FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Search on PEX

Marion | Posted in General Discussion on December 7, 2006 01:12am

I am looking at what tools I should buy for pex clamps. When I do a search on forums nothing comes up. What should the search string be?

Or, Do you like the clamp that fits all size of pipes, that clamps little nib on clamp, or the tool that fits over the ring and clamps down on whole ring(one size for each clamp size). I think Zurn is the one I’m looking at.
Thanks
Marion

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. rez | Dec 13, 2006 09:14pm | #1

    Greetings Marion,

    This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again.

    Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.

    Cheers

     

     
    damn, am I fat!

    1. User avater
      IMERC | Dec 13, 2006 10:24pm | #2

      yur the search pro..

      help the man... 

      Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

      WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

      Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  2. Notchman | Dec 13, 2006 10:30pm | #3

    I have the Zurn crimpers (dedicated crimper for each tubing size).  I've had it and used it for about a year and like it fine.

    I bought it at a local plumbing supply which also supplies the crimp rings and the barbed fittings and copper terminations for fixtures.  I only need 1/2" and 3/4" and each crimper, IIRC, was about $75.

    The Wirsbo expansion tool is also good, albeit more expensive, and maybe a little handier for those hard to reach spots, but I've always been able to plan ahead a bit for using the crimping tool.

    1. McPlumb | Dec 14, 2006 12:59am | #4

      This summer Lowes was carring the Zurn type in 1/2 and 3/4 even had the rings.

    2. andybuildz | Dec 15, 2006 05:38am | #7

      Since my plumber hasn't returned two calls already over the past two weeks...ugh.. I may just have to learn how to do Pex work myself. Its on my own house so I won't be at risk of messing anyone but myself up. Good place to learn.
      Any suggestions as to a good read on this subject?
      Thanks
      Be well
      andy.. 

       http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

       

      1. Notchman | Dec 16, 2006 05:57pm | #8

        There's not much to it.

        I got into it because I was plumbing in two new baths in a remote vacation home with no fire protection and I wanted to minimize use of a torch. (Youll still have to sweat some fittings).

        I wanted a Wirsbo expander but, if you're not a licensed plumber in my state, they're hard to come by, so I got the crimping tools instead.  And they work just fine....the crimpers are well made and adjustable.

        As one poster mentioned, whatever type you use, make sure you can get all the goodies for that method.

        The crimpers have handles that are about 16" long and when you crimp a ring you want the crimper 90 degrees to the tubing so, with some places being a tight fit, you do have to preplan your assembly at times.

        But, for the most part, it's fast and easy.

        The PEX tubing can be punctured quite easily so, if you're doing new work in and old structure, watch for protruding nails when pulling the tubing and be thorough about using nail plates.

        I hate plumbing terminations that are not firm and solid and the available PEX connections (tees, ells, etc.) include copper terminations for valves and shower heads and washing machine valves and hose bibs, etc., so you can end up with good firm fixture hook ups.

        I believe the only real caution with PEX is keeping it out of the sunlight, but most plumbing is buried anyway.

        You're smart and the learning curve is short anyway, so have fun.

         

         

         

        1. andybuildz | Dec 16, 2006 06:14pm | #9

          Notch,
          Thanks doode!! Thats all I needed to hear. Actually I just heard from my plumber after a two week wait. I told him I was actually worried about him because he always returns calls right away.
          Meanwhile he said I'll need to wait a few more days for him to figure out what he'd charge me because they're so busy. With that said I still will probably do a lot of the plumbing myself. I have a feeling with him so busy his prices might reflect that. If I can do half the work and let him finish it up both he and I will be happy. HE's always cool with that.
          Thanks again bro and have a great new year!!
          andy... 

           http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

           

          1. joeh | Dec 19, 2006 10:33pm | #13

            Andy, if you are starting from scratch I think that newest style stainless clamp  woud be the way to go.

            One tool to crimp the clamps on all sizes instead of buying individual crimpers for the different sizes. Figure for rework you will need at least 1/2" & 3/4" and maybe 3/8" & 1" too. Those clamps look pretty slick & cheaper buying just one tool.

            I haven't tried it though, just saw them on one job.

            Like this thing --> http://www.watts.com/pro/divisions/potablepexplumbing/learnabout/learnabout_cinchclamp.asp

            Joe H

            Edited 12/20/2006 3:25 pm by JoeH

          2. andybuildz | Dec 19, 2006 10:59pm | #14

            Joe
            What a coinky dinky...lol...I was JUST looking a tthat page before you posted it here. That vs the expander. The expander I see can be had for $260 on Ebay new which is still kinda steep depending on how much yer gonna use it. Still looking to see how much this tool is w/ the clamps and see whats most cost effective. I don't see a price in that site.
            HD isn't carrying this stuff yet is it???
              

            HAPPY HOLIDAYS:)http://http://www.woodstockanddeadseascrolls.net/files/track09c.mp3< 

             http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

             

          3. joeh | Dec 19, 2006 11:13pm | #15

            HD here doesn't, but we have a mini store. I've read Lowes does, but Lowes is 50 miles south so no Lowes for Joe.

            Maybe Plumbbill knows something about it. I haven't asked about it here, but someon must have it or I wouldn't have seen it.

            Joe H

          4. andybuildz | Dec 19, 2006 11:24pm | #16

            OK...I found it for under a hundred bucks on line.
            Gonna check Lowes and see if they carry it and supplies. My plumbing supply store around here is a small fortune!!  

