10 Best Crimping Tool for PEX 2023 | Reviews & Guide

Nowadays, modern plumbing is referred to as PEX pipe plumbing. Traditional methods of plumbing have become much easier today.

While PEX plumbing compliments with the PEX crimping tool. It is vital for the proper installation and fitting of the pipes.

Apart from pipes, when dealing with the delicate wiring systems, you need the tools that are sturdy to do the job to make accurate cuts.

Instead of enduring a hard time with the wires when fixing at home, you can make the work easy by using the PEX crimping tool.

Crimping tools are efficient in cutting or bending the wire and cables. You must get the best PEX crimping tool for yourself, which is durable and sturdy.

Read below to find the compiled list of the top PEX crimp tools that you must know before purchasing.

Top 10 Crimping Tool for PEX Reviews

We have shortlisted and reviewed the 10 best PEX crimp tools that are available in the market and also readily available online on amazon.

To make your purchase decision easier, we have reviewed each PEX crimp tool in detail, covering all the features along with their pros and cons. Let’s have a look:

1. iCrimp Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool

The iCrimp tool is made up of high-quality steel and ensures a long service life. The built quality makes it different from other brands as it brings in a robust design.

This new design makes it a multi-function tool that can easily eliminate the clamps from pipe to re-install.

There’s no requirement of any calibration tool while working with it, which makes it quite handy.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• The cutter cuts PEX easily
• Durable

Cons:

• Requires a lot of strength

2. IWISS PEX Pipe Clamp Cinch Tool

The iwiss cinch tool can work on stainless steel clamps of a wide range of sizes.

The ratchet safety-function ensures fast and secure installation. It’s worth the price as it also offers a calibration tool for any adjustment.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable
• No leak issues

Cons:

• No good grip

3. Pexflow PXKT10012 Starter Kit Pex

Pexflow professional pex crimp tool kit is perfect for the professionals working with PEX plumbing. It is a high-quality tool that makes working easier and comfortable at the same time.

The convenient carrying case consists of tools such as 1x PEX Crimper Tool with Lock Hook, 1x PEX Scissor Shear Cutter Tool, Lock hook, and convenient carrying case.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Good quality materials
• Brass fittings prevent leakage
• Easy to work with

Cons:

• Expensive

4. IWISS Angle Head PEX Crimping Tool

The foldable handle requires less energy and makes the process easier of a crimping 1-inch copper ring.

The angle type of design makes it convenient to reach into tight space and make pipe installation.

It ensures a secure and reliable pipe connection.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Worth the price
• Convenient angle shaped design
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Requires strength

5. Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit

The tool comprises of four interchangeable jaws that are 3/8″, 1/2″, 3/4″ and 1″. The plastic case ensures protection and convenient storage.

The tool is made up of steel, making it a high-quality product. It would ensure perfect plumbing by preventing any leakage.

This crimper and the go/no-go gauge makes the process super easy with minimal effort.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• The gauge is handy
• The plumbing requires minimum effort
• High-quality tool

Cons:

• Large in size

6. Zurn Steel Multi-Head Crimp Tool

A very good purchase for the professionals who are into plumbing work. The zurn copper crimping tool works flawlessly, and the tool installs 3/8″, 1/8″, 5/8″, and 3/4″ PEX fittings.

This is a must-have tool kit when working with PEX. It has everything you need to crimp and install your PEX, even the tool to remove a bad crimp.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• No leaks
• Cost-effective
• Includes crimp ring removal tool

Cons:

• Not convenient to use

7. SharkBite Pex Pipe Tubing Tool

Sharkbite tool saves money along with time as it is very convenient and easy to use and can solve any plumbing problem within thirty minutes.

Beginners, as well as professionals, can use it. The crimpers work perfect and wouldn’t let face any leakage issue.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Beginners can also use
• Saves time

Cons:

• Doesn’t work well in tight spaces

8. KOTTO Pex Crimping Clamp Cinch Tool

The Kotto cinch tool has a new design that makes it a multifunctional tool that can cinch clamps as well as remove clamps from pipe to re-install. There is no need for a calibration tool.

