[Greenlight1]

With the expansion tool almost 1/5 the price of the crimper is there a downfall to using expansion fittings as opposed to the copper crimp rings? The whole theory behind expansion joints seem like such a good idea as the pex is going to be working to keep the fitting compressed, not working against it. Is there a downfall to using the expansion tool and using expansion fittings as opposed to other methods??

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

]With the expansion tool almost 1/5 the price of the crimper is there a downfall to using expansion fittings as opposed to the copper crimp rings? [/B]The whole theory behind expansion joints seem like such a good idea as the pex is going to be working to keep the fitting compressed, not working against it. Is there a downfall to using the expansion tool and using expansion fittings as opposed to other methods??

Please send me the supplier/address of such tool. Thanks.

I have never used Wisbro, but everything (apart from cost) that I've heard seems far superior.... why I have no idea,


I'm a GC....and to date have limited experience with PEX....just copper crimper and and SS crimp ratchet ring/

 

[Old Thomas]

Expansion type are nice because the interior diameter of the fittings is larger. However, the fittings and tools are not sold at homeowner stores in our area, only at good plumbing supply stores.

 

[Greenlight1]

]With the expansion tool almost 1/5 the price of the crimper is there a downfall to using expansion fittings as opposed to the copper crimp rings? [/B]The whole theory behind expansion joints seem like such a good idea as the pex is going to be working to keep the fitting compressed, not working against it. Is there a downfall to using the expansion tool and using expansion fittings as opposed to other methods??

Please send me the supplier/address of such tool. Thanks.

I have never used Wisbro, but everything (apart from cost) that I've heard seems far superior.... why I have no idea,


I'm a GC....and to date have limited experience with PEX....just copper crimper and and SS crimp ratchet ring/

I’m sorry I did not specify battery operated tools when comparing the price. Milwaukee has a 12v expansion tool with 1/2 3/4 and 1” on sale at HD for $329. Compared to the same brand 12v crimper that is priced at $799.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... When I discovered pex pipin', 'bout 15 years ago, I bought a ratcheting crimper('bout $100.00), 'n have used the ssteel crimp rings ever since, with excellent results,......

I've done alota domestic water supply, as well as alota hydronic heating,.....

 

[iamrfixit]

I prefer expansion, the type-a pex is more flexible and easier to work with plus the larger internal size of fittings doesn't restrict as much. The expansion tool will fit into tight places easier than my crimp tool. Availability of expansion fittings and type-a pex is not as good as that of crimp or clinch fittings. You may need to get it from a store that specializes in plumb supply or order it online. Menards in my area carries a decent selection, not sure HD or Lowes has anything other than crimp/clinch.

I have the Dewalt expansion tool and it works great, got it for $250 as the bare tool with dies/hard case, I already had several batteries. You do need to give the pipe a little time to shrink and tighten up, if you turn the water on too quickly the joints may drip. Half hour has usually been enough, when it's cold I sometimes warm the joints up with a hair dryer or heat gun to speed things up.