Comparing PEX Connections

The crimp method works with crimp fittings, copper rings and a tool with an interchangeable head for specific size fittings. The crimp system provides an inexpensive way to make a secure connection and can be used with Standard PEX, but does not work with PEX-AL-PEX..

The clamping method is popular because the clamp connections are easy to make and the Heavy Duty Clamp Tool is reasonably priced, making it a great choice for many DIYers. With this system, you only need to clamp the tab rather than the entire fitting, which allows you to use just one tool with one size head for all connections. For different size connections, only the size of the rings and fittings changes.

The expansion system works with expansion rings and expansion fittings made specifically for this system. This connection system is the most common system used by contractors. The tool requires a greater initial investment, but it is easiest to use and requires less manual labor than the other tools. The expansion system only works with PEX-a tubing.

The press method uses press fittings with sleeves already attached and you will need to use different press tools correspond with the size of your fittings and tubing. The tools can be purchased separately or in a kit with all necessary sizes.

If your job requires only a few connections or you are doing a small repair SharkBite will likely be your fitting system choice, as it is extremely easy to use as there are no tools required, however the fittings are more expensive per piece than the other systems.

The compression method works with a 3-piece compression fitting and requires no tool. The completed connections have threaded ends that make it easy to connect your PEX tubing to a manifold.

Song - "Plain Loafer" ISRC: US-UAN-11-00111
Licensed under Creative Commons 3.0

[holoxfauxfecs]

Thank goodness! Finally a video that's not 20 minutes long. Got all the info I needed in less than 3. Thank you!

[quincy]

Nice video.  Makes me feel more confident with the clamp connections I used instead of the crimp rings.

[aceone]

First: They have to be available for the average homeowner. That removes 'Press' and 'Compression' from the list (hard to find the brass inserts needed for compression fittings on 1/2" PEX). Second: They have to be legal to seal behind walls. That removes 'Shark Bite' from the list. That leaves only 3 fittings to select from: Expansion, Crimp, Clamp. Expansion has a much larger internal diameter, so that is the one to go for.

[heppylifestyle]

the best vid about pex connections -- thank you for cutting to the

[ronhyer]

Wow! Great video with all the needed info without wasting time!
Extremely well done.
Thank you very much.
Success in all you do!

[jibidishamrock]

I've been using pex in NJ for about 6 years now. I've been noticing a bunch of failures with the stainless steel crimp rings on hot water lines only. I think something to do with the expansion and contraction of the pex pipe. I switched to the solid copper rings about 2 years ago and haven't seen any problems yet

[adhaman]

Clear and to the point no time is wasted in this video, here have a sub !

[deere]

I just re-plumbed our house with crimp fittings. If I had to do it over again, I would use the clamps. There were a few places that I had trouble getting the crimp tool in to make a crimp. The clamp tool would have been easier.

[difarr]

Hi... Would you say using a curved 90 is better for end pressure, as opposed to a fitting 90?... Using 3/4 pex Thanks...

[NSDaishi]

If I want the most secure? which one? Compression looks like the easiest to maintain.

[LightGesture]

Great video. Easy choice. Crimps for now.... when I want to spend another 3, 000 on plumbing tools, Ill go the other as a remodeler, its best to look for the guy coming behind me, too. So crimp is definitely an easy sell

[menguardingtheirownwallets]

I tried those 'clamp' rings. The first clamp tool had blue handles and left a rather large 'gap' inside the tab. The fitting was not tight. I went to the store, returned that first tool and bought one with yellow handles. That tool squeezed the tab tighter and left only a small gap inside the clamp ring (a small gap is normal). The fitting was not loose so I kept that tool. Make sure the gap is not more than the thickness of the stainless steel ring itself, if it is more, the tool is bad.

[shootermcgee]

Hi, I currently have 1"shark bites connecting my pex to copper for my wood boiler system and both are leaking. They stop once the water gets to temp (175°) but I'm replacing them and thinking of using the crimp method. Can you confirm this is the right route and advise on everything needed to do the job?
Tks

[greggc]

Looking to invest in one of these systems initially for an RV remodel project. Original RV plumbing was mostly 3/8" and 5/16" poly tubing with plastic threaded compression fittings. I'm thinking PEX would be a better alternative to poly even if it is not as flexible. Is there a PEX connection system that would better handle the vibrations and dynamic rough and tumble environmental nature of an RV? Secondly, are copper fittings equally good with both crimp and clamp or should I stick with brass? (I'm not keen on plastic fittings for this application.) Or should I just go back to poly or even bite the $$ bullet and just use copper refrigeration tubing? Input/advise/thoughts appreciated.

[wkctheben]

Using SS clamp system. Trying to do everything right...some of my fittings with copper, rotate. Terrified that I'll have leaks all over the place. Plastic doesn't seem to rotate.

[rodm]

Will the stainless crimp ring work on polybutylene?

[haroldkline]

Could one use a hose clamp of the proper size instead of a crimping system? That way it is entirely removable if needed.

[niktablet]

Whats the deference between U16mm and TH16mm press type the yato press has to types of ring press and I want to know

[jaimedpcaus]

Did I get this correct: Pex A tubing can only work with the compression tubing! So, the clamp method won't work with Pex A?

[bluearcherx]

time to update the video, PEX-b has been certified for expansion for years. any pipe that is F1960 rated can be expanded and this is most major brands of PEX-b these days.