PEX Tools

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.

• 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.