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PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is widely used in today’s plumbing and HVAC systems because it’s flexible and easy to work with if you have high-quality PEX crimp tools. We researched more than 20 PEX crimpers, and we chose four for hands-on testing. While all performed well, our favorite is the Iwiss iCrimp F1807 kit for its durability and multipurpose versatility.
In addition to the ones we tested, we’re featuring several additional PEX piping tools that we feel would be good picks for anyone working with PEX tubing. Keep reading to find out what to look for when shopping for tools for PEX plumbing, and find out how the following earned a spot on this lineup of the best PEX crimp tools.
- BEST OVERALL: Iwiss iCrimp F1807 All-In-One Crimping Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Plumbflex Crimper Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX Cinch Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX Copper Ring Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTISIZE HEAD: Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES: Iwiss iCrimp Angle Head F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROFESSIONAL: Milwaukee M18 Press Tool Kit With PEX Crimp Jaws
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Iwiss iCrimp IWS-C Angle PEX Crimping Tools
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 4 |
| Time spent testing | 3 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $32 to $750 |
Our Top Picks
The best PEX crimp tools on the market are made with effectiveness, ergonomics, and ease of use in mind. Check out our list of the ones we tested plus some additional models we think look great.
Best Overall
Iwiss iCrimp F1807 All-In-One Crimping Tool Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 15.55 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Accommodates PEX A, B, or C tubing types
- PEX crimp removal tool and pipe cutter included
- Includes a go/no-go gauge
- Hard carrying case included
What We Don’t Like
- Hand strength needed to crimp
If you’ll be installing a lot of PEX, this Iwiss iCrimp kit has everything you need in one place. The kit comes with a crimper; jaws for ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch pipe; a PEX pipe cutter; and a crimp-removal tool. It also features a go/no-go gauge and a wrench for calibrating the crimper. We liked the way all the tools fit nicely into the included hard plastic carrying case for protection.
The Iwiss PEX crimping tool kit is easy to use. We were able to change jaws when we were crimping different sizes of tubing. The long handles make applying sufficient force for crimping relatively easy, but it still takes some hand strength to crimp the rings snugly. The included go/no-go gauge is a definite perk.
After crimping a ring on a PEX fitting, we used the gauge to see if we’d crimped it accurately. The removal tool made it easy to cut through incorrectly fitting crimp rings, and the cutter was a nice bonus because it ensured flush tubing edges that fit smoothly against the shoulders of the copper fittings. This kit gives you everything you need to run PEX tubing.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp F1807 all-in-one PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Runner-up
Plumbflex Crimper Tool Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Clamps
- Length: 11 inches
- Capacity: ½- and ¾-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Works with cinch rings from different manufacturers
- Includes a high-quality cutter
- Comes with 50 clamps in both sizes
- Attached cinch rings securely in testing
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a go/no-go tool
- Not suitable for ⅜- or 1-inch PEX
The Plumbflex PEX crimper is suitable for use with ½- and ¾-inch tubing, the most common sizes used in residential construction. This clamp-type tool performed flawlessly in our tests. We used it to attach stainless steel cinch clamps to both sizes of PEX tubing, and the fittings were snug and secure. Plus, it comes with 50 clamps of each size, so we had plenty to test with.
It doesn’t come with a go/no-go tool, but you can pick one up for under $10 from any home improvement store. We used one of the go/no-go tools that came with another model we tested, and each clamp we applied was right on target.
One of the benefits of a PEX clamp tool (including this one) over a traditional crimp tool is the ability to reach into tight spots because there’s no need to spread the handles as far. We tried out the Plumbflex on a few cinch rings we had from a different manufacturer, and it worked just as well.
Another perk is the PEX cutter that comes with the clamp tool. It cuts the tubing straight and flush so the edges fit smoothly against the shoulders of the brass crimp fittings. If you won’t be installing narrower ⅜-inch or larger 1-inch tubing, the Plumbflex is a quality pick.
