While doing plumbing work, especially while working with PEX pipes, you must ensure that you do all the work neatly. It should be leakage-free and leak-proof. Even a small leak can not only cause a lot of loss of water, but it might also damage other items surrounding it. That would cause a lot of harm to the structure and bases of most homes. Water can be one of the most dangerous and deadly things that can damage a constructed material.
For creating the tightest seals in PEX pipes, one needs tools. The best tool suitable for this job is the PEX crimp tool. It is easy to use and gives quick results. The most convenient and efficient way to tighten the seals and make it leak-free is using a PEX crimp tool.
Pex is a unique type of tubing it tends to resist freeze breakage just because it is plastic and can expand a little bit. As far as installation speed it’s very fast very durable and it’s pretty simple. If you’ve never done this before, I recommend giving this awesome stuff a try.
I’ve done a lot of this and what’s nice about this is even if the water is on as long as the pressure is off on the other side the water is going through you can repair it right while it’s so on. All you gonna need is some crimping rings, some couplings, a cutter, and a PEX crimping tool.
This is a really fast and simple method of installing and repairing pipes. All you need to do is once you get the length that you need and you just cut it, put couplings and crimp it. That’s all! The most significant advantage of using a PEX crimp tool is that it seals the entire body of a crimp band and not just the tab. Having a PEX crimp tool will ensure that there will be no leakage while fitting and working with PEX pipes in the PEX plumbing system.
Finding the best PEX crimp tool is difficult. People usually waste a lot of money buying many PEX crimping tools to find the one that works best for them and is suitable for their home or workplace setup. We formulated the following list to let you know that you don’t have to waste one more penny on tools that aren’t worth the money. We will show you which tools are best to buy when you’re searching for PEX crimp tools.
See all the PEX crimpers that are worth your money and which can provide you the best quality service when you need it, wherever you need it. We will also reveal the top pick along with the reason that made it earn that tag. So, let’s get to reading all about PEX crimp tools so you will have a better understanding and a greater overview when you’re out there searching for the ideal tools!
PEX Crimp Tools Comparison Chart
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best Choice 
| IWISS FA1807 - Heavy Duty PEX Crimp Tool
| Read Review |
Also Great 
| SharkBite 23251 - PEX Crimp Tool for F1807
| Read Review |
Best Price 
| IWISS KG1096 - PEX Clamp Cinch Tool
| Read Review |
Best Set 
| IWISS 1234W - Angle Head PEX Crimp Tool
| Read Review |
1. IWISS FA1807 – Best PEX Crimp Tool
While searching for the best PEX crimp tool, this stood out to be the best one. It is made according to USA guidelines for these products. If you need a versatile all-in-one type of PEX crimp tool, IWISS FA1807 might be the best option for you.
This crimp tool can help you in with plumbing renovation at your house. It undoubtedly makes tasks easier, as well. Moreover, it comes with a case and is easy to carry. You can also expect this product to serve you for a long time.
The combination of an built-in crimper with three interchangeable jaws provides plumbing installation with different sizes. All jaws are well polished, which provides durability and security during operations. It is small, but the box contains all the tools you need to assist your plumbing needs. When you order this product you’ll get a bonus PEX pipe cutter and removal tool. I just did the client’s bathroom with this stuff and it’s not that picky. And I did not have any leaks after I pressurize the lines so this is a great tool and you know everybody knows when they’re doing plumbing that IWISS are not extremely expensive.
Features:
- Built-in one-inch crimper with three interchangeable jaws for regular size plumbing installation
- Crimp ring removal tool to remove ½ inch and 1-inch copper ring
- Dimensions: 19.13 x 8.66 x 2.6 inches
- Weight: 5.7 pounds
- Standard: ASTM F1807
- Size: 1″, 3/8″,1/2″, 3/4″
- Material: High-quality carbon steel
Pros:
- All jaws are polished to provide reliable compression without damaging the fittings
- Secure to operate due to well-polished tools
- Durable with a life of ten years if used properly
- Four sizes available in one set at an economical price
- Built as per ASTM F1807 standards
- Easy to carry
Cons:
- Might not work efficiently with smaller tools
2. SharkBite 23251 – Best PEX Crimp Tool for ASTM F1807
- Standard: ASTM F1807
- Size: 1/2, 3/4
- Material: Durable steel
Sharkbite 23251 is also manufactured according to US guidelines and standards. It comes in two different sizes with one tool and no interchangeable dies. It is a lightweight piece of equipment that you can carry with ease and comfort.
