PEX Tools

This category includes all of the tools needed for Radiant Heat. These PEX Tools include the tools needed to make PEX connections, hook up manifolds, cut and uncoil tubing, and more.

Tools to Help You Choose

Overview

PEX Tools are used to make connections with PEX Tubing and to attach the tubing to fittings, manifolds, faucets, fixtures, and many other products. There are several PEX Tools available and each has restrictions for which tubing, fittings, and rings must be used with it. You can check compatibility using one of our guides to assure that everything will work together.

Need more help finding what you need?

Our experts are always available M-F 8:30-5 at
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FAQs

Which is the best tool for making PEX connections for my job?

There are many different PEX tool and fitting systems available today. To figure out which tool & fitting system is best for you, you can think about the following questions.

Are you an experienced DIY, or are you a beginner?

The easiest fitting system to work with is SharkBite, followed by the clamp system with the HydroPEX Cinch/Clamp Ratchet Tool. The expander, crimp, and press methods are better suited for experienced DIYs or professionals.

Do you want the biggest and best brand name, or is brand not an issue?

The Uponor Wirsbo Expansion system with ProPEX Expander Tool is the most recognized connection system amongst professionals. Uponor is the world leader in the production of PEX and its fitting system has been used for over 30 years. The Viega Press system is also gaining popularity among trade professionals and DIYs. There are crimp and clamp systems made by many different manufacturers and most of the products are comparable to each other.

How important is price to you?

Prices of PEX tools and fittings vary substantially. The Wirsbo Expander Tool and Viega Press Tools are more expensive, while the crimp and clamp tools are much less expensive. If you are price conscious, the crimp or clamp system will be the most inexpensive, and still provide a quality PEX connection. If quality is your main concern regardless of price, the Wirsbo or Viega systems are preferable.
Which PEX tools work with which fittings and rings?

The ProPEX Expander Tool works with Wirsbo ProPEX fittings and rings. The Viega Press Tools works with Viega Press Fittings and Viega Press Sleeves. The Watts Crimp Tool and other crimp tools work with crimp style fittings such as HydroPEX and copper crimp rings. The HydroPEX clamp tool and other clamp tools work with crimp style fittings such as HydroPEX and stainless steel clamps.
Do I need to buy a PEX cutter?

A PEX cutter is used to make a clean, even cut in PEX Tubing. This will ensure that a proper PEX connection is made. Other types of cutters may be used instead of a PEX cutter as long as they are able to make clean and even cuts in the tubing. However, because it is relatively inexpensive and guaranteed to do a good job, it is advisable to purchase a cutter designed specifically for PEX tubing.
Do I need a PEX uncoiler?

PEX uncoilers are used to aid in the installation of PEX Tubing in radiant heat and large PEX plumbing jobs. If you will be working by yourself, or if you will be doing many jobs, a PEX uncoiler is definitely worth getting. In radiant heat jobs where coils of 1000' are used, an uncoiler will make the job easier, neater, and faster.

Need more help finding what you need?

Our experts are always available M-F 8:30-5 at
1-888-757-4774

Comparison Guide

PEX Tools Compatability Table

This table will show you which tools work with which rings, tubing, fittings, and manifolds.

Tools	Wirsbo ProPEX	HydroPEX Clamp	Viega Press	Crimp
Required Rings	ProPEX Rings	HydroPEX Clamps	Press Sleeves	Copper Crimp Rings
Tubing
Aquapex	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
hePEX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ThermaPEX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HydroPEX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Viega PEX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Watts PEX	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Compatible Fittings	ProPEX	- HydroPEX - Viega Poly Crimp - Most Crimp Fittings	Viega Press Fittings	- HydroPEX - Viega Crimp - Most Crimp Fittings
Manifolds
ProPEX	Yes	No	No	No
Crimp	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
Manabloc	No	No	Yes	Yes

ProPEX Expander Tools & Heads

This category includes many different models of ProPEX Expander tools. These are the manual expander tool, the air expander tool, and several models of the battery expander tools. These tools require the use of Wirsbo ProPEX fittings and Wirsbo ProPEX Rings. Q6275075, Q6295075 Manual Exapnder Tool - use Q631 expander heads & may use the Auto Rotation AdapterQ6301000 Air Expander Tool - Use the Q631 Expander heads & may use the Auto Rotation Adapter Battery Expander Tools - May use Q631 heads or H-Series, the auto rotation may only be used with the Q631 heads. …

PEX Clamp Tool & Clamps

The PEX Clamp Tool makes connections for PEX Tubing with the HydroPEX stainless steel clamps of different sizes. The HydroPEX Clamp Tool work with the stainless steel clamps. When used with the proper stainless steel clamps, The PEX Clamp Tool can make 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", and 1" PEX Tubing Connections. …

PEX Crimp Tools & Rings

The new CrimpAll tool by Watts Radiant crimps four sizes of PEX pipe. This versatile new tool crimps 3/8", 1/2 ", 5/8", and 3/4" PEX CrimpRing fittings. The complete PEX Tool kit includes the CrimpAll tool with four jaw set sizes, rugged tool case, adjustment tools, and a "go/no-go" gauge. This tool uses the Black Copper rings in combination with PEX clamp or crimp fittings to make connections. For crimping 1" PEX the 1" Crimp tool may be used. This Soft-Touch PEX Crimp Hand Tool allows for a complete full-circle crimp with longer handles to provide more leverage, requiring less force to complete a crimp connection. This tool makes use of copper crimp rings. …

PEX Cutters

Wirsbo Tube Cutters are used for cutting PEX Tubing. We sell two types of cutters, the plastic PEX cutter and the ratchet style PEX cutter. …

PEX Uncoilers

PEX Tube Uncoilers make PEX Tubing installations easier. It simplifies installation and reduces the cost of labor. The uncoiler holds PEX Tubing from 5/16" - 1". …

PEX to Wood Attachment Tools

Peter Mangone RB-5 Manual Clip Gun and RB-6 Pneumatic Clip Gun allow fast and easy attachment of PEX Tubing to wood. This can be used to attach PEX to the top of a subfloor, or to attach PEX to wood in the Joist bays of a radiant heat application. …

PEX-al-PEX Tools

Includes chamfering tools and the Fostapex prep tool. The chamfering tools prepare Multicor and other PEX-al-PEX Tubing for making connections, as well as clean the inside of the tubing and re-round it for easier connections. The Fostapex prep tool peels the outer PE and aluminum layers from the FostaPEX tubing, allowing it to be compatible with the standard Viega PureFlow PEX Press system. …

Manual Foam Stapler

Use Manual Stapler with Plastic Foam Staples to attached 3/8", 1/2", and 5/8" PEX Tubing to rigid insulation. …

PEX Press Tools

With its ratcheting design, the PEX Press tool ensures a complete press connection every time. The tool cannot be opened untill the fitting has been properly pressed. Color coded handles allow easy identification of each size. This convenient rechargeable battery powered tool can make Viega press system connections in 3/8 through 1 dimensions. The compact tool kit comes complete with two batteries, charger, and a durable carrying case. The kit is offered with or without jaws for your convenience. Interchangeable ProPress jaws are available through Ridge Tool distribution. …

Uponor Service Wrenches

Uponor Service Wrenches feature a lightweight, compact design. Included in this category are the 1-3/16" service wrench to tighten QS-style fitting assemblies to the manifolds, and the TruFLOW Service wrench. …