Cut PEX Tube — Cut the Tubing
Part of project
How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 2 of 6
In this video
Using a PEX tube cutter, cut the blue PEX tube as close to the brass fitting as possible. You may need to hold the fitting steady with a pair of pliers while you make the cut. The goal is to remove the long section of tubing, leaving only a small piece inside the fitting.
Goal: Cut PEX Tube
- Cutting as close to the fitting as possible makes it easier to remove the remaining piece later.
- Keep fingers clear of the cutter's blade.
Used in this video
- PEX Tube Cutter (brand: Lenox) — Cutting the PEX tube.
- Pliers (Pliers Type: Needle-nose) · optional — Holding the PEX fitting steady during cutting.
671K subscribers
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.
TranscriptHide
Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.
Cut PEX Tube — Cut the Tubing
Part of project
How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 2 of 6
In this video
Using a PEX tube cutter, cut the blue PEX tube as close to the brass fitting as possible. You may need to hold the fitting steady with a pair of pliers while you make the cut. The goal is to remove the long section of tubing, leaving only a small piece inside the fitting.
Goal: Cut PEX Tube
- Cutting as close to the fitting as possible makes it easier to remove the remaining piece later.
- Keep fingers clear of the cutter's blade.
Used in this video
- PEX Tube Cutter (brand: Lenox) — Cutting the PEX tube.
- Pliers (Pliers Type: Needle-nose) · optional — Holding the PEX fitting steady during cutting.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Video Transcript
(198 characters)Hide
Video Transcript
(198 characters)Transcript may be auto-generated and contain errors.