This PEX crimp tool is a preferable choice for plumbing projects at home with PEX and copper pipes, and you will undoubtedly find it to be useful. It is healthy and safe since it does not require any glue, solvents, and solder. Thus, it keeps the dangerous chemicals outside of the plumbing system and ensures a risk-free working experience.
It also prevents fire hazards as it does not need any fire or flame to work with. The particles of copper do not enter the water stream and provide healthy water without copper contamination. It is versatile, and you can use it for both wet and dry systems. People often use it for its benefits, even besides the crimping tools.
Features:
- Go/no-go gauge
- Includes unique push-to-connect technology
- Performance certificate of 200 PSI and 200-degree Fahrenheit
- Dimensions: 16.75 x 5 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 3.15 pounds
- Standard: ASTM F1807
- Size: 1/2″, 3/4″
- Material: Durable steel
Pros:
- Protects from fire hazards because it eliminates the need for an open flame to operate
- Works equally for PEX pipes in both wet and dry connections
- No risk of copper traces in the water
- Flexible, reliable, and easy to install
- Cost-effective with a variety of tools
- Push-to-connect technology makes the process quick and easy
Cons:
- Unable to work for high compression loads
- No interchangeable dies
3. IWISS KG1096 – Best PEX Clamp Cinch Tool
- Standard: ASTM F2098
- Size: 1, 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4
- Material: Metal
IWISS KG1096 is an efficient clamp and cinch tool which works for multiple purposes. It is a universal tool for motorcycles, yachts, and fuel lines and gives durable and professional PEX clamping operations. Additionally, it provides high precision in operation because the internal teeth are processed with wire EDM cutting.
The precision of this tool makes it valuable and up there on the market. You can use it with ASTM F2098 stainless steel clamps of any make. Additionally, it works with clamps that are 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1-inch in size. It’s comfortable to operate since it has a rubber-coated handle.
While working with IWISS KG1096, the clamp should be of the material and dimensions as prescribed. The surface should be free from any dust and particles for effective operations. If you need a professional clamp tool, then IWISS KG1096 might be an option you want to consider.
Features:
- Factory adjusted calibration
- Rubber-coated handle
- Dimensions: 12.56 x 9.72 x 1.22 inches
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Standard: ASTM F2098
- Size: 1″, 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″
- Material: High-quality steel
Pros:
- Durable due to integrated mechanical property of steel, also rust protected
- Long service life
- High precision level with reliable cinch results
- Comfortable usage due to the rubber-coated handle
- Ratchet safety-function gives fast installation
Cons:
- Spring can break
- Costlier compared to other tools
4. IWISS 1234W – Best Angle Head PEX Crimp Tool
- Standard: ASTM F1807
- Size: 1/2, 3/4, 1/2, 3/4
- Material: High carbon steel
IWISS 1234W has a design with an angled type head and foldable handles. These are a great solution to solve your plumbing renovation issues when there is a pipe installation problem for confined or hard-to-reach places. The angle-type head design helps to give access to the pipes in narrow or cramped spaces.
The jaws of the crimp are factory adjusted and come with the notch to perform calibration later after a long time of using the tool. So even if the tool loses tension, you are easily able to fix it back to its original form and have it work flawlessly.
The plumbing tool has a scientific locator that gives precision to fix the metallic crimp with high accuracy. It is an effective pipe fitting tool, which works on drinking water systems, heating systems, and sewerage pipe systems.
