On Oct 22, 1:52 pm, wrote:
OK, I posted about PEX clamping. I made the mistake of stating my
opinion about it, which is not in favor of it. Thus the whole
discussion thread went in that direction and the original point of my
post was lost.

So, I am posting it again, with the intended question.

1. There are two types of PEX Clamping Tools (Crimp Tools) and two
types of crimp bands being sold. One is just a solid metal ring that
somehow (magically) shrinks when the tool is applied. The other looks
more like a common auto hose clamp minus the screw, and requires a
different tool. Which is better?

2. Why cant someone just use a common hose clamp? Hose clamps are a
tad bit more costly for the actual clamp, but the average DIY
homeowner is not going to spend $100 (or even $50) for the tool to do
one job. In the end, hose clamps are cheaper if the cost of the tool
is included. Better yet, hose clamps are easily removed and replaced.
It would seem to me that they would actually be better. I am
surprised they are not just used overall, even by plumbers, with their
only drawback being that stupid homeowners can loosen them and cause
problems. Hose clamps have been used exclusively for underground
plastic black pipe (I cant recall the type of pipe that is) where
people have wells, and they work well.

I'm sure that in time there will be cheap generic crimp tools being
sold that only cost $19.99, but even at that, everyone owns a
screwdriver and with hose clamps being readily available, easy to
install, and much easier to remove than the PEX clamps now being sold,
why not just use hose clamps?

OP-

I agree, the questions in your original post got neglected as the
thread drifted "off topic"

Before I made the jump from copper to PEX I had some of the same
questions & concerns that you have.

The tool were really expensive!

I was concerned about using any crimps rings...if the rings corroded
the connection would fail.

I chose to use the expansion system....no crimp rings.

So to answer your Question 1: Which is better? IMO, neither, crimp
rings are not a good choice. I recommend using the expansion tool &
compatible fittings.


Question 2: Why cant someone just use a common hose clamp?

PEX is an engineered complete system its not just the PEX tubing
alone. The PEX mfr supplies the parts. But the system performance
depends on the parts AND the installation. The PEX mfr has
engineered (parts & installation procedure) to perform reliably.

the average DIY homeowner is not going to spend $100

The PEX plumbing system is not a "DIY homeowner" system

So why not use hose clamps?

Installation with screw type hose clamps would give widely varying
clamping force. Crimped connections give reliable and repeatable
results.

hose clamps are easily removed and replaced

PEX system is more or less permanent, not meant to be removed a
routine basis. It can be reworked (just like any permanent plumbing
system) but the clamping system is designed for reliability of
connection not "remove-ablilty".

If the PEX system mfr allowed or suggested the use of hose clamps,
that would expose themselves and the installers to the possibility of
huge liability. The system as designed works, modify it at your own
risk.

cheers
Bob