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Prepare the Pipes — Gather Tools and Materials

Beginner2 hours

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How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 1 of 6

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The first step is to prepare your pipes for the fitting. You must ensure the pipe is cut squarely. For copper pipe, use a dedicated pipe cutter. For PEX tubing, use a PEX cutter. After cutting, remove any rough edges, burrs, or debris from the end of the pipe. This can be done with a fine-grit sandpaper or a dedicated deburring tool. A clean, smooth, and square end is critical for a leak-free connection.

Goal: Create a clean, square pipe end

Used in this video

  • Pipe Cutter (Tool Type: Cutting tools, Power Source: Manual) — Cutting copper pipe squarely
  • PEX Cutter (Tool Type: Cutting tools, Power Source: Manual) — Cutting PEX pipe squarely
  • Sandpaper (Tool Type: Hand tools, Power Source: Manual) — Cleaning and smoothing the end of the copper pipe
  • Deburring Tool (Tool Type: Hand tools, Power Source: Manual) · optional — Removing burrs and rough edges from the inside and outside of the cut pipe
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FAQs

Why is using a go/no-go gauge so critical after crimping PEX, and what does it tell me?

The go/no-go gauge is essential for ensuring your crimp connection meets industry standards and is leak-proof. The 'go' side should fit over the crimp ring, and the 'no-go' side should not. This confirms your crimp is properly sized and secure, preventing costly leaks down the line.

What are the most common mistakes beginners make when crimping PEX tubing, and how can I avoid them?

Common mistakes include not cutting the tubing squarely, placing the crimp ring too far from the end of the tubing, or failing to use the go/no-go gauge. To avoid these, ensure clean, square cuts, position the crimp ring about 1/8 inch from the end of the tubing and over the barb, and always verify your crimp with the gauge.

The materials list both PEX-A and PEX-B tubing. Does the type of PEX tubing (A or B) affect how I use copper crimp rings?

While copper crimp rings primarily use barbed fittings that are compatible with PEX-B and PEX-C, they can also be used with PEX-A tubing. The crimping method itself remains the same for all PEX types when using barbed fittings and copper crimp rings, but PEX-A is also commonly used with expansion fittings.

How accurate is the 'beginner' difficulty rating for this project, and what's a realistic time estimate for a first-timer to get a good crimp?

The 'beginner' rating is accurate as the steps are straightforward once understood, but practice is key. For a first-timer, expect each connection to take 10-15 minutes initially as you get familiar with tool handling and positioning. With a few successful crimps, your speed and confidence will quickly increase.

Transcript
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So the first thing you want to do is prepare your pipes. You want to cut your pipe square and remove any rough edges and debris that may be on your pipe. I used a half inch pipe cutter to cut the copper and I used a PEX cutter to cut the PEX. I also took some fine grit sandpaper and cleaned the end of the copper pipe off. You can also use a deburring tool if you have one, but it's not necessary.

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