You should ensure that you remain careful whenever you remove a PEX clamp in order to allow for the fitting to be used again.
A fitting that has been correctly removed can be reused in various applications, like when you connect PEX to PVC.
In this article, I will cover how to correctly remove a PEX clamp using two simple methods.
The first of these is through cutting the ear of your clamp by using an end-cutter, and the second option involves using tools to dislodge the interlocked tabs.
The tools that you will require to do this include:
- A pipe cutter.
- Pliers.
- Heavy Duty End Cutter.
- Side Cut Pliers.
- Flat Head Screwdriver.
How To Get Started?
In order to get started with removing your PEX clamp, you will need to use a heavy duty cutter.
However, if you do not own one of these end cutters, then you can also use side cut pliers alongside a screwdriver with a flat edge.
When tackling locations that are harder to reach, using a heavy duty end cutter will make the process far less time-consuming.
Removing clamps is far easier if you can remove the fitting from a piping system and mount the removed fitting into a vise clamp.
It is also important to note that you should avoid clamping it onto the barbed area, as this will cause damage to your PEX fitting which renders it unusable for future endeavors.
Removing A PEX Clamp Using An End Cutter
- Cut your fitting assembly from your PEX pipe using an end cutter. This cut should be as close as possible to the fitting itself. You will need to leave 1/2-3/4 of PEX pipe in order to obtain a good grip on the pipe with your pliers and extract it from the fitting at a later stage.
- Place your cutting jaw on each side of your clamp ear. Then, squeeze the handles until the cutting jaws have cut through the clamp ear entirely. After this, you should firmly grip onto one of your newly cut ends with the cutting jaws pen in order to remove the clamp from the PEX pipe.
- Finally, with a twisting motion, remove the PEX clamp. The bar on PEX fittings can make this a difficult task. However, if you firmly grip onto the pipe using appropriate pliers, and twist the pipe firmly, you will be able to remove the PEX pipe from the fitting. You may be required to cut slightly into the pipe in order to get it to come loose, and you should exercise care during this process in order to avoid cutting through entirely and damaging the fitting.
Removing A Pinch Clamp Using Common Tools
- Firstly, you will need to firmly cut the fitting assembly from the PEX pipe itself using a pipe cutter. This cut should be as close to the fitting as possible, whilst ensuring that you leave 1/2-3/4 of PEX pipe to ensure that you can grip it firmly and dislodge it at a later stage.
- Then, take your flat screwdriver or side cutter jaws and place them under the clamp band tab, prying the end of the screwdriver up in order to dislodge and part the interlocking tabs.
- After this, take your pliers or side gutters and firmly grab onto the tab to open the clamp band fully before removing the clamp.
- Finally, remove your PEX pipe. Remember that the barbs on these fittings can make this process more strenuous, and thus, you should use your pliers in order to firmly grip onto the PEX pipe before twisting it and removing it from the fitting itself. Again, you may be required to cut slightly into the pipe to remove it and should exercise great caution to ensure that you do not cut through the pipe entirely and damage its fittings.
Irrespective of which method you choose to adopt, you should note that the pinch clamp will not be able to be reused. However, the fitting itself will be.
Prior to throwing the fitting in the trash, you should consider adopting these steps in order to firmly remove the clamp whilst keeping the fitting intact.
It is important to note that you should always ensure that your fitting is in great shape prior to reusing it.
In addition to removing a pinch clamp, it’s essential to know how to repair PVC pipe in the ground for comprehensive plumbing maintenance.
Can PEX Fittings Be Reused?
Yes, it is entirely possible for you to reuse PEX fittings. However, it is not possible to reuse the clamp.
Which Is Better For PEX, A Cinch Or Crimp?
Both crimping and cinching can be used when dealing with PEX pipe. However, which method you use is entirely down to your personal working method and preferences.
If you wish to work faster and more securely, then using a crimp tool is the best option for you.
Do PEX Clamps Fail?
PEX clamps can be prone to damage and corrosion. Thus, you should avoid using clamps that are corroded in order to avoid any unnecessary failures.
Are PEX Clamps Able To Be Reused?
After removing the clamp and if you’re dealing with different pipe types, it’s helpful to know if you can glue ABS to PVC.
However, the fitting can be reused. Thus, you should be careful not to damage the fitting when removing the clamp.
You should ensure that the fitting is also in great shape prior to reusing it.
Conclusion
To conclude, there are two easy methods available to choose from when removing a clamp from PEX and I have outlined these above.
Irrespective of which method you choose, you should always exercise caution during the removal process, and remember that the clamp itself will not be able to be reused.
However, do not dispose of the fitting also, as this is able to be re-used, providing you have not caused any unnecessary damage to the fitting during the removal process.