2024’s Best PEX Crimp Tools for Plumbing Projects, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about 2024’s Best PEX Crimp Tools for Plumbing Projects, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
If you’re tackling a PEX-centric plumbing project, you need the right tool to ensure leak-free joints. Use one of these PEX crimp tools to seal the deal.
PEX (cross-linked polyethylene) tubing is widely used in today’s plumbing and HVAC systems because it’s flexible and easy to work with if you have high-quality PEX crimp tools. We researched more than 20 PEX crimpers, and we chose four for hands-on testing. While all performed well, our favorite is the Iwiss iCrimp F1807 kit for its durability and multipurpose versatility.
In addition to the ones we tested, we’re featuring several additional PEX piping tools that we feel would be good picks for anyone working with PEX tubing. Keep reading to find out what to look for when shopping for tools for PEX plumbing, and find out how the following earned a spot on this lineup of the best PEX crimp tools.
- BEST OVERALL: Iwiss iCrimp F1807 All-In-One Crimping Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - RUNNER-UP: Plumbflex Crimper Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX Cinch Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIPURPOSE: SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool
↓ Jump to Review - BEST COMPACT: Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX Copper Ring Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTISIZE HEAD: Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR TIGHT SPACES: Iwiss iCrimp Angle Head F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PROFESSIONAL: Milwaukee M18 Press Tool Kit With PEX Crimp Jaws
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: Iwiss iCrimp IWS-C Angle PEX Crimping Tools
↓ Jump to Review
| Testing Stats | |
| Products tested | 4 |
| Time spent testing | 3 hours |
| Tests performed | 4 |
| Price range | $32 to $750 |
Our Top Picks
The best PEX crimp tools on the market are made with effectiveness, ergonomics, and ease of use in mind. Check out our list of the ones we tested plus some additional models we think look great.
Best Overall
Iwiss iCrimp F1807 All-In-One Crimping Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 15.55 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Accommodates PEX A, B, or C tubing types
- PEX crimp removal tool and pipe cutter included
- Includes a go/no-go gauge
- Hard carrying case included
What We Don’t Like
- Hand strength needed to crimp
If you’ll be installing a lot of PEX, this Iwiss iCrimp kit has everything you need in one place. The kit comes with a crimper; jaws for ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch pipe; a PEX pipe cutter; and a crimp-removal tool. It also features a go/no-go gauge and a wrench for calibrating the crimper. We liked the way all the tools fit nicely into the included hard plastic carrying case for protection.
The Iwiss PEX crimping tool kit is easy to use. We were able to change jaws when we were crimping different sizes of tubing. The long handles make applying sufficient force for crimping relatively easy, but it still takes some hand strength to crimp the rings snugly. The included go/no-go gauge is a definite perk.
After crimping a ring on a PEX fitting, we used the gauge to see if we’d crimped it accurately. The removal tool made it easy to cut through incorrectly fitting crimp rings, and the cutter was a nice bonus because it ensured flush tubing edges that fit smoothly against the shoulders of the copper fittings. This kit gives you everything you need to run PEX tubing.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp F1807 all-in-one PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Runner-up
Plumbflex Crimper Tool Kit
Photo: The Home Depot
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.8/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Type: Clamps
- Length: 11 inches
- Capacity: ½- and ¾-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Works with cinch rings from different manufacturers
- Includes a high-quality cutter
- Comes with 50 clamps in both sizes
- Attached cinch rings securely in testing
What We Don’t Like
- Doesn’t come with a go/no-go tool
- Not suitable for ⅜- or 1-inch PEX
The Plumbflex PEX crimper is suitable for use with ½- and ¾-inch tubing, the most common sizes used in residential construction. This clamp-type tool performed flawlessly in our tests. We used it to attach stainless steel cinch clamps to both sizes of PEX tubing, and the fittings were snug and secure. Plus, it comes with 50 clamps of each size, so we had plenty to test with.
It doesn’t come with a go/no-go tool, but you can pick one up for under $10 from any home improvement store. We used one of the go/no-go tools that came with another model we tested, and each clamp we applied was right on target.
One of the benefits of a PEX clamp tool (including this one) over a traditional crimp tool is the ability to reach into tight spots because there’s no need to spread the handles as far. We tried out the Plumbflex on a few cinch rings we had from a different manufacturer, and it worked just as well.
Another perk is the PEX cutter that comes with the clamp tool. It cuts the tubing straight and flush so the edges fit smoothly against the shoulders of the brass crimp fittings. If you won’t be installing narrower ⅜-inch or larger 1-inch tubing, the Plumbflex is a quality pick.
Get the Plumbflex PEX crimp tool at The Home Depot.
