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Working with PEX and PEX Tools

April 01, 2011, 06:47:53 pm

I am pretty sure I am going to have to remove some copper PEX crimp rings and do not want to buy yet another tool.  Has anyone found a way to remove a crimp ring without using their special tool?

I am wondering if very careful use of a Dremel cutting wheel would do it?

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Re: Working with PEX and PEX Tools

Reply #1 – April 02, 2011, 12:49:32 am

I've removed them with a Dremel tool running a small circular saw.  You do have to be careful not to cut too deep (through the PEX tube), but it's the best way to remove them and very easy.  You need to cut the tube back some if you're going to reuse it.  To attach PEX you have a choice of Shark-bite fittings (bulky and expensive, but very easy), or conventional crimp rings - not the copper type - which I crimp with a large end-nipper.  Guess you could also use a special tool to crimp the copper rings, but I don't have one.

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Re: Working with PEX and PEX Tools

Reply #2 – April 02, 2011, 12:52:55 am

Dave,
Great answer. Thank you.  I now own the $60 copper ring crimping tool. Replacing that leaky elbow will be easier.

Why is it necessary to cut the end back a bit?

Thanks again.

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Re: Working with PEX and PEX Tools

Reply #3 – April 02, 2011, 12:57:44 am

I thought it was safer since I couldn't avoid going into the tubing some and wanted full strength at the joint, but maybe if you're really really careful...

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Re: Working with PEX and PEX Tools

Reply #4 – April 02, 2011, 12:59:01 am

Thanks, Dave
I have very steady hands.

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