Features:
- Angle-type head design
- Foldable handles
- Well polished jaws
- Dimensions: 15.35 x 4.33 x 1.42 inches
- Weight: 2.65 pounds
- Colors: Red and black
- Standard: ASTM F1807
- Size: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1/2″, 3/4″
- Material: High carbon steel
Pros:
- Pipe installation in confined places is easy due to the angled head
- You can save labor by utilizing the foldable handles for easy crimping
- Reliable and damage-free pipe connections due to polished jaws
- Scientific locator on crimper prevents damage to the copper rings
- Factory adjusted crimper that supports calibration after long usage
- Its build ensures that it is easy to use
Cons:
- Requires high force to close handles for crimp fitting
- Straight handles are more useful in some cases
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best PEX Crimping Tool
When it comes to using tools, different types of sealing jobs need slightly different types of PEX crimpers. In the above list, we have mentioned PEX crimp tools, which are compatible for multiple purposes. Just as different plumbing jobs are there, varying plumbing systems and requirements require different models and styles of various tools.
One such tool is the PEX crimper. Various sizes, shapes, and lengths of the PEX crimping tool are available. Each difference in its size, length, and design causes a difference in performance. The small PEX crimp tools have their own function, and the larger size has its own usage.
Similarly, different designs have different functionalities. These small variations can have a bigger impact and may facilitate the job you want to perform. The following list will let you know about the different things you can check out before making a selection for your preferred PEX crimping tool.
First of all, you need to understand what work you need to do. Then, you should know which PEX pipe size you are working with. Do you need it for plumbing work at home or commercial use?
Tool Length
It doesn’t matter what type of tool it is; tool length always matters. And when it comes to PEX crimp tools, tool length has undeniable importance. Every type of task needs a different PEX crimp tool length. Depending on the pipes that you need to crimp, the PEX tool is available in various sizes just as required.
You have to decide whether you will use the PEX crimp tool in a household setup or a commercial setup. You must know if you need a tool that can reach distant places or simply a tool that will reach pipes that are closer. The PEX tool and its variations in handle length will surely do the job for you. It is available in both long handle varieties and shorter ones to facilitate any job requirement.
Clasp Sizes
Various plumbing works and PEX pipes need different clasp sizes. Luckily, PEX crimping tools are available with varying sizes of clasps. The clasps allow you to secure the tool around the pipe. The right clasp will allow for a better crimp job – the better the fit, the tighter the seal.
Normally, PEX crimping tool clasps are between the sizes of 1/4 inch to 1 inch to cover most pipes with varying diameters. This range will also help you best select the tool you most need. You have to see where you need the PEX crimps for.
If you need it for home purposes, you will need a specific size. Similarly, suppose you need it for commercial work. In that case, you need a wider variety of clasp sizes to ensure that the PEX crimp tool can fit into PEX pipes of all sizes.
All in all, there is a wide variety for you to choose from that will get the job done without a hassle.
Calibration
With long-time usage, PEX crimpers may become stretched out or lose their original size or shape. You must buy a tool that allows you to calibrate it to fit onto the pipe securely. Different tools are also available for this purpose to aid you in making sure your PEX crimp tools will remain working for a long time.
Some PEX crimp tools already come with a calibration tool in the package of PEX crimp tools. Meanwhile, for others, you need to buy a separate calibration tool according to your PEX crimp tool and its specific requirements, if there are any. There is no use of a PEX crimp tool if it isn’t calibrated.
So, making sure that you have a calibrated device can be as important as the selection of the device itself. A calibrated PEX crimp tool ensures that the seals will be leak-free and tight.
Gauges
This is a very special feature that is only available on select PEX tools. The feature lets you know whether a particular PEX tool will work on the size/diameter of the pipe you are working with or not. It will help save your time and money on buying tools that won’t help you. Rather, you will make sure you get the exact tool you’re looking for.
This feature does bring ease to the customer; however, it is only available on a few select PEX crimping tools. Investing in one won’t do you any wrong! Such a tool would help you out in the long run, and it will also last for a long time.
