PEX Crimp vs PEX Expansion Tools: Which System Should You Buy?
If you are running PEX in a US home, the two systems you will see on shelves are crimp (also called clamp) and expansion, and they use completely different tools, rings, and fittings. The right pick comes down to which PEX type you are installing, how many connections you expect to make, and whether you want the lowest entry cost or the cleanest full-flow result.
Quick answer
Crimp wins on upfront cost and works with both PEX A and PEX B, while expansion wins on flow and long-term reliability if you are committed to PEX A.
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Research updated September 2026.
| Factor | SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool (23251) | Milwaukee M12 PEX Expansion Tool (24372-20) |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | SharkBite Crimp Tool | Milwaukee M12 Expansion Tool |
| PEX compatibility | PEX A and PEX B | PEX A only |
| Upfront tool cost | Lower | Higher |
| Connection cost | Ring plus fitting at each joint | Fitting only, no ring |
| Flow at fittings | Slightly reduced | Near full bore |
| Best for | Occasional DIY and repairs | Whole-house PEX A installs |
SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool (23251)
Best value crimp starterPros
- Works with both PEX A and PEX B tubing
- Low tool cost compared with expansion
- Ratchet design helps confirm a full crimp
Cons
- Adds a fitting at every joint, which slightly reduces flow
- Requires checking ring gauge and go/no-go after crimping
SharkBite's manual crimp tool is one of the most widely stocked crimp options at US home centers and covers the two sizes most DIYers use. It pairs with copper crimp rings or stainless clamp rings depending on which you buy. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is a straightforward mechanical tool with no calibration routine.
Milwaukee M12 PEX Expansion Tool (24372-20)
Best expansion pickPros
- Fast, repeatable expansion on PEX A
- Cordless design suits overhead and tight runs
- Auto-rotating head reduces wrist strain
Cons
- Higher upfront cost than a manual crimp tool
- Only works with PEX A, not PEX B
Milwaukee's M12 expansion tool is the cordless benchmark for PEX A in the US, and it is sold as a bare tool or in kits with battery and charger. It expands the tubing so the fitting inserts and the material shrinks back for a full-bore connection. Based on manufacturer specifications, it is designed for repeated production work rather than a one-off repair.
Where SharkBite PEX Crimp Tool (23251) Wins
Crimp is the better entry point if you already own PEX B, are doing a small repair, or want the lowest total spend on a handful of connections. The tool is inexpensive, works with both PEX types, and every home center stocks the rings and fittings.
Where Milwaukee M12 PEX Expansion Tool (24372-20) Wins
Expansion is the better long-term system if you are plumbing a whole house in PEX A. You skip a ring at every joint, get closer to full-bore flow, and the cordless tool makes long runs far less tiring than squeezing a manual crimper hundreds of times.
FAQs
Can I use a crimp tool on PEX A?
Yes. Crimp rings and clamp rings are rated for both PEX A and PEX B, so a crimp tool works on either tubing type as long as you match the ring and fitting to the size.
Can I use an expansion tool on PEX B?
No. Expansion fittings and tooling are specified for PEX A, which has the memory to shrink back over the fitting. PEX B does not expand and hold the same way.
Which system is cheaper overall?
Crimp is cheaper to start because the tool costs less. Expansion saves a ring per joint, so on a large install the gap narrows, but the expansion tool still costs more upfront.
Does expansion really flow better?
Expansion fittings sit inside the expanded pipe, so the internal diameter stays closer to the pipe bore. Crimp fittings sit over the pipe with a ring, which adds a slight restriction at each joint.
Do I need a calibration gauge for crimp?
Most manual crimp tools come with or accept a go/no-go gauge, and manufacturers recommend checking the tool and a test ring before starting a run. Follow the tool maker's instructions.
Which is better for a beginner?
Crimp has the lower learning curve and lower cost of entry. Expansion is also learnable, but the tool investment makes more sense once you know you are doing a full PEX A project.
Our verdict
Buy crimp if you want the cheapest reliable path and you may be working with PEX B. Buy expansion if you are committing to PEX A for a whole-house job and want fewer parts and better flow at every joint. Match the tool to the tubing you already have, not the other way around.