DIYbanter - PEX ring tools

On Saturday, January 18, 2014 6:45:14 PM UTC-5, wrote:
I'm going to install some PEX for the first time. I can seee how it

goes together. Pretty simple actually, but the part I'm not sure about,

is which is the best way to put on the crimp rings, and which ones to

use. I went to a local hardware store and was shocked at the price for

those tools. If I was still doing plumbing work for a living, I'd just

spend the money, but this may be a one time job since I'm retired. The

store said they rent out those tools for $10 a day, which is not too bad

of a price, but I dont want to be rushed with the job, and try to do it

all in one day. It's in my own home and I just want to do it at my own

pace. If I have to rent this tool for 3 or 4 or more days, I may as

well buy it, because there will likely be something I want to add or

modify later. Not to mention that I still do some odd jobs, and might

have to use some PEX for someone else.

Anyhow, if the cost of the tool was not a problem, the clerk told and

showed me that there are two different styles of those rings, and each

one requires a different tool. He told me that the completely round

rings are the most common, but the ones that have a little nub on one

side are also used.

I decided to go on Ebay and see what is available. That confused me

even more, because they list stainless steel rings and copper rings.

They have lots of those tools, but many do not specify which type of

ring they are for, or they say it's for ASTM F2908 stainless steel

clamps. This means nothing to me. And the rings I sw in the hardware

store were black, which surely dont look like stainless steel to me.

In addition, some tools are only for onc size, whiel others are for

multiple sizes. (I want a multiple tool, or one that does at least 1/2"

and 3/4"). If this is not confusing enough, some of those tools contain

a "Go-NoGo" measuring device. What the hell is that for? If I'm using

stabdard PEX, and standard fittings, why do I need to measure where the

crimp ring goes?

What is the most common crimp ring style used? Why do I need this "Go-

NoGo thing? What are some of the better brand names for these tools? I

dont want a cheap piece of junk, but dont want to spend a fortune

either. They do appear to be much cheaper on Ebay, but it's harder to

know what I'm getting. I'd appreciate whatever help you can offer.

Thanks.

PS. I'm aware of the Shark Bite connectors, but not willing to pay

their price, since there will be a lot of fittings needed. So you need

not suggest them.

Get the one that does multiple size. You have to change it back and forth. Plumbers get the single sized ones because time is money for them. If you are doing a whole house you want to just pick up the tool and crimp. Not mess around changing it for a different size.