This is a 5 in 1 tool, making it cost-effective, which can be used to crimp 3/8,1/2, 5/8, 3/4, and 1″ inch stainless clamps.

The package includes a red handle cinch crimp tool, red handle pipe cutter, clamps set, and a storage bag to allow protection.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Cost-effective
• Made of high-quality material
• Multifunctional tool

Cons:

• Requires a lot of strength

9. IWISS Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit

The iwiss tool consists of interchangeable jaw set such as 3/8,1/2/3/4 inch, and the tool itself is of 1 inch.

It comes along with a crimp ring removal tool, which is used to remove 1/2 inch to 1- inch copper ring, making it cost-effective and convenient at the same time.

The best thing about the tool is that it can work well in a narrow space.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Easy pipe maintenance
• Best pex crimp tool for tight spaces
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Long handle limits workspace

10. JWGJW Pex Cinch Clamp Fastening Tool

Made up of high-quality, durable steel, which ensures long service provided by it. JWGJW pex clamp tool is easy and convenient to switch the cinch and remove functions.

It also does not require any calibration tool and can efficiently work with stainless Steel Clamps of sizes 3/8″, 1/2″, 5/8″, 3/4″ and 1”.

More photo & price on amazon.com

Pros:

• Cheap in price
• Ensures that there is no leakage
• Easy to use

Cons:

• The rings do not work efficiently

Buyer’s Guide

The ideal Pex crimping tool is the one that does its job. It must be of the right size and length for the task that is to be conducted and have attractive features that make it convenient to use.

However, different models have distinct characteristics. The variations make a big difference in differentiating your PEX crimp tool with other models.

Here is what you must need to know to find the perfect PEX crimping tool for your job.

Tool Length

PEX crimp tools come in different sizes, which are used for various tasks. Some wires or pipes are not reachable. Hence, they require a PEX crimp tool with a long handle to reach the place.

While, if a wire is closer and easily reachable, then a short handle for the PEX crimp tool would work.

However, if the handle is too long, it can create complications to move the tool in a small place. Determine your task requirements and check the handle length accordingly.

Clasp Size

PEX crimp tools have variations in sizes of crimping clasps. It ranges between ¼ to 1-inch pex crimping tool. The size of the tool matters as it must fit the diameter of the PEX pipe.

Otherwise, it would not fulfill the requirements of your task and lead to many complications with the wrong size clasp size.

Calibration

PEX crimp tools start to stretch out if you conduct persistent pipe installation, which will make it difficult and complicated to secure the crimp clasps onto the wires or pipes.

To obtain a successful installation, you must purchase a PEX crimping tool that enables you to calibrate the tool so it securely fits onto the pipes.

Easy of Use

Before purchasing a PEX crimping tool, do ensure that the model matches the demands and requirements of your job, but at the same time, it not complicated to use.

A simple tool is all that you need to conduct a variety of PEX plumbing jobs.

Durability

A durable crimp tool will provide long-lasting support. The strength depends on the material of the product.

Some brands ensure premium quality due to the right material used.

Weight

It is a significant factor that should be taken into consideration every time. For easy carrying, it is vital to opt for a lightweight tool.

Not just this, but while fixing and fitting the pipelines and wires, one needs an ideal weight tool to carry out the task efficiently.

Price

Price remains an essential factor for every purchase. Must you check the tool according to your budget, and is it a valuable buy or not?

However, the more money you will spend, the more premium quality and advanced features you will get.

Frequently Asked Questions

PEX vs COPPER, Which Should You Use and Why?

How to use the crimping tool for PEX?

In the market, a variety of tools are available with different functions. However, here are general steps to guide you:

Firstly, take a sharp PEX pipe cutter and cut the pipe accurately. Cut it in the required size that you need with a reliable cutter and remove the burrs carefully.

