Top 10 Best PEX Crimping Tools Reviews With Buying Guide 2023

Nowadays, not everyone calls a professional to get their home improvement tasks done. The reason is- due to the advancement of technology, manufacturers are finding new ways to make tools that anyone, with or without technical skills can use easily.

You can’t deny the fact that these tools come in handy at times when things get worse, and need to be fixed as soon as possible! An example of such a tool is a PEX crimping tool.

Imagine the sink pipe of your kitchen has a leakage, and you find it impossible to cook with all the water leaking out of the pipe and making the floor a terrible mess! What will you do?

If you have a PEX pipe and its crimping tool nearby, it will take less than five minutes to secure the new pipe into the fitting.

Now, if you’re wondering where to find the best PEX crimping tools, look no further than this guide!

What to Look Before Purchasing A Pex Crimp Tool [Buying Guide]

1. Length

When you’re looking for the best PEX crimping system, the first thing you need to consider is the tool’s length.

Crimp tools come in many different sizes, and the right size lets you perform plumbing tasks effectively. For example, if the PEX pipe is located a bit far from your reach, a longer tool will work better.

If the pipe is located in a tight area or is closer to you, nothing can do better than a small-sized crimp tool. Make sure to check how far the pipe is located from your reach, and then choose the right-sized crimp tool.

2. Weight

All the money you’ve spent on PEX crimping pliers will go down the drain if you find it heavy enough to not be able to work properly.

That being said, you need to get the one that is lighter so that you can easily lift it and carry it with you. If your hands are giving you trouble, a lighter crimp tool is a must!

3. Clasp Size

PEX crimping tools come with various clasp sizes suited for crimp rings of different diameters. Typically, the size ranges from 3/4 inch up to an inch.

A good idea to determine which clasp size you need is to check the diameter of the crimp ring beforehand. The crimp tool should have the right clasp size to fit around the crimp ring.

Relevant post >> PEX Expansion Vs Crimp

4. Go/No-Go Gauge

A go/no-go gauge helps you know if the crimp ring is properly crimped into place. It is a plate with holes of different sizes that you place around the crimp ring to check if its diameter corresponds to a hole.

If the gauge easily fits the diameter of the crimp ring, it means the ring is properly crimped, and if it doesn’t then you might need to crimp further.

5. Grip

You wouldn’t want your hands to ache after installing the new PEX pipe, would you?
The PEX tool should have a soft grip that gives your hand some comfort as you’re trying to join the pipe and the fitting. If it lacks the feature, imagine yourself whining about an achy hand!

6. Calibration

After several uses, even the best PEX crimping tools tend to become loose. What you would have to do is, calibrate the tool so that it can snugly wrap around PEX pipes of the diameters it is originally intended to be used on.

Since not all PEX crimping tools allow you to calibrate, make sure to choose the one that does!

7. Durability

It would be a shame if your PEX crimping tool gives up after a few months of use.
In order to ensure your chosen tool is worth its value, make sure to check the material it is made of.

If it comprises high-quality steel, it is likely you don’t have to replace the tool often. Although it might be expensive, you’ll benefit from it in the long run.

Our Top 10 Best PEX Crimping Tools in 2023

1. iCrimp Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool

The best PEX cinch tool for any user would be the one that offers versatility, like the iCrimp ratchet PEX cinch tool.

This 11-inch ratchet-style tool meets the ASTM F2098 standard, which makes it suitable for use on stainless steel clamps by any manufacturer. With this clamping tool in hand, you can secure clamp rings ranging between 3/8 inches and 1 inch.

If you’ve never used PEX tools before, you won’t find it difficult in using this one as it allows easy cinching and removing of clamp rings.

In order to secure a connection, you will have to rotate the square knob at the front until ‘1’ is aligned next to the red dot, and then squeeze the jaws over the ear of the clamp ring to tighten it.

If you’ve done a mistake, don’t panic! Just unlock the lever at the back, rotate the knob until ‘2’ is aligned next to the dot, lock the lever, and then pull out the clamp ring.

What’s good about this PEX tool is that regardless of how many times you use it, there’s no need for calibration! While the high-quality steel body resists abrasion and offers durability, the eco-friendly PVC handle ensures a comfortable grip.

Besides the clamping tool, there’s also a PEX cutter that allows precise cutting of your PEX pipes. Plus, you’ll be getting plenty of stainless steel clamp rings for your convenience!

