Ohio Power Tool offers a wide selection of PEX Press Tools for medium to large scale projects involving PEX tubing and various connectors, catering to a wide range of plumbing and heating applications. PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is a popular choice for modern plumbing systems due to its flexibility, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Understanding the different types of connectors and the appropriate tools can greatly influence the efficiency and reliability of any PEX installation.
ProPEX Expander Heads 2532-22
Crimp Ring (Viega PureFlow) Connectors: One of the most common methods for connecting PEX pipes is using crimp ring connectors. There connectors are all compatible with type A, B or C PEX tubing. These connectors involve sliding a copper crimp ring over the end of the PEX tube and then inserting a fitting, either brass or poly, into the end of the tube. A PEX crimp tool is then used to tightly crimp the ring around the tube and fitting, securing a watertight seal. The tools required for this type of connection include a PEX crimp tool and a go/no-go gauge, which is used to ensure the crimp is properly sized.
Crimp Fittings:
| PEX Fitting | Material | ASTM Standard |
 | Brass | F1807 |
 | Poly | F2159 |
Viega PureFlow system was one of the first and Ridgid partnered with PureFlow branded heads for their press tools. There’s follow the ASTM F1807 Standard. Other brands of connectors and press tools are now available on the market, but they can not use the PureFlow name on the Heads PEX for the CRMP ASTM F1807. That standard applies to brass inner fittings, but these tools also meet standard for poly inner fitting F2159.
Crimp connections are widely used due to their simplicity and effectiveness, ideal for both residential and commercial plumbing applications. We do sell manual PEX hand crimping tools in ½” (43853) and ¾” (43858) sizes but most professionals use a powered Press Tool like the Ridgid RP115 or Milwaukee M18 PEX 2674-22C, which are compact and lightweight. The PEX crimp system with a powered press tool is a great choice for medium to larger jobs with lots of PEX connections.
Manual Hand 43853
Manual PEX Hand Crimping:
| Product Image | Sku # | Product Name | Product Price |
 | RD43853 | RIDGID 1/2″ Close Quarters PEX Crimper ASTM F 1807 Manual Hand | $180.79 |
| RD43858 | RIDGID 3/4″ Close Quarters PEX Crimper ASTM F 1807 Manual Hand | $180.79 |
| Product Image | Sku # | Product Name | Product Price |
 | 2674-22C | Milwaukee M18 Short Throw Press Tool PEX Copper Crimp Jaws (2.0Ah) Kit | $749.97 |
 | RD72558 | RIDGID RP 115 Combo Kit w/ ProPress & PureFlow Jaws (1/2″ – 3/4″) | $1,523.39 |
(2.0Ah) Kit 2674-22C
Expansion (Uponor ProPex) Connectors: Uponor was the first popular brand to offer Expansion PEX fittings hence these are now all called ProPEX but that is just the Uponor brand name. They had partnered with Milwaukee for M12 ProPEX and M18 ProPEX tools and for many years were the only big name tool brand with power tools for these PEX fittings. While Ridgid never went after this market we now have DeWalt DCE400B PEX options that can’t use the ProPEX name but meet the ASTM F1960 Standard.
| Product Image | Sku # | Product Name | Product Price |
 | 2532-22 | Milwaukee M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander Kit w/ 1/2″ – 1″ Rapid Seal ProPEX Expander Heads | $599.99 |
 | 2932-22XC | Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2″ ProPEX Expander Kit w/ ONE-KEY & 1-1/4″ – 2″ Expander Heads | $1,799.99 |
 | 2532-20 | Milwaukee M12 FUEL ProPEX Expander w/ 1/2″ – 1″ Rapid Seal ProPEX Expander Heads | $529.99 |
 | 2632-22XC | Milwaukee M18 ProPex Expansion Tool (3.0Ah) Kit w/ 1 – 1-1/4″ Heads | $999.99 |
| Product Image | Sku # | Product Name | Product Price |
 | DCE400B | DeWalt 20V MAX 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ PEX Expansion Tool (Bare) | $369.00 |
 | DCE400D2 | DeWalt 20V Max 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″ PEX Expansion Kit | $519.00 |
Once the fitting is inserted, the expanded PEX pipe contracts around it, creating a strong, leak-proof connection. Particularly popular in regions with cold temperatures, the expansion connector system involves expanding the end of the PEX pipe with a special expansion tool before inserting a fitting. This method is highly reliable, reducing the risk of leaks associated with the contraction of the material in changing temperature environments. Ideal for small, medium to larger jobs for both residential or commercial.
| PEX Fitting | Material | ASTM Standard |
 | Brass | F1960 |
 | Poly | F1960 |
 | Brass | F2080 |
Clamp (Cinch) Connectors: Another popular option is the clamp or cinch connector system. This method uses stainless steel clamps instead of copper crimp rings compliant with F2098 standard. The clamp is placed over the PEX pipe and a fitting is inserted (same standard for internal fittings used in crimping).
A PEX cinch tool is then used to tighten the clamp around the pipe and fitting. The advantage of this system is that one size clamp can be used for different sizes of PEX pipe, which simplifies the tool requirements and reduces the inventory needed. Cinch connectors are favored for their ease of inspection, as it’s easy to see if the clamp is properly secured. Ideal for smaller jobs with use of a manual Cinch tool.
Push-Fit Connectors: For even faster connections without the need for specialized tools, push-fit connectors are an excellent choice. These connectors, such as those from SharkBite or Wirsbo (Uponor), simply push onto the end of the PEX tubing and the fitting. They feature a special locking mechanism that securely holds the PEX pipe in place. Push-fit connectors are incredibly user-friendly and are ideal for quick repairs or installations where minimal disruption is desired. They are more expensive than crimp or clamp connections, ideal for smaller residential jobs, with only a few connections.
| PEX Fitting | Material | ASTM Standard |
 | Brass | None |
 | Poly | None |
Compression Connectors: Compression fittings are used without the need for any special PEX-specific tools and are another method for connecting PEX pipes, especially useful in temporary installations or in situations where the use of a tool is impractical. They work by compressing a ferrule between the nut and the fitting body, tightly securing the PEX pipe in place. These are commonly used for applications such as water filters or under-sink installations where they might need to be removed or adjusted periodically. Since the fittings are reusable best suited for temporary applications, less ideal for permanent applications or under medium to high pressure.
| PEX Fitting | Material | ASTM Standard |
 | Brass | None |
Each type of PEX connector and the corresponding tools offer different benefits and are suited to various applications, from residential plumbing to commercial heating systems. Ohio Power Tool provides the necessary tools, ensuring that professionals can find the best solutions for their specific PEX piping needs. Understanding the advantages and specific uses of each type of PEX can help in selecting the right products for efficient, durable, and cost-effective plumbing installations.
1-1/4″ – 2″ Expander Heads 2932-22XC
We have multiple options for PEX press tools at Ohio Power Tool so you can check those out right now! Don’t hesitate to reach out at cs@ohiopowertool.com or 614-481-2111 with any questions, comments, or concerns, and be sure to follow us on all your favorite social media channels to stay in the know on all the latest announcements, deals, news, and more!