Secondly, insert the fittings into the end of the tube until it stops going further. Slide the crimp ring to the position of 1/8 inches to ¼ inches beginning from the end of the tube and over the ribs of the fitting.

Next, open the tool handle and place it around the crimp ring and press the handles.

Lastly, check that the connectivity is secure, complimenting the Go/No-Go gauge carefully.

Which is better for PEX crimp or cinch?

Cinch clamps are made from stainless steel due to which they are stronger than Crimp rings, which is manufactured from copper.

When the fitting freezes with water in the pipeline, it causes the copper crimp ring to expand, resulting in a leak when it thaws.

Moreover, the crimp style works well with multiple PEX sizes.

Also, it does not require to be wrapped around the pipe, which is why it makes it easier to use in contracted space.

Are PEX crimp rings reliably?

Crimp rings have both good and bad qualities. If connections are made accurately, it will be a relatively inexpensive and fast method to connect with PEX.

Thereof variations in crimp rings and are easily and readily available with any retailer.

However, the bad side is that not all types of crimp rings work well in contracted spaces.

Many of them are large, so it can be installed accurately and maintains the crimp connection.

However, the nature of the PEX pipe resists the strong force of crimp rings within time.

The fittings are inserted at the end of the pipe to restrict water flow, but due to the nature of crimp rings and pipeline, it usually results in upsize system piping.

Thus, making crimp connections vary along with the parts and pieces.

Are all PEX fittings the same?

No, as there are five different types of PEX fittings catering to different requirements.

PEX crimp fitting is the most common one and affordable, which is readily available with the majority of house suppliers, home improvement stores, and online shops.

While Push PEX fitting is the only one that does not need any PEX rings or tools to initiate a connection with tubing, it comes with a special composite mechanism that locks and seals the pipe, securing it from any leakage out of the fitting.

Third, expansion PEX fittings have two types: Uponor ProPEX expansion system and Rehau RauPEX expansion system, each with its exceptional qualities.

Fourth, compression PEX fittings comprise a split O-ring and a nut to secure the pipe fitting.

Last is Press PEX fittings, which are installed with the assistance of the PEX press tool along with press sleeves, which are already pre-installed to make the process of installation easy.

What are PEX crimp rings made of?

Sioux Chief rings and fittings are manufactured in compliance with ATSM Standard F1807 Specification for metal insert fittings and copper crimp ring.

Sioux Chief plastic fittings are also made under the same standards.

Can you bury PEX crimp rings?

Yes, it can be used for both cold and hot water lines or with hydronic heating. Fittings can be installed behind the walls but not buried in concrete.

However, PEX tubing can be buried underground, which usually used for water supply lines.

Nonetheless, it can still burst due to the freezing of water and resulting in leakage.

How do you calibrate a PEX crimp tool?

Crimp tool cannot be calibrated as its not a measuring device but can be adjusted. To adjust are the following steps to follow.

Firstly, slide a metal crimp sleeve till the end of PEX tubing. Push the PEX fitting till the end of PEX tubing. Push the crimp to ¼ inch from the endpoint of the tubing. Then slide the open jaws over the crimp sleeve to pull the handles of the tool together.

Next, slide the accurate size crimp gauge over the crimped sleeve. If the size is not right according to the task, the crimp tool needs adjustment. Then, turn the lower lock screw anti-clockwise. Close the jaws until you feel resistance.

Lastly, fix the crimp tool on top of steel, turn the adjustment screw until the distance between the handles is from 7 to 8.5 inches for a small crimp and 13 inches for a large one.

Conclusion

Today not only plumbers, but home users are also in search of a perfect crimp tool for their home improvements DIY projects.

Our buyer’s guide will assist you in choosing the right tool. We collected and reviewed the top crimp tools that are suitable according to the varying demands of the job.