Highlighted Features:

• The clamping tool is made of high-quality steel
• The jaws ensure secure cinching and removing of clamp rings
• The eco-friendly PVC handle provides a comfortable grip
• You don’t need to calibrate the clamping tool
• Includes a PEX cutter and stainless steel clamp rings

2. IWISS PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kit

If you’re looking for a good PEX crimp tool kit, why not check out this one by IWISS?
The IWISS PEX pipe crimping tool kit eliminates all your worries regarding water leaks.

It contains crimping tools of 1/2 inches and 3/4 inches, a PEX cutter, and a go/no-go gauge. If you have don’t have the time to go out and look for items separately, this is what you need!

Starting with the crimping tools, they allow you to secure copper crimp rings measuring 1/2 inches and 3/4 inches. The jaws of each crimp tool are well-polished to ensure the crimp rings don’t get any scratches as you crimp them.

Not to mention, the angled jaw design enables you to work easily in enclosed areas.
As you focus on replacing a leaky pipe with a PEX pipe, the crimping tool won’t slip out of your hands.

Its handles are made of PVC, which ensures a good, slip-resistant grip. The overall tool is lighter than most PEX crimping tools, so you can easily move it around without getting tired.

As for the PEX cutter, its blade is sharp enough to smoothly cut through a PEX pipe. The spring mechanism allows easy opening and closing of the mouth. When you’re done using the cutting tool, you can keep its mouth locked by hooking the handles together.

If you’re unsure about properly crimping the copper ring into place, you can use the go/no-go gauge to check!

Highlighted Features:

• 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch crimping tools secure the corresponding crimp rings into place
• Angled jaw design lets you work in hard-to-reach areas
• The PEX cutter smoothly cuts PEX pipes
• Being lightweight, this crimping tool allows easy movement
• Includes PEX crimping tools, PEX cutter, and a go/no-go gauge

3. IWISS Ratcheting PEX Cinch Tool

Here’s another tool by the IWISS brand you would love to have in your toolbox- the Iwiss ratcheting PEX cinch tool!

This is a versatile tool that comes in handy regardless of the size of the ear clamps you’re using on your PEX pipe. With this cinch tool, you can secure or remove ear clamps measuring 3/8 inches to an inch.

If you’re building a water treatment system or installing a shut-off valve at fixtures, this heavy-duty tool should be enough to make a secure connection.

As you slide a stainless steel clamp ring over the PEX pipe and cinch the ear of the ring, the ratchet tool won’t stop its mechanism until the clamping process is fully completed.

It will release the clamp ring on its own! Not only that but the long handle measuring 11.8 inches lets you reach the clamp ring without keeping your arms extended.

Also, the handles have a rubber coating that resists slipping and allows you to hold the tool comfortably. Your arms won’t ache, and you’ll be smiling at your newly installed PEX pipe!

The IWISS ratcheting PEX cinch tool is the best PEX clamp tool because it lets you work both in open and tight spaces. Also, it doesn’t need to be recalibrated after several uses, so you’ll be focusing on renovating your home instead of tweaking the tool.

Highlighted Features:

• Cinches stainless steel clamp rings tightly
• A long handle lets you work without keeping your arms extended
• A rubber grip prevents the tool from slipping and ensures a comfortable grip
• This one is the best pex crimp tool for tight spaces
• The cinch tool doesn’t need to be calibrated

4. IWISS Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit

IWISS brings you another crimping tool kit that is designed to facilitate your PEX plumbing needs. The copper ring crimping tool kit contains everything you need to make a crimp connection.

You’ll find a 15-inch crimping tool, a de-crimping tool, interchangeable jaws, a PEX cutter, a hex spanner, and a go/no-go gauge- all neatly packed in a blue box. Since everything is included in this set, you can save your time running to a hardware store.

First of all, the crimp tool has a long handle, and it allows you to easily reach for your PEX pipes without keeping your arms extended. It is already loaded with a 1-inch jaw, but you can take it out and place jaws of other sizes according to your requirements.

You have a 3/8 inch, 3/4 inch, and a 1/2 inch jaw to choose from.
Each of the four jaws is polished to the extent that they won’t cause any damage to your PEX pipes or the copper rings.

This is something you should look for in a PEX crimp toolset. The crimp tool comes already calibrated, and it ensures a solid seal every time.

If you’ve secured a copper ring in the wrong area of the PEX pipe, it can be a pain to remove it. But, there’s no need to worry, because the de-crimping tool that comes in this set is smart enough to snap the ring quickly!

While the PEX cutter does its job of cutting through the PEX pipe smoothly, the hex spanner lets you tighten the nuts of the crimp tool. When you’re done making a connection, use the go/no-go gauge to check whether the connection is secure!

