culture and society | May 23, 2026

Can you cut PEX with a copper pipe cutter?

Three-quarter-inch PEX is easy to cut with a pipe cutter, especially one made to take the diameter of PEX tubing. A pipe cutter allows you to cut the tube straight without much effort. It works the same for large and small tubing diameters.

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Also asked, what is the best way to cut PEX pipe?

Use a utility knife to make minor cuts in a pinch. While a utility knife is not the ideal choice for cutting PEX tubing, it may be used in an emergency. Hold the knife perpendicular to the piping and insert the tip of the blade into the middle. Pull the blade downwards to cut through the piping halfway.

One may also ask, how do you cut copper rings with PEX? To remove crimp rings, you will need a PEX ring cutter tool. First, cut the fitting out of the system as close to the end of the fitting as possible. Then, insert the cutter tool into the fitting and squeeze the handles together to cut the crimp ring band.

Beside above, what tools can be used to cut PEX tubing?

PEX Tubing Cutters are an essential tool in the easy-to-use SharkBite Connection System. For clean, straight cuts, use PEX Tubing Cutter to cut 1/4 Inch, 3/8 Inch, 1/2 Inch, 3/4 Inch and 1 Inch SharkBite PEX tubing. Place PEX tubing inside cutter.

How do you connect PEX pipe?

  1. Cut the PEX tubing.
  2. Slide the PEX crimp ring and over the tubing approximately 2" past the end.
  3. Fully insert the PEX fitting into the PEX tubing so that the fitting's shoulder touches the tubing.
  4. Position the PEX crimp ring 1/4”-1/8” from the end of the tubing.
  5. Open the PEX crimp tool's jaws.
Related Question Answers

Can you use a PVC cutter to cut PEX?

PVC cutters are made to cut various sized pipes up to two inches in diameter. If you have decent hand strength, you can easily ratchet the cutter until it cuts right through PVC pipe. These cutters are also great for cutting CPVC and PEX.

Does PEX have to be straight?

It's hard to keep PEX perfectly straight when PEX exits the wall, so another option is to use a 90-degree copper stub-out when you run a line to a toilet or other fixture where your shutoff valve will be visible.

How do you connect SharkBite to PEX?

SharkBite fittings come with a PEX stiffener pre-loaded into the fitting for PEX, PE-RT and HDPE. The PEX stiffener does not need to be removed for Copper or CPVC applications. Push the fitting to the insertion mark you just made on the pipe. Now, turn on your water and check the connection.

What tools do I need to work with PEX?

PEX tools. To work with PEX tubing using the standard crimping method, three basic tools are needed: the main crimping tool(s), a pipe cutter, and a de-crimping tool. The pipe cutter is used to make a clean, square cut before inserting the tubing into the fitting.

How do you cut copper tubing without a pipe cutter?

Method 3 Cutting Copper Pipe with a Hacksaw
  1. Select the right hacksaw blade. Use a hacksaw with a small gap between its teeth so it cuts cleanly through the copper pipe.
  2. Clamp the copper pipe, if possible.
  3. Mark the copper pipe.
  4. Set the hacksaw blade on the mark.
  5. Saw firmly into the pipe.
  6. Clean the cut copper pipe.

How is PEX tubing measured?

PEX tubing sizes are denoted by CTS (copper tubing size), not OD (Outside Diameter) or ID (Inside Diameter). PEX made to US standards must comply with a SDR-9 (Standard Dimension Ratio), which is the ratio of OD (Outside Diameter) to pipe wall thickness (9:1). Exceptions are nominal sizes 1/2" and below.

Is PEX easy to install?

PEX fittings are faster to install than copper. If you use a manifold and 'home-run' system, it's like running a garden hose to each fixture — super fast and easy. But even if you install PEX fittings in a conventional main line and branch system, the connections are quicker to make than soldering copper.

Which is better PEX crimp or clamp?

Crimping and clamping create equally reliable seals that will not leak when performed properly. Stainless steel clamp rings resist corrosion more effectively than copper crimp rings, which can be a major benefit in direct-burial applications. PEX clamps also tend to be easier to remove.

How do you remove PEX compression fittings?

Place the lower end of the open jaws into the PEX compression fitting, and then close it tightly over the top. This is done by pushing the two handles together. Once you have done this, push the handles of the tool until the ring splits open.

Can you reuse PEX fittings?

PEX fittings cost about three times as much as copper fittings. If you use cinch rings, you can saw or twist off the ring tab, pull off the PEX and reuse the fitting. But sawing through a crimp ring—without damaging the fitting—is a job for a surgeon.

Can you crimp PEX with pliers?

Yes, you should use the proper crimping tool that crimps the stainless steel PEX clamp you pictured. Good luck crimping that stainless steel clamp with pliers. You can rent or buy the tool. You can cut the clamps at the crimp point with diagonal cutting pliers or end cutting pliers.

Which is stronger ABS or PVC?

PVC is more flexible than ABS, but ABS is stronger and more shock resistant. ABS is better at handling severely cold temperatures, but it can warp with exposure to direct sunlight. PVC is thought to be better at muffling the sound of running water. In most North American markets, the two types are priced similarly.