            HAPPY HOLIDAYS:)http://http://www.woodstockanddeadseascrolls.net/files/track09c.mp3< 

             http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

             

          5. plumbbill | Dec 20, 2006 07:17am | #17

            Lowes has the zurn not uponor---- aka wirsbo.

            Zurn uses the crimp ring not the expansion ring.“When the San Francisco Democrats treat foreign affairs as an afterthought... they [behave] less like a dove or a hawk than like an ostrich—convinced it would shut out the world by hiding its head in the sand... When the Soviet Union walked out of arms control negotiations, and refused even to discuss the issues, the San Francisco Democrats didn’t blame Soviet intransigence. They blamed the United States. But then, they always blame America first. When Marxist dictators shoot their way to power in Central America, the San Francisco Democrats don’t blame the guerrillas and their Soviet allies, they blame United States policies of 100 years ago. But then, they always blame America first. The American people know better.” —former UN ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick

          6. andybuildz | Dec 20, 2006 03:34pm | #19

            Hey Joe
            I looked for both the expander set and the crimper at Lowes around here but nada to be found. The expander set is kind of expensive. Why would one use one over the other? My guess is the rings for the expander set are cheaper than the ones that get crimped...no? So in the end, after a few jobs the expander set would pay for itself in comparrison. No?
            I'd prefere getting the expander set but like I said...its kinda steep at around $270 which is the least expensive I could find it.
            Be well
            andy  

            HAPPY HOLIDAYS:)http://http://www.woodstockanddeadseascrolls.net/files/track09c.mp3< 

             http://WWW.CLIFFORDRENOVATIONS.COM                                   

             

      2. MikeHennessy | Dec 19, 2006 05:05pm | #10

        I'm curently working on an addition that includes a master bath and a laundry room. I used PEX for radiant floor heating and it was so slick, I thought I'd try to use PEX for all the supply lines for the bath and laundry. To make a long story short, it took about 4 hours to plumb the supply lines for these two rooms. (It would have probably taken over a full day to use copper.) The lines pulled just like Romex even though some of the routes were a bit circuitous. The hardest part was hooking up the copper supplies to the PEX manifolds. I used the Wirsbo Propex/expander method. If I had my druthers, I'd never fire up the torch again! Adequate instructions come with the tools. It takes about a minute to make a joint, start to finish. No worries about hot joints, burned fingers, scorched wood. Quick and simple.

        Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

  3. joeh | Dec 14, 2006 01:18am | #5

    Marion, buy what your local supply house carries.

    I have a Wirsbo Uphonor expander set, but I have relocated to the Land of Huh?

    Nobody here in a town with 3 plumbing supply carries the line, so the set is useless.

    Whatever you buy, if you can't get the bits, you're screwed.

    I was in a house this morning that was done with crimps & those stainless clamps. I was wondering if they would stay clamped forever. It's the first time I've seen it in the flesh, looks neat but who knows.

    Joe H 

     

    1. plumbbill | Dec 19, 2006 05:29pm | #11

      Say it ain't so Joe.

       

      Hey don't you have a FNW around you?----- Used to be called Familian, then it was Ferguson, now FNW.“When the San Francisco Democrats treat foreign affairs as an afterthought... they [behave] less like a dove or a hawk than like an ostrich—convinced it would shut out the world by hiding its head in the sand... When the Soviet Union walked out of arms control negotiations, and refused even to discuss the issues, the San Francisco Democrats didn’t blame Soviet intransigence. They blamed the United States. But then, they always blame America first. When Marxist dictators shoot their way to power in Central America, the San Francisco Democrats don’t blame the guerrillas and their Soviet allies, they blame United States policies of 100 years ago. But then, they always blame America first. The American people know better.” —former UN ambassador Jeane Kirkpatrick

      1. joeh | Dec 19, 2006 10:08pm | #12

        Nope. Not here.

        Southwest plumbing, small chain of stores. They sell it at their Las Vegas store I think, but not here.

        Peterson's plumbing, no got.

        New store Standard, same no got.

        Joe H

    2. BryanKlakamp | Dec 20, 2006 07:41am | #18

      Joe,

      If you're interested in selling your Wirsbo expander set, please shoot me an email.

      I recently purchased one, but I have a friend who would like to get one too, if the price is right.

      Thanks,

      Bryan"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."

      Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio

      1. joeh | Dec 21, 2006 08:29am | #20

        Make offer, I'll have a look for it.

        Joe H

        1. BryanKlakamp | Dec 21, 2006 08:35am | #21

          I checked with my friend, and he picked one up at the local pawn shop.

          He got the tool, and the set of three expanders for 1/2", 3/4", and 1", plus a tubing cutter, for $160.

          He's happy.

          And I have a brand new one.

          So, if someone else out there needs one, perhaps they can get it from you.

          Thanks anyway.

          Bryan"Objects in mirror appear closer than they are."

          Klakamp Construction, Findlay, Ohio

  4. Marion | Dec 15, 2006 05:30am | #6

    Thanks for the info. I am going with Zurn in two sizes. I have used PEX before and the grey stuff before it, but always used the compression fittings to join it together. With a couple jobs coming up, I want to get the tools and start to use the clamps.

    Marion

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

These defensive details give homes a better chances of surviving wildfires.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 690: Sharpening, Wires Behind Baseboard, and Fixing Shingle Panels
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Hand Tool Sharpening Tips
  • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • A Drip-Free, Through-Window Heat Pump

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Old House Journal – August 2025
    • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
    • Old House Air-Sealing Basics
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data