Highlighted Features:

• Includes a crimping tool, de-crimping tool, interchangeable jaws, PEX cutter, hex spanner, and a go/no-go gauge
• Long handle lets you reach further
• Ensures a solid seal between a PEX pipe and its fittings
• The PEX cutter ensures a smooth cut
• The de-crimping tool snaps crimp rings from the pipe easily

5. JWGJW PEX Cinch Tool

For replacing those old copper pipes in mixing valves or fittings with PEX pipes, this cinch tool is what you need!

The JWGJW PEX cinch tool lets you make secure clamp connections without needing the help of a professional. Like most cinch tools, this one allows you to cinch stainless steel clamp rings ranging from 3/8 inches to 1 inch.

If you’re a beginner, you’ll find this tool easy to use because as you cinch a clamp ring, the jaws will ensure the ear is completely secured before releasing it automatically. Plus, the tool comes already calibrated, and you don’t have to recalibrate it even after using it several times.

Engineered with manganese steel, this portable PEX tool offers exceptional durability and resistance to impact. Additionally, the rubber grip prevents the cinch tool from slipping out of your hand as you’re focusing on installing a new PEX pipe.

The handle is long enough to let you work comfortably without causing your arms to get achy.

If you’ve bought a new PEX pipe but forgot to buy clamp rings, you don’t need to go anywhere! This cinch tool comes with 22 pieces of 1/2 inch stainless steel clamps and 10 pieces of 3/4 inch clamps.

These clamps are easy to cinch, and they offer a reliable PEX connection in both open and tight spaces!

Highlighted Features:

• The jaws automatically release the clamp after it has been fully cinched
• Manganese steel cinch tool ensures durability and impact resistance
• Rubber grip handles prevent the tool from slipping out of your hand
• You don’t need to recalibrate the cinch tool after using it several times
• Comes with 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch stainless steel clamps

6. IWISS PEX Crimping Tool Kit With Tube Cutter Suits

Setting up your home brewery, shower, or utility sink will be a breeze when you have this amazing crimping tool kit by IWISS.

Like the IWISS copper ring crimping tool kit, this one comes with a crimping tool, interchangeable jaws, a PEX cutter, a hex spanner, and a go/no-gauge. The only difference is the absence of a de-crimping tool and the size of the handle.

Instead of a long handle, this crimping tool has a shorter one, which allows you to easily reach the PEX pipe located in tight spaces. Not only that, but the crimp tool won’t slip out of your hand because the handle provides a firm grip.

You can comfortably use this lightweight tool all day with the aim of renovating your home. The best PEX crimp tools should give you versatile usage opportunities, which is why this one comes with jaws of different sizes.

Although the crimp tool has a 1-inch jaw already installed in it, you can easily replace it with the 3/8 inch, 3/4 inch, or 1/2 inch jaw depending on the size of the copper crimp ring.

What you’ll love about the crimping tool is that it requires 50 percent less effort than most crimping tools! This is an advantage because you won’t wear out from the installation of PEX pipes around the house.

As for the included PEX cutter, it features a sharp blade that cuts the PEX pipe without leaving uneven edges. When you’re done with cutting, you can secure the blade into place with the help of the locking hook.

This tool does need calibration at some point, but it won’t be a problem when you have the hex spanner. Plus, to ensure whether the connection you’ve made is safe, there’s the go/no-go gauge.

Highlighted Features:

• Includes a crimping tool, interchangeable jaws, PEX cutter, hex spanner, and a go/no-go gauge
• Short handle lets you work in tight spaces
• Interchangeable jaws offer versatility
• The PEX cutter cuts through PEX pipes flawlessly
• Lightweight crimping tool allows easy portability

7. KOTTO PEX Cinch Tool Kit

Another great PEX cinch toolset worth mentioning is this one by KOTTO. The KOTTO PEX cinch tool kit contains everything you need to ensure a secure PEX connection in your home improvement projects.

It includes a sturdy cinch tool, a PEX cutter, and 30 pieces of stainless steel clamp rings. All of these items are organized in a slim storage bag for your convenience.

The cinch tool measures 11 inches and it works with any stainless steel clamps from different manufacturers. You can use it to cinch clamps ranging between 3/8 inches and an inch.

Whichever size you need to work on, you don’t have to do any adjustments with the tool! Also, it comes already calibrated, so you will get perfect connections every time. A self-releasing mechanism in a cinch tool is a must for ensuring proper connections.

When you cinch a clamp ring, the jaws won’t release it until the clamp ring is fully secured. Plus, the rubber handle lets you work comfortably without experience any pain.