Get the Plumbflex PEX crimp tool at The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX Cinch Tool Kit
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Clamps
- Length: 11.02 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Works with multiple sizes of PEX
- Comes with 30 cinch rings
- Compact size for working in tight spaces
- Comes with good cutter
What We Don’t Like
- No storage case included
- Complicated removal function
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tool for securing stainless steel cinch rings, look no further than the iCrimp PEX cinch tool. This clamp cincher works for any size PEX and comes with 30 clamps, so you can get started right away. It performed well in our tests, but it took a bit more hand strength to completely snug the cinch rings than the Plumbflex model.
Still, it did a good job and comes with a top-notch PEX cutter. The only downside was that the removal feature of the tool didn’t work well for us. We followed the instructions for adjusting the tool from the clamping feature to the removal feature (which requires about five steps), and then we tried to cut the tabs, but all we got were smashed tabs. Maybe we didn’t do it right (that’s likely), but it seems like a complex process and simpler to just use a dedicated removal tool.
One additional thing to note is that the iCrimp cinch tool cannot be calibrated. However, we found it well calibrated right out of the package, and it should be fine for completing most PEX plumbing projects. This tool lets you make high-quality connections at an affordable price point.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Best Multipurpose
SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 14.5 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Consistently made secure connections
- Easy-to-change jaws
- Go/no-go gauge included
- Mini hard case
- Ergonomic handles for comfort
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than some at nearly 4 pounds
- Limited use in tight spots
We’re big fans of traditional push-to-connect SharkBite fittings, so we were excited to test the brand’s crimper tool and weren’t disappointed. At just under 4 pounds, the SharkBite crimper is one of the heavier PEX plumbing tools we tested, but it did a spectacular job of creating a secure connection each time.
We tested it with stainless steel crimp rings, but it’s also designed to accommodate copper crimp rings. Changing jaws on the SharkBite was simple, and it comes with a go/no-go gauge so we could check each ring after crimping to ensure it was correct. It performed flawlessly.
The SharkBite comes complete with a mini hard case that secures the gauge and the jaws, and it fits over the head of the PEX pipe crimping tool. We actually prefer this type of case because it doesn’t take up a lot of space in our tool box, and we can even slip it in a tool belt. The mini case protects the working parts of the tool and keeps the accessories secure.
However, it doesn’t come with a removal tool and is not designed for use in restricted spots—its handles must be completely opened (nearly 180 degrees) to crimp a ring. However, it manages all standard PEX sizes, and the ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue.
Get the SharkBite PEX crimp tool at Lowe’s.
More Great Options
While we didn’t personally test the following PEX plumbing crimpers, they were on our short list before we selected the ones we wanted to test—and they’re still among our top picks.
Best Compact
Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX Copper Ring Crimp Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 12.2 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- High-leverage design
- Multiple jaw sizes
- PEX cutter and go/no-go gauge included
- Comes in a hard plastic case
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter handle than comparable options
We know it can be tough to find a compact PEX crimper that fits in a tool box but still provides the leverage required to seal off a PEX joint. But if you’re looking for just that kind of item, check out the Iwiss IWS-FAS PEX crimping tool. This crimper uses a high-leverage design that allows the user to apply enough pressure for a perfect seal despite its compact 12.2-inch design.
This PEX crimping kit is more than just an innovative tool. We like that it comes with the jaws required for crimping ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch pipe, plus a PEX cutter, a go/no-go gauge, and a hard plastic case to carry it all. That’s a lot!
Get the Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX crimp tool at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Multisize Head
Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 17 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- 4 sets of jaws
- Go/no-go gauge and wrench included
- Plastic carrying case
What We Don’t Like
- Big, heavy construction
For a heavy-duty crimping tool that can tackle most PEX tubing plumbing projects, we think the Apollo PEX multihead crimp tool kit is worth a look. This tool kit comes with the crimper, four sets of jaws (⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch sizes), a go/no-go gauge, and a wrench for adjustments and calibration. The jaws swap out with two hex bolts, which the included wrench also fits.
