iCRIMP Ratchet PEX Cinch&Remove Tool for 3/8 to 1-inch Stainless Steel Clamps-work with ASTM F2098 and Non 2098 Single Ear Hose Clamps

I used this tool with steel cinch rings and PEX A for a whole-house plumbing replacement (so lots of 1/2” and 3/4” rings). I’d only used copper crimping tools/rings before, so this was my introduction to cinching. These rings may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the copper ones, but I found them a lot easier to work with. (No go gauge needed, and a single tool works for all pipe widths.) A couple of suggestions for other rank beginners like me: 1. If you’re not used to squeezing hard with your arms in a “we must improve our bust” way (maybe while holding a tool over your head or squashed in a tight space), you’ll likely start feeling the effects pretty soon. I downed a lot of ibuprofen while I was using this tool; the second time I cut a 3/4 ring off a pipe (it takes more force than cinching) I pulled a muscle in my shoulder and couldn’t lift my arm for several days. 2. Cheater bars are your friend with this tool. I cut a few pieces of scrap 3/4” PVC pipe and crammed them on the handles; they were a bit wobbly but lightweight and served the purpose. 3. For extensive jobs, the rings that come in the kit won’t be enough, but they’re great for practicing cinching/cutting before you get serious. I’d suggest cinching a few rings then resetting the tool and cutting them off to get familiar with the operation (before you have to work in an awkward position later). 4. The instruction sheet that comes with this kit is small and easy to misplace. As I discovered, the company’s site doesn’t have it available for download, and neither does anyone else (though there are a couple of people who demonstrate how to use this tool on YT). I’d recommend scanning a copy to file right off the bat to avoid potential problems later. 5. Slapping a piece of tape on the backside of the rings/pipe before you cinch them is a good way to keep them from slipping out of position while you’re positioning the tool and starting a cinch. I used pieces of gaffer’s tape. (Related to this, not all cinch rings are the same: some manufacturer’s rings are wider and sit loosely on pipes before you cinch them; others sit tighter on the pipe. Tape makes all rings stay put.) Also, when you’re setting up rings, keep in mind that you may want to cut them off some day for whatever reason; position each tab’s direction/accessibility accordingly. 6. Cinching isn’t like crimping copper: once you hear that first ratchet click, the tool is committed, and it won’t let go of that ring tab. So after the first click, you can ease up on (and even let go of) the tool to reposition your grip, and it won’t release the ring or shift out of place. This also means that after that point, your only option is to finish your cinch so that the tool will release; if it’s not where you want it to be, you can cut the ring off after it’s finished the cinch. 7. The cutting tool in the kit is sharp, but it’s awfully tough to get a straight cut with it. I went through two other inexpensive cutters that gave me straighter cuts but went dull quickly, so I wound up finishing with this one after all; I just had to keep trimming the pex until I finally got a straight result. If you’re doing a lot of pipe, invest in a cutter with good reviews. In general, aches and pains aside, this cinching tool did a great job after I’d set it up for personal use, and I’m glad I opted for cinching rather than crimping copper this time around. (I only hit two problem spots where the cinch tabs wouldn’t fit through preexisting holes, so I had to unearth my crimping stuff.) If you’re debating which way to go, cinching is definitely worth a shot, and this kit is affordable and provides what you’ll need.

Works well. Great value added with the quality connections!

This iCrimp Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool was absolutely perfect for my small DIY plumbing project. I was looking for a reliable and complete solution, and this tool delivered exactly that. I really appreciate that it's an all-in-one package, truly having everything you need. The included cutter works very well, providing clean and precise cuts for the PEX tubing. The crimping tool itself works flawlessly, creating secure and leak-free cinch connections every time. While I didn't personally need to use the removing function for this project, it's a great feature to have, and from inspecting it, I have no doubt that it would work as expected if the need arose. For the cost, you simply can't beat it. It's an incredibly affordable tool that performs like much more expensive options. If you're a DIY enthusiast tackling PEX plumbing, this is a fantastic, high-value tool to add to your arsenal. Highly recommended!

I used this to make two 1/2" joints so far, and it worked perfectly. It's a sturdy took and could do 1/2" joints all day without any problem. I have not tried it on 3/4" connections. For 1/2" connections, it is a good tool for the price and completely adequate. If you are a DIYer, nothing more is needed. As others have noted, it takes just a little muscle (not much) to get it started when the handles are spread out. Once the handles come in closer together, it's not difficult to squeeze them together. The entire crimping operation is ONE squeeze of the handle. One language nuance, it is NOT a "ratchet" as described. To me, if it were a ratchet, you could squeeze the handles all the way together, and the jaws would clamp down a little, then you could release the handles a little and squeeze again, and the jaws would tighten more. That's not how this works. The entire clamping operation happens with one squeeze of the handles from open to closed. If you stop in the middle, it will hold that position until you squeeze again to complete the crimp. I could see it being a little difficult on 3/4" connections, but on 1/2" (even without a ratchet feature), it's fine.

I bought this cinch tool to use with 1 inch PEX B and it worked great. To help position your cinch ring properly, just squeeze the tool lightly without engaging the first click of the ratchet feature. This creates enough tension so you can reposition the cinch ring from the end of the pipe and it will stay in place for you to complete the full crimp. It does take a bit of strength to crimp 1 inch pipe, so if you can, plan ahead to make the connections in a comfortable position. If you need to remove any connections you’ve made, set the tool in the cut position and cut the head of the cinch ring, very simple. Good product.

Works great, easy to use for both crimping and for removing/cutting crimped rings. Did not have any leaks while assembling pex to sharkbite crimp fittings. Made assembky quick, easy and every crimped clamp sealed perfectly to the barbed fitting

Easy to use tool, made working with pex simple and fast

I bought this for my first time at attempting supply line repairs. Using slip on fittings to connect to copper, I was able to use the provided crimps on brass fittings and successfully connect everything. It takes a lot of force and room to use these crimpers, so I recommend anyone using these do a test crimp first, and being careful about where these are used.

bought to reroute the waterline for my new toilet. Very pleased and confident with the results

I really like how sturdy and reliable the Ratchet PEX Cinch Tool feels. It makes tightening and removing stainless steel clamps quick and easy. The ratcheting action is smooth, and it fits multiple PEX sizes perfectly for professional-grade results.

Muy bien producto 👌

Muy práctica herramienta!

Works excellent