How [NOT] to Use a ProPEX Expansion Tool #postyourmistakes

Sharing my lessons learned on using a ProPEX expansion tool along with giving you the side by side comparison of my less than stellar first experience and the much improved second attempt, so your first PEX-A coupling install is 110% better than mine!

Projects don't always go right the first time. A ProPEX expansion tool is very easy to use and a wicked looking tool, if used properly...

DISCLAIMER / HONESTY POLICY: The links in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. You are not obligated to do so, but it does fund these videos in hopes of helping you improve your home and there is no additional charge to you.

TOOLS USED:

TOOLS YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO USE:

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COME SAY HI!

[bobsxlch]

Isn't that the fun of doing anything yourself, it's the challenge of conquering something new and the reward of a job well done! As for myself, I always appreciate when people don't edit out their failures so we can all learn from them.

[briancrounse]

Informative and straight to the point. Perfect. I'm not sure I'll ever need to do this, but always in the market for learning things and I appreciate your style.

[PraiseTheLord]

Appreciate the video. I am DIYer and tackling replacing a main water service line in the Pacific Northwest. This is my first time using the ProPEX expansion tool yielded similar results I did not get the fitting on all the way on my first try. I am removing it today and will make a second attempt to get it right. Also using the M12 Fuel PEX Expansion tool which makes putting these fittings on so easy. A great tip to include in the video is the Manufacturer's Guide to how many times the tool should contract on various pipe sizes 1/2, 3/4, 1" (most common sizes used in home plumbing).

[rejeanpaquet]

Appreciate your transparency 👍 yes, the isolation was in the way for a second... PEX contracts quickly.

[cob]

Also can use the expansion rings to repair garden hose fittings, even air compressor hoses fittings, and makeshift rings cut from upinor scrap to connect drip irrigation lines...

[natew]

That's what it's all about. Learning from mistakes is one of the best ways to learn

[carlosrubio]

What’s the insulation doing there? Problem, keep your lines visible and ready to handle

[jacquelynwilliams]

Does the coupling spin in place once installed? Im using pex a 1/2 inch with 90-degree plastic elbow. They required minimal expansion and can not be pylled off, but force can spin. Is this expected?

[jonathanyates]

Your first connection would have been fine 😉
I've seen other plumbers do worse

[GarageUSA]

Why did you buy the old version and not their newest one out ?

[adamdimaggio]

A tip for down the road.. Also if you expand it and let go of the trigger JUST before it collapsed, just let it sit for a few seconds. You can get your other stuff ready.
Pex is VERY cool stuff. The Longer you keep it expanded the longer you have to work with it because it closes slower. In cold weather I use HEAT to shrink it
back down faster, and in the summer or REALLY hot places, Ill leave it expanded longer because it closes back up faster..
OMG I just seen this was 3 years old.. OMG I should delete this.. lol

[markchidester]

How could you possibly work in this environment with nail polish?

[daffyduck]

And of coarse move back the pipe insulation so you can see what your doing. Pro tip

[rcsmith]

So, a manufacturers rep will tell you that the last little bit of the pipe fitting is fine. You did not ha e to remove/redo the fitting.

[jonathanyates]

Also you don't have to turn the tool, the heads are self rotating

[chris_]

When you use these PEX Expansion Tools let them expand the proper amount of times according to the size pipe/ tubing you're using

[jamescole]

I watch a lot of these and most of the time the person just pretends it's on all the way. lol

[homeytoyer]

When using Milwaukee tools you must wear red fingernail polish like professional men do. This is why your attempt failed

[ChrisS-ifev]

You should not be using pex outdoors like this :)