems , or just a huge number of PEX bend to do , then a powered PEX crimper tool might be worth the investing . ”
Types of PEX Crimp Tools
PEX is a flexible tubing that can channelize fresh water system , hot water , beaming warming , and even sprinkler - system water , take in it very popular in residential applications .
These plastic pipes all work the same way , and most of the same joints will apply for all three types . However , their makeup and characteristics vary . One matter to understand is that PEX A , B , and nose candy do not indicate a level or quality of PEX piping . Those designations simply indicate the manufacture cognitive operation used to make the tube .
PEX A is the most expensive type of PEX , and it has some desirable properties . For one , even though it comes in roll coils , PEX A will carry its unexampled physical body when straighten , making it easier to set up through wall cavities and floors . However , PEX A does have the potential to strip more production - connect chemical substance , like toluene and methyl tert - butyl ether ( MTBE ) , into the water supply . Also , it has a lower bursting imperativeness than PEX B.
Photo: Amazon
PEX B can cost one-half as much as PEX A , and that price comes with some advantage and disadvantage . PEX B has a higher bursting pressure sensation than PEX A , and chemical substance leaching from the pipe is well less likely . However , it does n’t straighten well and it kink up comparatively easily , which can make it a moment of a hassle to install .
PEX C is n’t very mutual , and DIYers are unlikely to come across it . The manufacturing mental process used to make PEX C pass water it relatively weakly compared to PEX A and B. It ’s also less resistive to oxidation , meaning PEX C will wear down through normal usance quicker than A and B.
Crimps vs. Clamps
When shoppers are learning about PEXplumbing tools , a key point is that there arecrimpsandclamps .
Length
For put unassailable force per unit area on a crimp , longer handles are beneficial . The longer the pecker ’s handle , the more leverage the drug user can employ to the bend or clinch , requiring less effort to create a perfect seal . Look for a pipe crimping tool at least 11 inches in duration . Since longer - handled PEX pipage tools can be slightly awkward , they might have more of a learning curve than shorter - handled ones .
Clamps tend to be easier to stop up and require less effort , so handle length is n’t as much of a priority .
Weight
Plumbers and linesman who use these tools regularly will want to await for option between 1 and 9 pounds ; most options weigh under 4 pounds . However , heavyweight options may provide more crimping power than their light counterparts .
Pipe
Before pick a crimping or clamp tool , know what type of pipe it puzzle out for . While many eccentric of clamp and frizz tools form for plumbing joints , not all of them puzzle out for PEX organ pipe .
Some tools work for both copper andPEX pipe , but they generally ask additional jaw or PEX crimp fittings . purchasing theoretical account with contribute characteristic can get expensive quickly , but for those who do a mint of plumbing , it might be worth the investment to be able to perform multiple bathymetry role with a individual tool . flip a accommodation on a clamping tool take less metre than sweating a fuzz joint with flux and solder .
Capacity
Do n’t worry about choosing the PEX crease tool that is the right sizing . Because PEX comes in only a few sizes—⅜ , ½ , ¾ , ⅝ , and 1 inch — mostclamping or crimping toolsmade for PEX will do . Swapping between those sizes is usually pretty straightforward .
Electrical and plumbery crimping instrument typically have 1 - inch jaws that can kink 1 - inch pipe , but their kits come with small jaws for tackling smaller pipes . To clamp those modest pipe , simply open up the 1 - column inch jaws and luxate the necessary - sizing clamping jaws inside .
Clamping tool are often one size fits all . They slip over the knob on the clinch and crush it , and those knobs are relatively universal in size of it .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Gauge
The point of any plumbing job is to forefend leaks . With PEX crimps , it can be difficult to tell by eye or feel if there ’s a good sealskin . Some tools come with go / no - go gauges to help ensure each accommodation is tightly seal .
These bore have U - shaped cutouts meant for specific pipage sizes . To habituate a go / no - go gauge , skid it over the joint . Check it from several angles . The gauge should splay over the crimp about halfway before stopping . If it slides over the crimp — or not at all — the marijuana cigarette may have problems when pressurized .
Calibration
Over sentence , clamping and crimping tools can fall out of perfect standardisation . Applying pressure many times throughout a bathymetry project can stretch the jaws , in which case they ’ll need a small tightening .
Most PEX crimp and clamp instrument have adjustment screws , and they often arrive with the wrenches call for to constrain them . apply these to tighten the creature back to the idealistic preferences . Many have adjustment on both jaws , reserve for calibrating to a absolutely round final result .
The gauge can also determine if the jaw are overtightened , which can just as easily conduce to a leak .
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
Removal Function
Many of the best PEX clamp shaft have remotion functions for separating clinch from the pipe . Do n’t expect to reuse these clamps or crimps , though , as the removal process either cuts them or damages their integrity . However , the fitting underneath should be altogether intact .
Removing crimps ask an entirely unlike pecker with a vane for cut through the crimp hoop .
FAQs
PEX B is considered the best all - around PEX pipe . It leaches far fewer chemical and has a higher bursting pressure . The disadvantage is that it can be voiceless to work with .
They can fail , but it ’s usually due to human error . If the clamp is implement crookedly or unevenly , it will leak . To insure that the clamps stay in plaza , check that the clinch or child’s play eccentric is compatible with the pipe being cinched .
you may not get a solid , accurate , leak - complimentary joint withpliers , which ca n’t apply even press all around the crimp . Though this can aid with some of the more nitty - gritty problems , a proper PEX pipe crimping tool is the practiced option .
PEX can race through level joist , stud wall , or almost anywhere else that would commonly hold plumbing system ( according to local codification ) .
PEX should not extend directly to an electric or tankless water fastball , but it can run to a copper riser 18 inches or more in length , come directly from the water heater . But be apprise that the PEX tubing must be 6 inches away from the exhaust fumes vent of the warmer .
PEX may be capable to last more than 100 age . While it has n’t been around long enough to verify that seniority , retentive - term examination indicate it could last a century before violate down . However , it ’s important to note thathungry rodentscan also cause hurt .
Typically , you will constrict the roller handle until they ’re to the full closed . At that point , the crease is consummate . Do n’t stop squeezing before the handle are closed or the connection may leak .
PEX should be crimped or clamped at each meet , but it should only take one substantial squeeze of the handles to complete the plication if the peter is properly calibrated .
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and author specializing in the grammatical construction , remodeling , and real estate industries .
extra research provided by Tom Scalisi .
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