Quick and Easy Introduction to PEX Tools

PEX installation, be it either for heating or plumbing, requires a special set of tools.  PEX tools are used to connect tubing to manifolds, fittings, other PEX tubing, as well as to attach and mount the pipe to the floor, slab and other surfaces.   Tool specifications and compatibility may vary by brands.

Crimp tool

A crimp tool is used to make copper crimp ring connections.  Once a ring is placed over the tube, a crimp tool squeezes the ring, making a strong tube-to-fitting connection.  Crimp tools come in different crimp jaw sizes, as well as combination sets. Some sets also come with interchangeable crimp jaws.

Crimp tool kit

A PEX crimp tool kit contains all of the components required for crimping, and usually includes a carrying case, a crimp tool with interchangeable crimp jaws of different sizes, a Go/No-Go Gauge, a wrench to change jaws, bolts, as well as an instruction manual.

Pocket crimper

A pocket crimper is used to make a copper crimp ring connection.  Made to be compact, it does not come with a set of handles, therefore another tool (such as a pair of pliers) needs to be used to apply leverage when crimping a ring.  Each pocket crimper is made to fit various ring sizes.

Go/No-Go Gauge

A Go/No-Go Gauge is used to test crimp connections by sliding the crimped ring into “Go” and “No Go” sides of the gauge.  A good crimping connection must be able to slip into the “Go” side of the gauge and not be able to enter the “No-Go” side. 

Clamp Tool (Cinch tool)

A clamp tool makes connections by tightening the stainless cinch clamps around the tubes.  A clamp tool is compatible with all PEX types (PEX-a, PEX-b & PEX-c) and sizes (3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1”).

Pipe Cutter

A pipe Cutter is a scissor-like tool designed to easily cut tubing of various sizes.

Decrimping Tool

A decrimping Tool, also referred to as Crimp Ring Removal Tool or Ring Cutter, is applied to remove copper crimp rings that were installed improperly (i.e. failed Go/No-Go Gauge test).  The tool is one size fits all and sizes are calibrated with a wrench.

Expansion Tool

An  expansion Tool is applied when connections are made using an expansion method.  The tube is mechanically expanded by inserting the tool into the tubing.  After the fitting is inserted, the tube contracts to its original size.  An expansion tool can be either manual or automatic (battery powered).

PEX-AL-PEX Chamfering tool

A chamfering tool is used to clean PEX-AL-PEX tubing from the inside and prepare it for insertion of a fitting

Tubing Uncoiler

A tube Uncoiler serves as a tool to ease the process of tubing installation and reduce required manpower. The Uncoiler is specifically designed to keep tubing in one place while it’s being uncoiled and to prevent it from interweaving.