How to Use PEX Go No Go Gauge: Step-By-Step Guide

Planning to install a new plumbing system? However, you are afraid that you might not fasten the piping correctly. Nothing to worry about because with a PEX go/no go gauge, you can easily avoid making loose or too tight connections. Consequently, this can help you save time and money by preventing a leak.

So, How to Use PEX Go No Go Gauge? While this tool is pretty easy to operate, you must learn the proper technique on how to use it correctly.

Otherwise, you may not detect a loose connection even when it exists.

In this guide, we will discuss steps on how to use it and how it works?

Keep reading.

How Does PEX Go No Go Gauge Work?

A PEX go/no-go gauge is a flat piece of metal with a couple of cut-outs on each end. One end is referred to as the “go” side, and the other one is the “no go”. The tool works to help you measure if a connection has been made correctly when installing PEX fittings for plumbing.

First, you need to connect all your pipes and crimps. Once this is done, you simply slide the go gauge over the crimped ring and close it. You can then try moving it.

If you have made the connection correctly, your go gauge should go over without any obstructions. After that, get your no go gauge and repeat the process. Again, if it fails to go through the crimped ring, it means your connection is good.

However, if either of the sides does not pass this gauge test, you will have to cut out your PEX tubing. Then, find another crimp ring and simply do the go no go gauge test again.

What is Go No Go Gauge Used For?

With the go no go gauge being a measuring or inspection tool, you can use it in various applications including:

● Checking hole sizes

You can use the Pex gauge to inspect the size or depth of manufactured holes. All you need to do is slide the go gauge into the hole. If the gauge goes through, the hole size is considered to be above its low limit. As such, you will have to use the no go gauge to confirm whether the hole is too wide or not.

● Test the tolerances of a workpiece

Additionally, you can use the go no go gauge to test if an item is within the permitted tolerances. The tool helps you rate an item as acceptable if it passes the ‘go’ test and is within tolerance. Or, you could rate it unacceptable if the item fails the ‘go’ test since it will be outside of tolerance.

● Setting the correct headspace

Another use of the go/no-go gauge is in setting the proper headspace during gunsmithing. You simply use the go gauge to inspect if the chamber is in-spec. If the bolt of the headspace closes without any sort of resistance on your go-gauge, this means your chamber is in-spec.

● Check your plumbing connections

Additionally, you can use this tool in plumbing applications when operating with a PEX plumbing system. You use it to determine whether or not you have installed all the fittings correctly. This way, you can avoid damaging the entire plumbing system or the fittings.

How To Use Pex Go No Go Gauge?

You can use your pex go/no-go gauge with nearly any type of tubing and crimp. However, for the best results, you are better off using it with the PEX plumbing system. Below are steps on how to use this tool.

Step 1: Get the right tools

To use your Pex go no go gauge, you will need several tools. These include:

• PEX crimping tool
• PEX fitting and tubing
• PEX go no go gauge
• PEX crimp ring

Step 2: Put a crimp ring over the tubing

Once you have all your tools, get your crimp ring and put it over your PEX tubing. Then, lodge your PEX fitting into the tubing and push the crimp ring up further into the tubing. You want to ensure the ring is 1/8 of an inch from the end of the tubing up to the fitting.

Step 3: Crimp the ring in place

Get your crimping tool and put it over your crimp ring. Next, grasp the tool using as much force as you can, and tighten the ring on the tubing. You must crimp the ring tightly to minimize the chances of air or liquid escaping.

Step 4: Use your go no go gauge

Next up, you need to confirm if the tubing you used was adequate and the crimping was secure. Simply, get your Pex gauge and place the “go” part over the crimp ring. If the gauge goes over the ring without any resistance, it means your connection is adequate.

Step 5: Flip the gauge to the no go side

Simply repeat step four, but this time around, use your no go Pex crimp gauge instead of the go gauge. If your connection was successful, the ring should not go over the gauge.

Step 6: Replace the crimp ring

In some cases, your crimping might not pass the go no go gauge test. This occurs when one side of your go/no go gauge does the opposite of what it is expected to do. If this happens, you must cut out your PEX fittings. Then, get a new crimp ring and repeat the process again using your gauge for the crimping tool.

Which Type of Plug Gauge Has Go and No Go Size?

Well, it is simply the nap gauge. You see, this type of plug gauge is engineered with two fixed jaws. One of the jaws represents the go gauge, and the other one the no go gauge. So, you don’t need two separate tools.

Conclusion

A Pex go/no go gauge is a handy tool to use if you’re operating PEX tubing. It is simple to use and effective in making sure you fasten your PEX piping correctly. As a result, this helps ensure your pipes are running smoothly and there are no leaks.

Besides using a go/no-go gauge to inspect your PEX plumbing connection, you could also use the tool to check hole sizes. In addition, you may use the gauge to set the precise headspace during gunsmithing or even test the tolerances of various items.

However, the important thing is learning how to use Pex go no go gauge. This way, you can make the right conclusions concerning your connections or whichever manufactured items you are inspecting.