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Position the Crimper — Slide on Crimp Ring

Beginner2 hours

Part of project

How to Cut and Crimp PEX Tubing Like a Pro · Step 3 of 6

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In this video

Position the copper ring over the barbed portion of the fitting, ensuring it's approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the end of the tubing. Center the two halves of the PEX Pocket Crimper over the ring, making sure the ring is seated in the correctly sized groove on the tool.

Goal: Place crimper on the ring

Used in this video

  • PEX Pocket Crimper (brand: Superior Tool)Crimping the copper ring to create a connection.
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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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With the copper ring positioned over the barbs on the fitting, center the two halves of the Pocket Crimper over the ring. With your standard 10-inch locking pliers, squeeze the tool closed in 4 or 5 stages.

Auto-generated transcript. May contain errors.