PEX pipes.
How to not love them? You're saving a lot of money compared to copper piping…without sacrificing on quality.
That's neat, but all the PEX tools available might leave you a bit confused.
On one hand, you've got what we call PEX crimp tools. A good example is this full IWISS kit. This type of tool works with copper crimp rings and is quite popular with DIY home owners.
Then there are the PEX cinch (or clamp) tools, like SharkBite's 3-handle clamp tool. These work with stainless steel clamps instead of copper rings.
However, it all boils down to which PEX method you yourself prefer. Because realistically, these two differ quite a bit.
I'll outline the main differences between PEX cinches and crimps so you can get a better idea of what might work better for you…and your pipes.
After that I'll go through three PEX crimp and cinch tools.
This list was updated in October 2026. The IWISS kit and the Apollo clamp tool are still on this list. The Watts cinch tool I originally picked is no longer sold on Amazon, so SharkBite's 3-handle clamp tool takes its place, and I've dropped the SharkBite crimp tool I used to list. Every size, ring and standard below is worded the way the tool's maker states it. Before you buy, check that the tool, the rings or clamps and the fittings are meant to be used together, and check your local code and the fitting maker's instructions.
PEX crimp vs clamp tools explained
PEX crimpers work with copper crimp rings. They also tend to tighten the whole ring when you use them which requires a bit more force.
As it's not a one-size-fits-all solution, you'll need different crimp tools (or jaws) for the different sizes you're working with.
However, some crimping tool kits come with various sizes included. A good example is the IWISS set I mentioned: IWISS says the tool itself is 1" and comes with interchangeable 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" jaws.
PEX cinches, also known as PEX clamp tools, switch from copper to stainless steel rings.
Here you pinch only the tab on the ring, instead of the whole body.
Cinch tools usually work with several PEX pipe sizes. That makes them more flexible than a single-size crimper.
The rings look different too: a crimp ring, like a SharkBite copper crimp ring, is a plain copper band, while a cinch clamp, like an IWISS cinch ring, is stainless steel with a tab on its side.
Crimp rings and cinch clamps are not interchangeable. Use only the rings or clamps the tool maker lists for that tool.
As you're only compressing the tab on their side, clamps are also easier to remove if you made a mistake. With crimp rings, removal is a more complicated task, usually with a separate removal tool.
One important thing about PEX crimpers
Where are you going to be working with those PEX pipes? Are you going to be DIY-ing in narrow spaces?
The thing with PEX crimping tools is that they can be a little uncomfortable in extra tight places.
This is because you need to open it all the way around the copper rings. As you can guess, that calls for increased perimeter.
PEX crimp and cinch tools
| Tool | Type | Sizes (per maker) | Works with (per maker) | Standard (per maker) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IWISS F1807 crimp kit (IWS-FA) | Crimp | 3/8", 1/2", 3/4", 1" | Copper crimp rings made to ASTM F1807; brass or poly (PPSU) crimp fittings | ASTM F1807 | Check price on Amazon |
| SharkBite 3-handle PEX clamp tool (UC961) | Cinch (clamp) | 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 1" | Stainless steel PEX clamps; PEX or PE-RT tubing to crimp fittings | Closed Oetiker clamps meet ASTM F2098 when used properly | Check price on Amazon |
| Apollo 69PTKG1096 pinch clamp tool | Cinch (clamp) | 3/8", 1/2", 3/4" | Apollo, Watts, Murray and Oetiker PEX cinch clamps; not Zurn Qickclamp rings | Not stated | Check price on Amazon |
1. Best PEX crimp kit: IWISS F1807 Set
Will you work with a lot of sizes? This kit covers four.
IWISS (it now sells this kit under its iCrimp name too) lists what's included:
- The crimper itself, which is 1", with interchangeable jaws for 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4"
- A crimp ring removal tool for 1/2" to 1" copper rings
- A go/no-go gauge to check that each ring has been crimped properly and that the tool is accurate
- A PEX cutter
- A wrench
- A carrying case for all the parts
IWISS says the kit meets the ASTM F1807 standard and is made for copper crimp rings made to ASTM F1807, on brass or poly (PPSU) crimp-style fittings.