There are plenty of stainless steel clamp rings in this set, so if you need to install multiple PEX pipes, you have more than enough!

As for the PEX cutter, it neatly cuts the PEX pipe so that it becomes easier for you to insert fittings. Like all the bonus PEX cutters in this list, this one also has a locking feature for keeping the blade safe.

Highlighted Features:

• Includes a clamp cinch tool, PEX cutter, and stainless steel clamp rings
• The jaws automatically release a clamp ring after it has been clamped properly
• Sturdy cinch tool lasts a long time
• The cinch tool does not need to be recalibrated
• Storage bag for easy carrying

8. IWISS PEX Pipe Crimping Tool

If you’re looking only for the best PEX crimper instead of a set, you can go for this PEX pipe crimping tool by IWISS.

This one-size tool lets you work only on 1-inch copper crimp rings. The angle head design, as you’ve previously seen in other Iwiss crimping tools, lets you work in tight spaces, such as PEX pipes located near walls. You can say it’s a suitable PEX crimp tool for tight spaces.

Whenever you make a crimp connection in the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas, the crimping tool will offer a solid seal. The copper crimp rings will remain undamaged as you fasten them to a joint.

This crimp tool will last for years as it is made of high-carbon steel. Additionally, the water-proof feature prevents the tool from rusting, which would otherwise, interfere with the crimping process.

Apart from that, the handle provides a good grip to prevent the tool from falling from your hands. Also, it is long enough to help you reach further without keeping your arms extended.

When it comes to squeezing the handles, you don’t need to apply much effort. That’s because one side of the handle has a folding mechanism that folds the handle as you squeeze it.

Highlighted Features:

• Works only for 1-inch copper crimp rings
• The handle has a folding mechanism that reduces labor
• The crimping tool offers a solid seal without damaging the crimp ring
• Waterproof crimping tool prevents itself from rusting
• It is sturdy and long-lasting

9. SharkBite 23251 PEX Crimp Tool

If you don’t like the idea of having to carry around multiple crimp tools, then check out the SharkBite 23251 PEX crimp tool!

This versatile tool fulfills your PEX plumbing needs with its 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch jaws. No, the jaws aren’t interchangeable but are permanently fixed side-by-side.

When you’re working with crimp rings of either size, you can grab it with the corresponding jaws and tighten it into place.

This crimp tool not only works with PEX pipes, but you can also use it to make connections on copper, CPVC, and PE-RT. All you need to do is slide a copper ring measuring either 3/4 inches or 1/2 inches, position the jaws, and then squeeze the handles. It doesn’t take much force!

Speaking of the handles, they provide a good grip so that you can work comfortably on your home improvement projects. Also, the crimping tool won’t slip out of your hand as you make a crimp connection.

This tool is suitable for use only on pipes located in spacious areas because if you were to work in enclosed spaces, it would get difficult to make a proper connection.

Speaking of proper connection, the SharkBite 23251 comes with a go/no-go gauge that you can use to check if the crimp connection is properly made.

Highlighted Features:

• Works with 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch copper crimp rings
• Ensures a secure connection in PEX, copper, CPVC, and PE-RT pipes
• Does not require much effort while crimping
• Suitable to be used in open spaces
• Comes with a go/no-go gauge

10. IWISS IWS-1234W PEX Pipe Crimping Tool Kit

The IWISS IWS-1234W is a professional PEX crimp tool kit that lets you finish your home improvement tasks effortlessly.

This set contains an 11.22-inch crimping tool, a PEX cutter, a go/no-go gauge, and plenty of copper rings arranged neatly in a red plastic box. Whenever you need to fix or install PEX pipes, you can find everything in this box easily instead of rummaging for tools in the bag!

Like the other Iwiss PEX crimping tools in the list, this one also features an angled head with which you can crimp copper rings in hard-to-reach spaces. It has two jaw sizes of 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch aligned next to each other. Each jaw lets you crimp perfectly without causing abrasion or damage to the crimp ring.

Not only that but also the rubber-coated handle always ensures you feel comfortable while holding the tool.

If you’re worried about the crimping tool forming rust after it has been exposed to water, you don’t need to because it is water-resistant! Plus, the high-quality steel jaws won’t give up easily after several uses.

With the PEX cutter, you can smoothly cut PEX pipes so that it perfectly fits your desired fittings. Unlike most PEX cutters, this one won’t leave rough edges, which would later cause water leaks.

Plus, the go/no-go gauge lets you double-check the connection in order to prevent leaks.