The Apollo provides plenty of leverage for sealing off plumbing joints, good for creating up to 100 pounds of force. The components pack nicely into the plastic carrying case, keeping everything secure and in one place between projects. The only thing we would like it to include is a PEX cutter to make straight flush cuts.
Get the Apollo PEX crimp tool at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best For Tight Spaces
Iwiss iCrimp Angle Head F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 13.7 inches
- Capacity: ½- and ¾-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Suitable for crimping tasks in tight spaces
- Tubing cutter and crimping rings included
- Go/no-go gauge included
- Hard plastic carrying case
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter handles provide limited leverage
- No PEX cutter included
One advantage that PEX fittings have over copper piping is that in-wall repairs in tight spaces are much easier and safer, but they can still be challenging to reach and crimp. This product’s unique offset-head design allows the user to get a grip on any ½- or ¾-inch crimp, even in hard-to-reach places. We think this would be optimal for renovations where the user is retrofitting the plumbing.
This kit’s crimper comes with built-in jaws for ½- and ¾-inch pipe, as well as a tubing cutter and several crimp rings. It also has a go/no-go gauge, alerting the user to calibration issues and potential leaks. All of this gear stores away in a hard plastic carrying case. While we didn’t test this model, we’re familiar with many Iwiss iCrimp PEX plumbing tools, and we’ve never had a problem with any of them.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp angle head PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Best Professional
Milwaukee M18 Press Tool Kit With PEX Crimp Jaws
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 13.5 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ⅝-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Power PEX crimp tool
- Fast and precise alignment
- Green light to show cycle is complete
- Kit includes charger, 2 batteries, and case
What We Don’t Like
- Bulk makes it challenging to work in tight spaces
- Cutter, ⅜-inch, and ⅝-inch jaws are not included
We’re well aware that using a manual PEX crimp tool all day can result in hand pain. While we’ve never used a powered crimp tool, we think the technology is awesome and we’re looking forward to seeing more manufacturers implement it in the near future.
Milwaukee’s powerful 18-volt press tool kit is the solution many professionals prefer. Spring-loaded jaws provide precise alignment for flawless fitting of all PEX crimp sizes. According to Milwaukee, this tool is 40 percent faster than powered rivals, with a full cycle taking just 3 seconds.
Optimized force means no calibration intervals interrupt work, and no calibration tool is required. A pre-press battery check ensures sufficient charge to complete the crimp successfully, and a green LED confirms this at the end of the cycle. However, there’s no cutter in the kit, and while three sets of jaws are included, the ⅜- and ⅝-inch versions cost extra.
Get the Milwaukee PEX crimp tool at The Home Depot or Amazon.
Also Consider
Iwiss iCrimp IWS-C Angle PEX Crimping Tools
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 7.87 inches
- Capacity: ½- and ¾-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- PEX cutter included with purchase
- Compact size for tight spaces
- Precalibrated design
What We Don’t Like
- Short handle may be difficult for some users
Occasionally, plumbing projects and repairs get so tight and restricted that they require scaled-down tools to get the job done. For projects like those, we like the iCrimp angle PEX crimp tool combo. This two-pack of PEX crimping tools features a ½-inch crimper and a ¾-inch model, plus a PEX tubing cutter, both sized to easily fit in a standard tool box.
These PEX crimping tools can fit in some tight spots thanks to their compact size and diameter-dedicated jaws. Unlike many other crimp tools, both of these tools come from the factory precalibrated. If you’re looking at making water-supply line repairs or retrofits, we think this is a good pick for getting in those tight spots.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp IWS-C angle PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose and Tested the Best PEX Crimp Tools
Before selecting the tools we wanted to test, we chatted with Korey Gregory, superintendent at water damage specialists ASAP Restoration in Tempe, Arizona. He stresses that “ineffective PEX crimp tools don’t create a tight enough seal around the ring.”