Ease of Use
Plumbing is already a complex, intricate job. You should bring ease to yourself by selecting tools that will help you out rather than making you struggle even more. As PEX crimping tools are available in different sizes and models, you have a variety to choose from. Select what you think will work the best for you or for the tasks you regularly perform. But always ensure that they are easy to use.
A simple tool is easily able to do the job for you. There is no need for very fancy or convoluted assemblies if a simpler model can do your work. However, depending on your task, you might need certain tools that deviate from this thinking. But it’s better to see the simplest options first before moving onto bulkier or complex tools.
How To Calibrate Your Ratchet Clamp Tool
After being used a couple of times your ratchet clamps will probably start to lose their calibration and the jaw and the gap between the jaws will start to grow. The perfect gap length between your jaw gap should be about 1.3 millimeters. Every ratchet clamp tool comes with a gauge to let you know how close the gap in between the jaws is. See the video for full information.
FAQs
Can I crimp PEX pipes with pliers?
You can use any crimping tool that is suitable for the job. PEX pipes require specific tools, and a PEX crimping tool would come in handy for you to achieve the desired result. The aim is to make sure that the seals are tight and leak-free while also ensuring ease of use.
You must also be able to ascertain whether or not the pipes are well connected. You can do this with all types of crimping tools, including pliers. So, to state this simply, you can crimp a PEX pipe with pliers.
How do you adjust a PEX crimping tool?
When you use a PEX tool for a long time, it can get stretched out or lose tension and won’t fit well onto the pipes anymore. This causes issues with the crimping process. You can easily recorrect the tool by calibrating it or using other adjustment methods and gauges that will help restore your tool’s function.
Gauges will help you avoid using the tool on pipes that are not of the suitable diameter or out of the capacity of your tool. The calibrating tool may come in the package with the PEX crimp tool, or sometimes, you might need to buy it separately. But whatever the case may be, calibration is simple and straightforward using this calibration tool. It ensures an easy fix for your crimping tool.
Where is PEX not allowed?
You shouldn’t use PEX in residentials, where hot water comes out of the water heater. That is what I’ve been told by people who claim to know about PEX plumbing systems. They say you should lay down a minimum of three feet of copper first and then switch to PEX there or later. It seems they are concerned about the connection with the water heater, leaving PEX permanently heated by its contact with the water heater.
Suppose 140-degree hot water was too hot for PEX to handle safely in the long term. In that case, after it cools off for three feet, its temperature still won’t drop by much, making it hot and a hazard regardless.
PEX is not allowed or used in commercial, residential, or industrial buildings where there is a risk for fire. Other issues that you might encounter might be related to architecture preferences as well as areas and codes. Normally, people will lay down copper pipes first before continuing with PEX to avoid troubles with fires. Simply, PEX is not able to handle the heat in the long term, and it retains this heat for long periods as well.
Final Thoughts
After a long discussion about which PEX crimp tools give the most value for money as well as what are the features to consider while buying a PEX crimp tool, we have come to a conclusion.
The top tool on the list overall is the IWISS FA1807. This PEX crimp tool is the best when it comes to tasks; why? The answer is that it is an all-around, durable, functional, easy-to-use, and multi-purpose plumbing tool. Three interchangeable jaws/clasps have made this possible. It also has a crimp ring removal tool that can remove variable-sized copper rings: ½ inch and 1-inch copper rings. It is also very stylish and attractive-looking as it comes in a combination of two colors, blue and black. The construction material is also of very high quality. It is durable, high-quality carbon steel.
You can go through the list and choose the ideal option according to your needs and requirements. Be sure to read through our buying guide, which should help you narrow down the choices further according to the features you need in your crimp tool.
Now that you have read the whole article about the best PEX crimpers, which PEX crimp tool have you decided to buy, and which one suits your plumbing work more? Let us know in the comment section below.
Just Read: Benefits and Disadvantages of PEX Plumbing. PEX vs Copper vs CPVC
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