PEX Copper Crimp Rings vs. Stainless Steel Clamps

#pex #plumbing #pipe #coppercrimps #stainlesssteelclams #sharkbite #polyethylene
Want to know some subtle, but key differences between using copper crimp rings vs. stainless steel clamps for securing PEX connections? I'll discuss what I found, and which of the two I prefer to use for my projects.

✔️ Tools and equipment used in this video:

🛠️ SharkBite 1/2 Inch to 3/4 Inch PEX Crimp Tool:
🛠️ SharkBite 3/4 Inch Copper Crimp Rings (25-Pack)
🛠️ SharkBite 3/8 to 1-in Stainless Steel Clamp PEX tool
🛠️ SharkBite 3/4 Inch Clamp Ring (10-Pack)

▶ _As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases_

[nailbender]

I've always used pex copper rings. They provide exceptional compression force given a proper installation. The only time I've had to remove a copper ring is on a water heater replacement. In that case, I used a Dremel tool with a cut-off wheel to carefully score the copper ring thin enough to then insert a screwdriver into the slot created, twist the screwdriver to break off the copper ring without damaging the pex pipe. Informative video.

[weekendhomeprojects]

That's a baller video. Was considering using all sharkbite push-fits for a small project I'm about to do / film. But recently decided I'm going to buy a tool and rings....just didn't know which. I was leaning copper rings but now I think the stainless steel clamps is the way to go.

[MrHotmunki]

I prefer the copper crimp rings. While the SS clamps have many benefits, I have seen them fail. I trust the crimp rings not to fail

[meanodustino]

I like the crimp style stainless steel as once you crimp it you can SEE it has been compressed. Guy I know and myself did a tug of war trying to pull a pipe section apart showing me how strong these are. Not a chance we could even move them 1mm apart. That sold me

[NNITRED]

Matt Risinger's pressure test showed the clamps holding strong even after the pex pipe burst at 500psi. I only did a few fittings with the rings before switching to claps and I've never looked back. I got one of those Ryobi P660 (Black Friday $59 Direct Tools) and it's effortless- although I keep my ratchet crimper handy.

[jenko]

It’s worth having both, super tight spot like you showed, the stainless type is great.

[ashleylynn]

I use PEX A expansion collars more than PEX B rings and clamps, however I've found the stainless cinch clamps quite useful in many situations

[joedegorostiza]

Good video - another convinient reason for clamp style is that you dont need to switch out ring size for different diameter pipes. I have used both and lost my 1 inch ring crimp die.

[rpsmith]

To remove the stainless steel clamp I use a Dremel too with a cutoff wheel and sever the loop that sticks up in the air. That way you never need to worry about nicking the PEX!

[JefferyChandler]

Thank you! Just what I needed to understand the differences between the 2 types of crimps and how you are able to remove them.

[ArielS]

There actually is a difference in strength between the two types. The copper ring works by being squeezed into an oval shape, and it presses on the PEX mostly in two places. The stainless ring in contrast squeezes in a complete 360 degree circle around the PEX, .

[gordonrain]

VERY informative video pard'. Your points were well made, and helped me to make a decision on which one to purchase. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience!

[Misana-frrr]

This video helped me with a customer at the Home Depot; thank you! 🙏

[timtimtim]

You can normally use an oscillating tool or a dremel with a cut off wheel to cut the rings easily.

[kawman]

I'm using the copper crimp rings in bathroom remodel. On three occasions, I erred and used a dremel w/ a small cutoff disc to CAREFULLY cut through the band across it's full width. Was able to remove the ring w/o nicking the pipe itself. Re-crimped and all was fine upon pressure test. Not a technique I'd want to use all the time but in MY limited experience, it can be done successfully. That's not to say the SS clamps aren't inherently more removeable.
And I very much second the idea that the copper ring clamp tool is hard to get into tight spaces. I had to adapt my design and prefab some connections in order to make it work for me in some places.
Thanks for the insight you've given us.

[itsalmade]

From experience, I will say anybody out there who uses the copper crimp rings, if you have a Dremel with a cutoff wheel or even a multi-tool with a metal cutting blade, it is possible to cut the copper ring very precisely without damaging the pex. And then using a flat head screwdriver to pry the copper apart. I'll be at this can be very difficult depending on where you're cutting and the situation. But it is doable with a Dremel better than a multi-tool.

[dajole]

Thank you so much for the video. I’m not a plumber but since I’m wading into the shower remodeling field I’ve found myself forced to learn the basics of plumbing. I recently did all the plumbing for two showers using pex steel clamps but only because that was the tool I found at the Home Depot. This video helps me see I didn’t do a bad purchase

[deliveryguy]

I have all three PEX connection tools, the third being for the Uponor PEX type. I use each one several times in a large job because of where the connections need to go. I like PEX work because it is flexible and very easy to make connections where I wouldn't want to put a torch.
The Uponor PEX tool is different but works well. Firings for all the PEX types are rising in cost so I buy in bulk and I buy only the connectors I've used on most jobs. I like to go into new work buildings that have PEX piping and pick up off the floor the connectors the plumbers cut out and tossed away. I use my crimp ring cutter tool to clean them up to where I can reuse them again, saving cost for me.

[cometochristtoday]

I developed my basement and did all the pex plumbing myself with little knowledge and home depot tools. I passed the plumbing portion of the inspection by the city. When I made a crimp mistake, I used a dremel tool to cut off the brass rings when I needed to correct a hook up or routing it another direction it worked very well.

[markdeane]

I do both, but favor the Stainless Clamp because one tool does it all, and space constraints. However, on 1" fittings, don't forget to bring a " cheater bar" 'cause the clamp tool will require assistance.