We then extensively researched and chose to test PEX crimp tools made for PEX A, B, or C with crimps or clamps to suit individual users’ preferences. We selected models for various PEX tubing sizes, including ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch sizes. Several of our picks come from Iwiss, a leading manufacturer of high-quality crimping tools.
In actual testing, we used each tool to securely attach rings or clamps to PEX fittings. We swapped out the jaws (when applicable) and used the accessories that came with the tools to see how well they were made. We used go/no-go gauges to determine whether the crimping tools were securing the fasteners to the correct degree.
During the tests, we awarded points based on a rubric. Afterward, we averaged the points to find our top pick and categorize the other models according to their best uses.
What to Consider When Choosing a PEX Crimp Tool
Gregory offers some additional sound advice: “One of the ways to ensure that you get a quality crimper is to choose ones with longer handles rather than shorter ones. Longer handles help to give you leverage when doing the actual crimping.” He adds, “If you are starting a plumbing business, have wrist problems, or just a huge number of PEX crimps to do, then a powered PEX crimper tool might be worth the investment.”
Types of PEX Crimp Tools
PEX is a flexible tubing that can transport fresh water, hot water, radiant heating, and even sprinkler-system water, making it very popular in residential applications.
These plastic pipes all work the same way, and most of the same joints will apply for all three types. However, their makeup and characteristics vary. One thing to understand is that PEX A, B, and C do not indicate a grade or quality of PEX piping. Those designations simply designate the manufacturing process used to create the pipe.
PEX A
PEX A is the most expensive type of PEX, and it has some desirable properties. For one, even though it comes in rolled coils, PEX A will hold its new shape when straightened, making it easier to install through wall cavities and floors. However, PEX A does have the potential to leach more production-related chemicals, like toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), into the water supply. Also, it has a lower bursting pressure than PEX B.
PEX B
PEX B can cost half as much as PEX A, and that price comes with some advantages and disadvantages. PEX B has a higher bursting pressure than PEX A, and chemical leaching from the pipe is considerably less likely. However, it doesn’t straighten well and it kinks relatively easily, which can make it a bit of a hassle to install.
PEX C
PEX C isn’t very common, and DIYers are unlikely to come across it. The manufacturing process used to create PEX C makes it relatively weak compared to PEX A and B. It’s also less resistant to oxidation, meaning PEX C will wear down through normal usage faster than A and B.
Crimps vs. Clamps
When shoppers are learning about PEX plumbing tools, a key point is that there are crimps and clamps.
- Crimps may be stainless steel or copper crimp rings that slide over a joint, and the crimping tool squeezes the entire ring down onto the barbed fitting underneath. Copper crimps are burlier than clamps, but they’re more susceptible to corrosion.
- Clamps are stainless steel bands with small tabs and locking holes. Clamping tools squeeze a tab that snugs the crimp fitting over the tubing. Stainless steel clamps are easier to install and less likely to corrode, but they’re also much thinner than copper crimps, so they may bend or separate more easily.
Length
For putting strong pressure on a crimp, longer handles are better. The longer the tool’s handle, the more leverage the user can apply to the crimp or clamp, requiring less effort to create a perfect seal. Look for a pipe crimping tool at least 11 inches in length. Since longer-handled PEX piping tools can be slightly awkward, they might have more of a learning curve than shorter-handled ones.
Clamps tend to be easier to secure and require less effort, so handle length isn’t as much of a priority.
Weight
Plumbers and electricians who use these tools regularly will want to look for options between 1 and 9 pounds; most options weigh under 4 pounds. However, heavyweight options may provide more crimping power than their lighter counterparts.
Pipe
Before picking a crimping or clamping tool, know what type of pipe it works for. While many types of clamping and crimping tools work for plumbing joints, not all of them work for PEX pipe.
