Sharkbite release tool.

[TomC750]

Is there a real tool to release a Sharkbite connector from the tubing? I made one for 1/2" pipe that works OK, but when I needed to release a 3/4 connector, the orange U shaped "tool" needed more pressure than I could administer. I am probably overlooking the obvious.

 

[ForrestT]

I’ve seen some guys use and adjustable wrench set to the tubing size.

 

[mike93lx]

I’ve seen some guys use and adjustable wrench set to the tubing size.

I've done this, also pliers wrench. Works fine

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I own this style in 1/2" and 3/4". Less than $10 each.

The orange U-pieces they give you are useless.

They also make a fancier release tool that accomodates multiple sizes. I think it runs around $60

 

[Crazyjake8493]

This is the fancy one. $66

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I use open ended wrenches.

 

[cgrutt]

I thought you just put it in a wall, encapsulate it with spray foam and turn the water supply on, no?

That's what I dealt with today anyway...






I hate sharkbite fittings LOL...

 

[b-dog]

This thread makes me feel better as I've struggled with the orange "tools"

 

[Rinspeed]

They do make a tool but a Crescent wrench works just fine. You do need quite a bit of pressure for them to release so it's much easier with some help or a bench vise.

 

[johninct]

I use a plastic J-Hook hanger.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Does the fancy tool work any better than the cheaper version?

 

[Steve_P]

I have the U-shaped plastic clip tool, similar to the fuel hose release tools. It works. If I was a plumber, I'd have something fancier, I guess.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the U-shaped plastic clip tool, similar to the fuel hose release tools. It works. If I was a plumber, I'd have something fancier, I guess.

If you were a plumber, I bet you would cut off the homeowner **** and put on real fittings

 

[Rinspeed]

If you were a plumber, I bet you would cut off the homeowner **** and put on real fittings

Let's not be a Drama Queen, they have their place. Not ideal at all for many applications but they have their place.

 

[mike93lx]

Let's not be a Drama Queen, they have their place. Not ideal at all for many applications but they have their place.

I've used the too.
But I am not a pro plumber and I would be pretty amazed if many pros said nice things about them

 

[TomC750]

I was able to put a damaged piece of pex in the vise (with fittings attached) and release the fitting with the orange tool without much trouble. However, I could not do it no matter how hard I tried when the damaged line was in the ground. By further explanation, I had cut out the bad section that I had damaged the line with my backhoe, put in a new piece that I cut an inch or two too short! More practice I guess.
Will continue to follow this. There is also more to the story on my end.

 

[tak1313]

I have this one that does multiple sizes - it's the only one I have, so can't compare it to others:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09134F7GY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Sharkbite has a stupid expensive one

https://www.amazon.com/SharkBite-PROD3810-Disconnect-Tongs-Blue/dp/B098R9HCTM?tag=atomicindus08-20

And a more basic one in single size

https://www.amazon.com/Sharkbite-U713A-Fit-Disconnct-Tong/dp/B01HO9WVX8?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[TomC750]

Looks like either of the cheaper ones would work. Thanks.

 

[Wiz02]

I don't get the problem with the cheap plastic removal tool. It's always worked as long as there was room to depress the plastic release mechanism.

I tend to leave a cheap release tool on the line near the fitting in the basement even though I have a better tool in the plumbing tool box

 

[Beerhippie]

If you were a plumber, I bet you would cut off the homeowner **** and put on real fittings

I'm not a real plumber, but I do play one in a brewery.

The Sharkbites have their place--a place where you know you'll be removing the line on a fairly regular basis. For most, it's barbs and Oetiker clamps. I've had too many Sharkbites fail and leak even in a perfectly static (not that there actually is such a thing in plumbing) situations. I use a lot of John Guest fittings for gas/air lines, which are basically what the Sharkbites are copies of. The JG fittings seems to be better quality, but will also fail eventually.

PEX barbs and Oetikers are cheaper, too. The tool for the Oetikers (get one, it does make a difference) is kind of expensive--once. Then it's about a four-to-one price advantage over the Sharkbite removeables.

I hate those little orange thingies. I usually use either Crescent or OE wrenches, but those pliers-type look intriguing. There are times you just can't get a good enough grip for the slip-on tricks--or there's not enough room to use all three hands.