Community Forums

docj · 11-24-2019, 03:01 PM

My coach was plumbed with "real" PEX and all the fittings were the screw-to-tighten plastic ones; no PEX clamps were used. Whenever I make a change or do a plumbing repair I replace the plastic fittings with SharkBite ones. Sure they can be expensive, but there really aren't so many to replace at any one time. And at least I can count on them to last and not to leak.

rvtips · 11-24-2019, 03:18 PM

Damn Joe,You started a firestorm,good for you.
Fir that price it could be put in your tool bag and never used,But maybe it would be.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Do you see any reason these pliers could not be used to crimp the cinch-type PEX fittings?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-VISE-...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Kiss4aFrog · 11-25-2019, 09:56 PM

These are for automotive CV joint rubber boot cover clamps. They have the part in the middle to go against the raised part of the clamp and then squeeze from the sides so the metal is tucked in rather that squished out if using something like the cutter.
It's not ideal but if you didn't want to spend $50 on the proper kit this $10/11 tool in the bottom of your box might be good for a temp repair.
Never tried it on PEX but it's slick on the CV clamps.

https://www.autozone.com/test-scan-a...ers/141501_0_0
Or Performance Tool Part # W83013

01tundra · 11-27-2019, 06:35 AM

The proper tool can be purchased for $19 on Amazon -

https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Fasteni...4861679&sr=8-9

Fkrel · 11-27-2019, 08:34 AM

I have used a pair of side cutters, If you dont have a set of crimpers they would work in a pinch without damaging the clamp.

R.Wold · 11-27-2019, 08:47 AM

I use those to cut pex clamps off - they are cutters, but I guess if you dulled the edges it might work for installing clamps. I just use a small pex tool and I prefer the crimp type to the clamps.

Wolfskinner · 11-28-2019, 03:03 PM

I have both the cutter you show and the crimp tool sold by Home Depot. In an emergency you could use the cutter. The tool however is adjusted to put the exact crimp required/recommended by pex. I would not trust my hand squeeze to match that with any accuracy. Under compression = leak. Over compress either cracked fitting (as most Motorhomes fittings are plastic) or cut pex pipe. - Just my humble obversation.

jdoc · 11-28-2019, 03:50 PM

In Texas those are called nippers. They are a cuttin tool only. They are used for, like a previous poster replied, trimmin up horse's hooves. I have used these on more than once They will cut but they will not clamp anything. You try to clamp somethin with them then you are goin to cut it not clamp it.

Jerry

Dennis123 · 11-28-2019, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Do you see any reason these pliers could not be used to crimp the cinch-type PEX fittings?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-VISE-...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

Buy the right tool for the job. If money is the problem buy through Amazon and then return it for full refund

tonywish · 11-28-2019, 04:27 PM

Tried that because of the expense of the proper tool and unless you are Superman you can’t put enough pressure on the handles to get a proper crimp. Too much or too little and you have a leak. Too much will over stress the crimp and eventually give out. Don’t ask me how I know that.

JC2 · 11-28-2019, 04:39 PM

[QUOTE=Agesilaus;5048263]Just buy the right https://www.amazon.com/IWISS-Clamps-...09&s=hi&sr=1-6 Tool in the first place. I don't see why you think those piers would give you even compression all around the PEX ring. They look like nail pulling pliers like I have. Try that first and you'll end up with those pliers and the right PEX tool is my prediction.[/QUOTE

I agree. Use the right tools.

Ejjt · 11-28-2019, 05:37 PM

I am a retired plumber and have the right tool. I remembered it cost me $$$$ back when we started using pex.
I now work part time in the marine industry and we use the same clamps
But use the "nail players" which work GREAT. So no worries they will work fine and a lot less $$$.

bertible · 11-28-2019, 05:42 PM

I have both types of Pex tools, the older cincher style that the writer is referring to, and the newer (and stronger) all-around clamp style. In Canada, or at least in BC, plumbing codes changed a few years ago for houses to disallow the cinch style PEX clamps. I guess they are less strong, or more prone to improper clamping, with a risk of leakage. But I still have some old clamps I can use for visible plumbing, and I also use the tool occasionally for automotive water hoses..many German cars have that style instead of screw clams.

Interestingly I also have a pair of Tile Nippers, which were the proposed workaround tool (and I agree probably won't work too well) In addition to horses hoofs, those are used by ceramic floor tile installers to nip small bits out of floor tiles to fit around corners and fixtures.

TeJay · 11-28-2019, 06:02 PM

I did use a tile nipping tool for a pex fitting and it worked great. I already had it. It does not close all the way like a cutter would but it worked just fine. That was 4 years ago and no leaks. I'd post a pic of it but I'm not home.

If I needed to do a lot of fittings I'd buy the tool but for a few heck no.