pex tubing

[koditten]

Has anyone purchased thier pex tubing from Menards? My question stems from the fit of connectors to tubing. The 1/2" pex to 1/2" NPT fitting was rediculously sloppy. Even with the connector still in its plasic bag I was able to slide it into the pex with no effort and wiggle it around. In all my years of dealing with all sort of hoses I have never been able to slide the barb into a hose without just about blowing a nut to get it all the way in.

The little high-on running the plumbing department assured me that this was normal and I would have no problem getting a proper pressure check once I put the clamp on the tubing. I could not bring myself to believe him.

Anyways I passed on these fitting and opted for compression fittings. These fit like I am used to and looked to be much better quaility.

Has anyone used the compression fittings vs the push-in barbs with hose clamps. I like the compression fitting much better, but of course they are 5 times as spendy.

Any feedback with be appreciated.

Thanks

Kirk in Mid-Michigan

 

[metal1313]

im not sure but i think the push in connectors you are talking about are for pex, and use steel or copper rings to hold them on. you have to use a special crimper for them.

there's also the shark fittings which are crazy over priced but actually work, ive used them when i just couldnt get to the joint i needed to repair

 

[koditten]

Yep, you are correct. These fitting do use the special clamp and crimper tool. I just can't getpast the fact on how loose the fitting is befor you clamp them. I need a snugger fit for my own piece of mind.

As for the shark fittings, yes they are good, usually they are used in the natural gas line application.

I guess I need to know if compression fittings are exceptable. In other uses I have been 100% satisfied.

Thanks

Kirk

 

[jeff5295]

I bought all of my pex supplies from Menards. The fittings pushed on with minimal effort, but I wouldn't consider it a sloppy fit. Once crimped, they won't come off. I just bought the cheap crimper that bolts together. When doing a lot of crimps, I used a small impact gun to speed up the process.

 

[redsky49]

I would follow the requirements for fittings, and installation, as indicated by the tubing manufacturer. No way would I allow barbed hose fittings or hose clamps on any pressurized system.

I do not know what Menard's sell (I am in a different part of the country), but I am confidant that properly made crimped fittings will handle any reasonable pressure requirement. Plus, with most of these systems, if the crimper works correctly, you are 100% assured of having made the fitting properly. The tool does not allow an improper crimp to be made.

The factory reps have come to my office and made crimps in front of us and defied anyone to pull the fitting off. Can't be done! In addition, using some alternative method will surely void the warranty.

Visit the Manufacturer's website. They generally have tons of info for free, and it is better advice than you will find here.

As always, offered only as opinion