Some tools work for both copper and PEX pipe, but they generally require additional jaws or PEX crimp fittings. Buying models with added features can get expensive quickly, but for those who do a lot of plumbing, it might be worth the investment to be able to perform multiple plumbing functions with a single tool. Switching a fitting on a clamping tool takes less time than sweating a copper joint with flux and solder.
Capacity
Don’t worry about choosing the PEX crimp tool that is the right size. Because PEX comes in only a few sizes—⅜, ½, ¾, ⅝ , and 1 inch—most clamping or crimping tools made for PEX will do. Swapping between those sizes is usually pretty straightforward.
Electrical and plumbing crimping tools typically have 1-inch jaws that can crimp 1-inch pipe, but their kits come with smaller jaws for tackling smaller pipes. To clamp those smaller pipes, simply open the 1-inch jaws and slip the necessary-size clamping jaws inside.
Clamping tools are often one size fits all. They slide over the knob on the clamp and squeeze it, and those knobs are relatively universal in size.
Gauge
The point of any plumbing job is to avoid leaks. With PEX crimps, it can be difficult to tell by eye or feel if there’s a good seal. Some tools come with go/no-go gauges to help ensure each fitting is tightly sealed.
These gauges have U-shaped cutouts meant for specific pipe sizes. To use a go/no-go gauge, slide it over the joint. Check it from several angles. The gauge should slip over the crimp about halfway before stopping. If it slides over the crimp—or not at all—the joint may have problems when pressurized.
Calibration
Over time, clamping and crimping tools can fall out of perfect calibration. Applying pressure many times throughout a plumbing project can stretch the jaws, in which case they’ll need a little tightening.
Most PEX crimp and clamp tools have adjustment screws, and they often come with the wrenches required to tighten them. Use these to tighten the tools back to the ideal settings. Many have adjustments on both jaws, allowing for calibrating to a perfectly round result.
The gauge can also determine if the jaws are overtightened, which can just as easily lead to a leak.
Removal Function
Many of the best PEX clamp tools have removal functions for separating clamps from the pipe. Don’t expect to reuse these clamps or crimps, though, as the removal process either cuts them or damages their integrity. However, the fitting underneath should be completely intact.
Removing crimps requires an entirely different tool with a blade for cutting through the crimp rings.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about PEX crimp tools and their corresponding answers. Take a look through this section for any additional information not covered above.
PEX B is considered the best all-around PEX pipe. It leaches far fewer chemicals and has a higher bursting pressure. The disadvantage is that it can be harder to work with.
They can fail, but it’s usually due to human error. If the clamp is applied crookedly or unevenly, it will leak. To ensure that the clamps stay in place, check that the clamp or cinch type is compatible with the pipe being cinched.
You cannot get a solid, accurate, leak-free joint with pliers, which can’t apply even pressure all around the crimp. Though this can help with some of the more nitty-gritty problems, a proper PEX pipe crimping tool is the best option.
PEX can run through floor joists, stud walls, or almost anywhere else that would normally hold plumbing (according to local code).
PEX should not run directly to an electric or tankless water heater, but it can run to a copper riser 18 inches or more in length, coming directly from the water heater. But be advised that the PEX tubing must be 6 inches away from the exhaust vent of the heater.
PEX may be able to last more than 100 years. While it hasn’t been around long enough to verify that longevity, long-term testing indicates it could last a century before breaking down. However, it’s important to note that hungry rodents can also cause damage.
Typically, you will squeeze the crimper handles until they’re fully closed. At that point, the crimp is complete. Don’t stop squeezing before the handles are closed or the connection may leak.
PEX should be crimped or clamped at each fitting, but it should only take one solid squeeze of the handles to complete the crimp if the tool is properly calibrated.
Meet the Tester
Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in the construction, remodeling, and real estate industries.
Additional research provided by Tom Scalisi.
