Pex clamps

[Mike S.]

New to this pex style of plumbing. Which style clamp is better, the solid ring or the collapsible one? Any preference? I have to repair a driain valve and have limited access. Thanks, Mike

[WineStream]

I use gator/shark bite connectors on all of my repairs in the airstream. No fire required, no pliers required. Just push together and a small tool to take it apart. Connectors are reusable... don't have to be destroyed to remove.

[idroba]

With limited access neither stile PEX clamps will be easy to use. The ring stile requires either a large tool with 18" arms, or the smallest tool is about 6" long but requires vice grips to squeeze it, making it longer, but maybe offset. The clamp stile ring works well, I am told, but still needs a tool to work it, and in close quarters may not work.

The sharkbite fittings are great, but often bulky and may not fit in your space.

There is a plastic RV type fitting which works on PEX too, I forget the name now, but it can be tightened with a set of pliers. Probably the smallest fitting and fairly easy to work with. Your RV dealer will have them, and some hardware stores.

[Bill M.]

I have no idea which one is better. But I do know the stainless steel clamp style work with the crimp on the side just fine. Limited access is a problem with them. I have made things up as an assembly and then figured out how to put it in even if it means an extra joint.

[Mike S.]

Thanks for the replies. I was able to use the flexible clamp and the pliers associated with them. The other style was going to be too thick. I should have taken the trailer back to the airstream dealer as it is still under warranty, but they would have probably put it back the way it was and I would have had to fix it later. It would have been a whole lot easier if they had left a 1/4 inch of excess tubing. Thanks, Mike