Best Bang For The Buck
Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX Cinch Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Performance 4.5/5; Durability 4.5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Clamps
- Length: 11.02 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Works with multiple sizes of PEX
- Comes with 30 cinch rings
- Compact size for working in tight spaces
- Comes with good cutter
What We Don’t Like
- No storage case included
- Complicated removal function
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tool for securing stainless steel cinch rings, look no further than the iCrimp PEX cinch tool. This clamp cincher works for any size PEX and comes with 30 clamps, so you can get started right away. It performed well in our tests, but it took a bit more hand strength to completely snug the cinch rings than the Plumbflex model.
Still, it did a good job and comes with a top-notch PEX cutter. The only downside was that the removal feature of the tool didn’t work well for us. We followed the instructions for adjusting the tool from the clamping feature to the removal feature (which requires about five steps), and then we tried to cut the tabs, but all we got were smashed tabs. Maybe we didn’t do it right (that’s likely), but it seems like a complex process and simpler to just use a dedicated removal tool.
One additional thing to note is that the iCrimp cinch tool cannot be calibrated. However, we found it well calibrated right out of the package, and it should be fine for completing most PEX plumbing projects. This tool lets you make high-quality connections at an affordable price point.
Get the Iwiss iCrimp CRP1096 PEX crimp tool at Amazon.
Best Multipurpose
SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool
Photo: Lowe’s
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.8/5; Performance 5/5; Durability 5/5; Value 4.8/5
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 14.5 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- Consistently made secure connections
- Easy-to-change jaws
- Go/no-go gauge included
- Mini hard case
- Ergonomic handles for comfort
What We Don’t Like
- Heavier than some at nearly 4 pounds
- Limited use in tight spots
We’re big fans of traditional push-to-connect SharkBite fittings, so we were excited to test the brand’s crimper tool and weren’t disappointed. At just under 4 pounds, the SharkBite crimper is one of the heavier PEX plumbing tools we tested, but it did a spectacular job of creating a secure connection each time.
We tested it with stainless steel crimp rings, but it’s also designed to accommodate copper crimp rings. Changing jaws on the SharkBite was simple, and it comes with a go/no-go gauge so we could check each ring after crimping to ensure it was correct. It performed flawlessly.
The SharkBite comes complete with a mini hard case that secures the gauge and the jaws, and it fits over the head of the PEX pipe crimping tool. We actually prefer this type of case because it doesn’t take up a lot of space in our tool box, and we can even slip it in a tool belt. The mini case protects the working parts of the tool and keeps the accessories secure.
However, it doesn’t come with a removal tool and is not designed for use in restricted spots—its handles must be completely opened (nearly 180 degrees) to crimp a ring. However, it manages all standard PEX sizes, and the ergonomic handles reduce hand fatigue.
Get the SharkBite PEX crimp tool at Lowe’s.
More Great Options
While we didn’t personally test the following PEX plumbing crimpers, they were on our short list before we selected the ones we wanted to test—and they’re still among our top picks.
Best Compact
Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX Copper Ring Crimp Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 12.2 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- High-leverage design
- Multiple jaw sizes
- PEX cutter and go/no-go gauge included
- Comes in a hard plastic case
What We Don’t Like
- Shorter handle than comparable options
We know it can be tough to find a compact PEX crimper that fits in a tool box but still provides the leverage required to seal off a PEX joint. But if you’re looking for just that kind of item, check out the Iwiss IWS-FAS PEX crimping tool. This crimper uses a high-leverage design that allows the user to apply enough pressure for a perfect seal despite its compact 12.2-inch design.
This PEX crimping kit is more than just an innovative tool. We like that it comes with the jaws required for crimping ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch pipe, plus a PEX cutter, a go/no-go gauge, and a hard plastic case to carry it all. That’s a lot!
Get the Iwiss iCrimp IWS-FAS PEX crimp tool at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Multisize Head
Apollo PEX Multi-Head Crimp Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 17 inches
- Capacity: ⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch PEX pipes
What We Like
- 4 sets of jaws
- Go/no-go gauge and wrench included
- Plastic carrying case
What We Don’t Like
- Big, heavy construction
For a heavy-duty crimping tool that can tackle most PEX tubing plumbing projects, we think the Apollo PEX multihead crimp tool kit is worth a look. This tool kit comes with the crimper, four sets of jaws (⅜-, ½-, ¾-, and 1-inch sizes), a go/no-go gauge, and a wrench for adjustments and calibration. The jaws swap out with two hex bolts, which the included wrench also fits.
The Apollo provides plenty of leverage for sealing off plumbing joints, good for creating up to 100 pounds of force. The components pack nicely into the plastic carrying case, keeping everything secure and in one place between projects. The only thing we would like it to include is a PEX cutter to make straight flush cuts.
Get the Apollo PEX crimp tool at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best For Tight Spaces
Iwiss iCrimp Angle Head F1807 PEX Crimp Tool Kit
Photo: Amazon
Product Specs
- Type: Crimps
- Length: 13.7 inches
- Capacity: ½- and ¾-inch PEX pipes