Step 5 · Crimp the Ring

This is the step most people slow down on. Take it one move at a time — there’s no rush, and you can rewind the clip as many times as you need.

Slide the copper crimp ring down the tubing until it is positioned over the barbed section of the fitting. The correct placement is critical: the edge of the ring should be between 1/8-inch and 1/4-inch from the end of the PEX tubing. Do not let the ring touch the fitting's shoulder. Open the jaws of the PEX crimping tool and place them squarely over the ring, ensuring the tool is perpendicular to the pipe. Squeeze the handles of the crimper completely until the tool's mechanism fully closes and bottoms out. You will feel a distinct stop. Release the handles to remove the tool.