Pex master list

[GlobeTrottin]

The "pocket crimper" is all I have ever used. I have a dedicated Vise Grip (the real thing - not a knock off) that is in my Pex bag and have never had a failure. It admittedly gives even the Vise Grip a workout to get a "go" instead of a "no go" on the test gauge but I have had all kinds of fun with Pex since I got those tools. Even put Pex (1/2" shoved inside 3/4" to make a stiff 18" rod) "poles" on my fishing boat trailer as guides so the boat slides right up the middle when loading from the lake. Works like a charm.

[mello mike]

This is a great thread. A great resource for my future PEX project.

[mikeandnora]

I tried a vice grip (8" I think) and it was clearly too little leverage.

What size of vice grip do you use? Also, why does a vice grip help at all over a channel lock? I would think the pressure needs to be applied at one instant to crimp it down. I wondered that when I saw the vice grips being used on the package too.

Thanks!

[GlobeTrottin]

I think I have an 8" Vise Grip that I used with the Pocket Crimper. I have noticed that when I put the crimper pieces together and squeeze them by hand down onto the copper crimp ring, they can be squeezed together so that the crimper just "hangs on" even if I let go to pick up the Vise Grip. Then the Vise Grip gets a squeeze, and sometimes let go, twist a bit on the adjustment to tighten, and another squeeze. That does the trick, we get a green light GO from the test gauge and it's on to the next one.

[walstibsf]

Bryanl: when you say flare-it fitting, are you talking about fittings made for PEX or for copper? Speaking of which, has anyone ever tried using copper type fittings for PEX? You never know when an emergency repair might be needed on the road.

Thanks...

[mello mike]

When the term Flair-it is used, this is what I think of:

Flair-It™ 1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2" Swivel Tee: Mobile Home Parts Store

Note that this is just one example of a Flair-it fitting, there are many types of fittings, of course.

[bryanl]

the link is an example. also see iPlumb.tv - PEX Fittings Flair It Bulk - the manufacturer has some good information as well - Flair-It PEX Plumbing and Radiant Heating Systems

The local TruValue hardware has some, the local RV parts store has a good collection as well.

These are re-usable PEX fittings. Some of the gator or shark byte fittings are re-usable, some will handle copper so it pays to read the packaging carefully if you get those. The Quest fittings, also commonly available, will handle both PEX and copper, too.