IWISS is also clear about calibration: the tool must be checked for correct adjustment at the start of every use, and each ring should be gauged after crimping. The user manual explains how.
Note that as a crimp tool, you'll need some additional space. The crimper's arms will need to be opened wide to compress the copper rings properly, no matter their size.
2. Best PEX cinch tool: SharkBite 3-handle PEX clamp tool
My original pick here was Watts' one-hand ratcheting cinch tool. It's no longer sold on Amazon, so this spot now goes to SharkBite's 3-handle PEX clamp tool. What follows is what SharkBite states about it, not my own experience with it.
SharkBite says the tool compresses stainless steel clamp rings to secure PEX or PE-RT tubing to crimp fittings, and that it assembles 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4" and 1" stainless steel PEX clamps.
On the standard, SharkBite's instruction guide says that when used properly, closed Oetiker clamps meet the ASTM F2098 specification.
The third handle is there so you can grip and position the clamp with one hand, which SharkBite says keeps your other hand free for a flashlight, a ladder or the pipe. Because you don't have to wrap long handles around the pipe, that's handy in tight spots. It's the same idea behind the ratchets in my guide to 3/8″ ratchets.
SharkBite says the tool won't release until the clamp is fully assembled. It also gives a calibration check with the go/no-go gauge (the gauge must stop at "no-go"), and says to check the tool with the gauge on the first and last clamp of each job site.
SharkBite's guide gives a 1-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects when the tool is used and maintained as intended.
3. Best budget clamp for PEX: Apollo hand tool
This one is popular because of its low price. Apollo lists it for 3/8", 1/2" and 3/4" stainless steel pinch clamps.
So once your eyes lock into that future PEX-fastener, you might wonder:
Where's the catch?
Well, you might need to sweat a bit if you lack power. Unlike the SharkBite 3-handle tool, here you'll need both of your hands and more effort to compress those tabs.
If you're the tougher type of guy (or girl), unlike me, you shouldn't have any issues with that though.
On clamps, Apollo's instruction sheet is specific: it's for use with Apollo, Watts, Murray and Oetiker PEX cinch clamps, and not with Zurn Qickclamp PEX crimp rings.
Apollo says the tool ratchets until it auto-releases, which tells you the clamp is fully engaged. It comes pre-calibrated with a calibration gauge and bar for later adjustment, and Apollo's instructions say to pressure test the tubing and inspect it before burying or normal use.
Why pick PEX pipes exactly? PEX pipes vs copper pipes
I spoke briefly about that in the beginning of the post, but PEX seems to be the future of pipes.
Sure, some people still prefer copper, but to me the benefits of PEX are overwhelming.
First of all, there's the price. PEX usually costs less than copper pipe.
A part of this also has to deal with the fact that PEX is easier to transport (weighs less) which cuts down on any shipping costs.
Especially for DIY home renovators, this matters a lot. (Not only for them, of course.) And if you live in one of the hard water areas, I've written about hard water shampoos and soaps too.
Second, as my post shows, it's relatively easy to grab a set of PEX crimping or cinching tools and do it yourself.
With copper pipes, installation usually means soldering, torches and all that copper jazz.
Last but not least, copper requires more joints.
The only significant drawback of PEX pipes are mouses/rodents. They can chew through PEX (good luck with chewing on copper!) If you have a rodent infestation problem, I suggest thinking twice about turning your back on copper plumbing.
An additional point to consider is UV/outdoor pipe positioning. PEX tubing makers limit how long the tubing can be exposed to sunlight; check the tubing maker's UV exposure limit.
Also, check your local code and the fitting maker's instructions before you start. Rules vary from place to place.
Oh, we're on the topic of local laws and water-related DIY projects? If you have a lawn you want to take proper care of, make sure you check out my comparison between Hunter and Rainbird. Two of the best known sprinkler system brands out there.
If we're speaking about other great brands related to plumbing/pipes, I can't ignore Ridgid. My Ryobi vs Ridgid post focuses on their power tools (drills etc.), but Ridgid's wrenches are an industry classic. Something to keep in mind.
If we're keeping it strictly DIY and you also want to master the element of wood, there's my guide to the proper Dremels for cozy wood carving. Adjusted to your level as a beginner, or a more intermediate DIY wood work fan 🙂