I am buying a new (old) home that has had much of the copper removed for heating and water and replaced by PEX. Sooner or later I will need to make a PEX connection. There seem to be many options and costs of devices for making these connections. Can anyone recommend a reasonable priced tool for this process? Can a screw type hose clamp be used?
Thanks
Replies
You can use Shark Bite connections and won't need a $150.00 tool. They will also transition between copper, PEX and CPVC. They'll cost you about $5.00 each but they are fast and easy.
But note that Shark BItes and standard crimp-type connectors restrict the diameter of the pipe. Better to use the (expensive) expansion-type rig for full flow.
$12.95 gets you a 24" bolt
$12.95 gets you a 24" bolt cutter from HF. But up 2 pieces of scrap 3/8" steel plate pieces, drill hole to match the dimensions of the Cu crip sleeves you will be using. Weld 3/8" plate pieces to the HF bolt cutter and grind out the cutter to slightly bigger hole.
Ebay has ready made crimpers for PEX in the $70 range all the time.
Ebay has SS style crimpers for $35, work fine.
http://cgi.ebay.com/PEX-Crimp-Crimper-Crimping-TOOL-SS-Clamps-ALL-SIZES-/170621353198?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b9d33cee
KK
I'm with florida on this one... Sharkbites are OK for occaisional connections. They seem to be accepted by the trades around here.
But if you're doing a whole bunch it makes sense to either buy or rent a good quality crimp tool.
Sooner or later I will need to make a PEX connection.
Sounds like you want to be prepared for the surprise leak. In that case, buy yourself some peace of mind and have 2 or 3 Sharkbites on hand. Cheaper than a crimp tool, and much quicker and easier to use than anything else.
Their inside stiffener does create a very small amount of restriction, but you'll never notice it.
i have both sharkbites and the crimper tool. you will quickly pay for the tool with the number of sharkbites you save.....they're expensive.
also, i'm not real fond of the way the sharkbites rotate around which doesn't (to my knowledge) affect the quality, but does cause a dicey condition with shutoffs etc.....you end up having to hold the fitting when using the shutoff rather than just pulling the lever.
john