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[Local4fitter]

I am installing my owb and was contemplating using hose clamps instead of crimp rings. I have two reasons, first reason is I don't own a crimp tool and do not want to buy one to make 8 crimps. The second reason is if I need to remove the pex from the fitting for any reason I would have to remove and destroy the crimp ring. With hose clamps you just loosen it. Any thoughts. Thanks Doug

[Jack72]

Doug

I understand your thinking but I dont think honestly you can get it tight enough with regular hose clamps. The crimper which I have gets it really tight and is good for 1/2 thru 1 inch  I thought mine was 25 bucks at Menards.         Im sure your going to want to add some more heating options in the future and youll have it when that time comes.

I doubt it would happen but I would  hate for one to fail when you were not home at the time could do some major damage in a hurry over saving 25 bucks   I know you just dropped alot of cash on the stove   but   I would not skimp on this subject.     Just my opinion dont take it personal             Jack

[HandyMark]

I tried using clamps for a temporary situation on pex and it failed.

[bajonesy77]

You can get sharkbite Brand crimper @ home depo for 50 that does 1/2 thru 1inch. I tvoo was looking for a cheap way or to borrow a set. I decide to buy and replace  the cpvc in my home with pex so i will get plenty of use out of it and Its super easy to use  for the diyer .

[Local4fitter]

Jack, I'm thinking that its not a good idea also. I thought I would put it out there and see what people thought. I have only used pex one time on a job and reallly don't know much about it. I will be purchasing a crimper for this weekend.

[RSI]

Clamps made for hydraulic hoses what is usually used when you see them being clamped like that. They supposedly work ok but I don't like using anything not specifically made for pex. I have seen people on this forum using them.

I would just get a SSC tool. If you want to use one and want to pay the shipping, PM you address to me and I will send one.

You would still not be able to reuse them but once you clamp pex you need to cut off the part that was on the fitting. You can not re-clamp the same place again.

If you want to be able to disconnect it without cutting any off you have to use a push fitting like sharkbite. (8 of those will cost more than 8 crimp fittings and an SSC tool)

[Local4fitter]

Thanks for the offer RSI, but I think I am going to buy a crimping tool. Like Jack said I will use it again.

[RSI]

Menards sells the SSC tools for I think $38. That is what I would buy if I were you. The same tool works one 1/2" 3/4" and 1" so it is real handy for other plumbing too. I am not sure what Menards gets for the clamps though. I sell them for $.50 each so they are probably around that.

If you do get the tool from Menards, I have found that you need to run the set screw in as far as it will go or it will overtighten the clamps and break 1/2" clamps.

[d conover]

We just built a house, so I bought a Milwaukee Wirsbo expander and plumbed the house with Propex. But the insulated pipe I bought has Watts pex in it.  So I bought a watts cinch clamp crimper,  I don't think I am a wimp, but it is about all I can do to crimp a 1" pipe with that thing. And that is out in the open. I haven't used it in a tight spot yet.   Am I doing something wrong?   

[RSI]

The sharkbite brand clamps are a little easier to clamp. I sometimes put pieces of pex about a foot long on the handles to get better leverage.

[Local4fitter]

Today I bought the Sharkbite brand clamp cincher tool. Glad I bought it. Haven't used it yet, maybe this weekend I will tie in my boiler.

[benj1975]

Hay hd5 did you get a gage with the crimp tool? I know when I had a few of those hard to reach spots it was all I could do to get it crimped.

[d conover]

Sorry, just now saw this.

The cinch clamps evidently don't use a gauge.  It ratchets down and when it quits you are done.  Seems really tight.

[muffin]

We just built a house, so I bought a Milwaukee Wirsbo expander and plumbed the house with Propex. But the insulated pipe I bought has Watts pex in it.  So I bought a watts cinch clamp crimper,  I don't think I am a wimp, but it is about all I can do to crimp a 1" pipe with that thing. And that is out in the open. I haven't used it in a tight spot yet.   Am I doing something wrong?   

Not sure the brand of mine, but with 1" pipe, it was rough.  Even harder to get em off though!!!