The choice between PEX crimp rings and clamp rings can often be confusing. It mostly happens when you are new to PEX plumbing. When comparing PEX crimp rings vs clamp rings, the result is not significant.
The main difference between PEX crimp rings and clamp rings is the material they use. In general, PEX crimp rings are made of copper. On the other hand, PEX clamp rings are made of stainless steel. It affects their durability and prices.
The detailed difference between these two PEX rings may help you to decide which one you want to use. Continue reading till the end to know all the differences between PEX crimp rings and clamp rings.
Read More: Pex Crimp Rings Copper vs Stainless
PEX Crimp Rings vs Clamp Rings: Quick Comparison Chart
| Basis of comparison | PEX Crimp Rings | PEX Clamp Rings |
| Materials | Copper | Stainless steel |
| Usability | Tough to uninstall | Easy |
| Durability | Above average | Excellent |
| Efficiency | High | High |
| Compatibility | All PEX Tubing | All PEX Tubing |
| Flexibility | Above average | Outstanding |
| Price | $0.15-$0.40 per piece | $0.20-$0.50 per piece |
PEX Crimp Rings vs Clamp Rings: Key Differences
Crimp rings and clamp rings are two of the most popular fittings used in household plumbing. You can use them with any plumbing pipe connection. They work excellently in preventing leakages.
Following are some of the key differences between PEX clamp rings and crimp rings:
Materials
The major thing that makes these two rings different is the material they are made of. As we have told you at the beginning, crimp rings are made of copper.
They are quite sturdy and good against corrosion too. On the other hand, clamp rings are created with stainless steel. They are very durable and do not require any plating for protection against corrosion. However, due to their similar design, many manufacturers are also making stainless crimp rings.
Usability
Both of these fittings are convenient to use. However, you will need a special tool kit for each of these types to work properly. Many people find it tough to remove crimp rings from the pipe.
That’s why later in this article we will discuss how you can remove PEX crimp rings. In the case of clamp rings, they are easy to both install and uninstall.
Durability
Copper and stainless both are highly durable. They can serve you for the time you need them. Whether you use them under the ground or behind the wall, they will absolutely be fine.
Some, however, say copper crimps are less durable. But that’s unlikely to happen soon. Try to buy good quality PEX rings to avoid the tension of durability. We have got some recommendations for you later in this article.
Price
There is not much difference between these fittings in the case of pricing. PEX clamp rings may cost you a few cents higher than crimp rings. The higher cost is usually due to the stainless steel they are made of.
Efficiency
This is the most important factor in deciding which fittings you should use. Well, when trying to gather information from the users, we have found that both of these fittings work perfectly fine. They are very efficient at sealing connections and preventing any kind of leakage.
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How to Remove Pex Crimp Rings
Removing pex crimp rings is quite easy if you know how to do it. Unfortunately, people often face trouble doing that, which is why we have covered the topic here. Whether you have pex pro crimp rings or normal copper rings, the method should help you.
To remove PEX crimp rings, you will need the following tools:
- Crimp ring removal
- Pliers
- Pipe cutter
Once you have the tools ready, follow the steps below:
Step 1: First, separate the fitting area with a pipe cutter. Cut the pipe close to the crimp rings and separate it.
Step 2: Now, insert the crimp ring removal tool into the fitting. You may need to adjust the tool based on which crimp ring you are using. After inserting, squeeze the tool a little bit. Be careful not to damage the ring.
Step 3: Start rotating the tool 120°-180° to the uncut direction of the ring. It will make the ring expand and slide out.
Step 4: Then, with the help of the tool or pliers, stretch out the tube to separate the fittings.
This is how you can easily remove PEX crimp rings.
Best PEX Crimp Rings
1. LOKMAN PEX Cinch Crimp Rings
Our first recommendation for PEX crimp rings is the LOKMAN PEX Stainless Steel Crimp Rings. These crimp rings have been made with 304 stainless steel to improve their quality and durability. Hence, they will perform the same as the clamp rings. Users of these rings have said the accuracy is outstanding.
2. ISPINNER PEX Cinch Crimp Rings
You also can go for the ISPINNER PEX Stainless Steel Cinch Crimp Rings. These are cinch types of PEX crimp rings and are made of high-quality 304 stainless steel. There are different sizes available. Select the size you need and place your order. Do not worry about the quality, as these are pretty efficient and durable.
Best PEX Clamp Rings
1. SharkBite Oetiker UC955CP100 1/2 inch PEX Barb Clamp Rings
If you prefer PEX clamp rings, SharkBite Oetiker UC955CP100 PEX Barb Clamp Rings can be a perfect choice. The high-quality stainless steel makes it sturdy and durable. You do not need to worry about corrosion and rust too. The good thing is that these clamp rings are effortless to install.
2. EFIELD Stainless Steel PEX Cinch Clamp Rings for PEX Tubing Pipes
You also can consider buying EFIELD Stainless Steel PEX Cinch Clamp Rings. The 304 steel remains well in high heat and fights well against corrosion and rust. It has a 360-degree strapless design to interlock the ring. There are different sizes available too. Overall, it is a pretty good option.
Are all PEX crimp rings the same?
No, not all PEX crimp rings are the same. They come in various styles, sizes and are made of different materials. For example, PEX crimp rings are mainly copper, but you will find stainless steel crimps too.
Can you use crimp rings on plastic PEX fittings?
Yes, you can use crimp rings on plastic PEX fittings too. The standard of the rings is good enough to work with any kind of fittings. However, plastics are more susceptible to damage. So, when working with tools, be careful not to put extra pressure on the fittings.
Are PEX Clamps reliable?
Yes, PEX Clamps follow the standard of the Plumbing Code and are reliable for any PEX tubing work. They are unlikely to leak if you do the fittings correctly. The PEX Clamps can last a lifetime too.
Can you reuse PEX cinch clamps?
PEX cinch clamps are made in a way so that they can be reused. When you remove the cinch clamps from the pipe, you need to be careful to avoid damage. Using PEX cinch clamp tools is the safest option here. If the PEX cinch clamp is in good condition after removing it, you can reuse it.
Final Verdict
As you can see in the comparison between PEX crimp rings vs clamp rings, there is not much of a difference in the case of efficiency. Therefore we do not want to recommend any particular rings for you.
We have explained some other differences too. Now it is up to your personal preferences which one you want to use. Both of them will fit any PEX tubing project. Hence, you can buy any of the products we have recommended above.