Highlighted Features:

• Includes a crimping tool, PEX cutter, copper rings, and a go/no-go gauge
• The jaws tighten crimp rings without damaging them
• Allows easy calibration
• The PEX cutter cuts smoothly without leaving rough edges
• You can check the connection using the go/no-go gauge

Comparison Table of Pex Crimping System

Types of Pex Crimping Tools

You can make connections with a PEX pipe and a fitting in two different ways- crimping and clamping.

1. Crimp Method

This method uses a copper crimp ring over the point where the fitting and the PEX pipe overlap. A crimp tool is needed to secure them into place.

Crimp tools resemble that of a pair of pliers, and they come with jaws having different diameters. The size typically ranges from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. While most crimp tool accommodates PEX pipe of a particular diameter, others let you change the jaw to the one you need.

All you need is to slide a crimp ring over the PEX pipe, insert a fitting at the end, place the jaws around the ring, and then squeeze the handles to tighten the ring. This type of tool is ideal for pipes located in places where there’s enough space.

2. Clamp Method

The clamping method, also known as the cinching method, uses a stainless steel clamp ring over the joint and a clamp tool for securing the joint.

Clamp tools also resemble that of a pair of pliers, but they don’t use jaws of different diameters like crimp tools. When you insert a clamp ring over the joint, you need to squeeze the ear of the clamp ring to secure the joint.

This type of tool is ideal for pipes located in tight spaces where it is difficult to grab around the pipe using a crimp tool.

Safety Tips That You Should Take Care Of While Working With Pex Crimper Tool
Finding the best PEX tool for your particular use isn’t all. Whatever you do, it is important to prioritize your safety first. Here are some tips you should follow when installing PEX pipes.

• In order to avoid eye injury caused by snapping of crimp rings during the removal process, it is recommended you wear goggles.
• Always turn off the water supply and drain the existing water from the system before installing your new PEX pipe.
• When using a PEX crimping or clamping tool, always hold it by the handle instead of holding it by the jaws to prevent injury.
• Make sure you install the PEX pipe away from sunlight as the UV rays can cause the pipe to degrade and cause chlorine to unify with water.
• If you’re concerned about safety or don’t feel confident enough to work with PEX tools, it is better to call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is PEX Crimp Or Clamp Better?

Both crimping and clamping allow you to secure PEX connections. However, the choice of method depends on how the pipe requires to be installed.

For example, if the pipe is located in an area where there’s enough space for grabbing around the pipe using a crimp tool, you can use the crimping method.

For tight spaces, it can get difficult to crimp the copper ring using a crimp tool. For such cases, the clamping method works well.

Read More: PEX Crimp or PEX Clamp- Which One is Best? [Guide With Video]

2. Are PEX Crimp Tools Universal?

Whether you have a PEX crimp or a clamp tool, it will work on all crimp rings and clamp rings of various brands. When using the crimping method, you will need to select the jaw size that corresponds to that of the copper ring.

3. Can PEX Crimp Or Cinch Tool Remove Copper Rings?

If you want to remove a crimp ring, you will need to use a PEX cutter or a PEX crimp ring remover tool. For clamp rings, there’s no need to use a separate tool for removing them, rather the cinch tool.

4. Is Copper Or Stainless Steel Better?

PEX crimp rings are typically made of copper, while clamp rings are made of stainless steel. Both materials have their own advantages.

Copper rings are easier to crimp, while stainless steel clamps are long-lasting. The choice of material depends on which method you are using.

5. Which PEX Tools Do I Need For My Plumbing Project?

As PEX is a special kind of pipe, it requires special tools for installation. In order to install a PEX pipe, you will need a PEX cutter, a crimping/clamping tool, crimp/clamp rings, and an expansion tool.

It is recommended to have all the tools in hand so that you can use them in any project involving PEX pipes.

6. How Do I Know If My PEX Tools and Fittings Are Compatible?

If you aren’t sure about the compatibility of your PEX tools and fittings, it is recommended you check the manual the product comes with or the manufacturer’s website. Either will give you compatibility information.

Final Word

Before purchasing any PEX crimping tool, you need to know what you should look for. Do you want only the crimping tool or the one that comes with plenty of crimp rings? Or does even a pipe cutter as a bonus sound better?

It all depends on your personal preference. You’ll find plenty of PEX crimping tools out there, but it’s not that easy to find the one that will not only work flawlessly but also last a long time.

That’s why we have done our research and then selected the best PEX crimping tools. Each tool mentioned above is likely to help you with your home improvement tasks.

Go through the list, check the features and see which one works for you. Hopefully, you’ll love using your new tool!