How [NOT] to Use a ProPEX Expansion Tool

Sharing my lessons learned on using a ProPEX expansion tool along with giving you the side by side comparison of my less than stellar first experience and the much improved second attempt, so your first PEX-A coupling install is 110% better than mine!
Projects don't always go right the first time. A ProPEX expansion tool is very easy to use and a wicked looking tool, if used properly...
DISCLAIMER / HONESTY POLICY: The links in this description may be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. You are not obligated to do so, but it does fund these videos in hopes of helping you improve your home and there is no additional charge to you.
TOOLS USED:
○ Milwaukee 12V Propex Expansion Tool Kit - amzn.to/3xAGMpD
○ HOWEVER, if you are already invested in the DeWALT family of tools you can check out the DeWALT version here: amzn.to/3e7gvY... in mind this link is only for the tool and not the batteries so you can save some!
TOOLS YOU DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO USE:
○ Any heat gun: amzn.to/2RyEdU... you have one on hand, you won't use it ;-)
○ Careful (and I mean CAREFUL) application of a blade to cut the PEX off the barb: amzn.to/3b7AdBx
○ PEX pipe cutting tool: amzn.to/3nRSiZq
RELATED PLAYLISTS:
○ Running a Replacement Water Service Line - • Water Service Line Rep...
○ Leak Detection (different tool options and how to pinpoint the location) - • Supply Plumbing Leak D...
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[@bobs74xlch]

Isn't that the fun of doing anything yourself, it's the challenge of conquering something new and the reward of a job well done! As for myself, I always appreciate when people don't edit out their failures so we can all learn from them.

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Heh, yes. They make jobs more memorable too... This was not a pre-planned video. It's good to hear from you and hope you are past your plumbing phase!

[@briancrounse7473]

Informative and straight to the point. Perfect. I'm not sure I'll ever need to do this, but always in the market for learning things and I appreciate your style.

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Thank you for the compliment. I'm with you--didn't think I'd ever need to do this either! ;-) I hope you don't have to.

[@rejeanpaquet4375]

Appreciate your transparency 👍 yes, the isolation was in the way for a second... PEX contracts quickly.

[@PraiseTheLord95]

Appreciate the video. I am DIYer and tackling replacing a main water service line in the Pacific Northwest. This is my first time using the ProPEX expansion tool yielded similar results I did not get the fitting on all the way on my first try. I am removing it today and will make a second attempt to get it right. Also using the M12 Fuel PEX Expansion tool which makes putting these fittings on so easy. A great tip to include in the video is the Manufacturer's Guide to how many times the tool should contract on various pipe sizes 1/2, 3/4, 1" (most common sizes used in home plumbing).

[@NoMoreLeaks]

That's good advice there--thank for adding that tip. How did it go? I hope you already have it covered like it never happened. 😉🙌

[@cob705]

Also can use the expansion rings to repair garden hose fittings, even air compressor hoses fittings, and makeshift rings cut from upinor scrap to connect drip irrigation lines...

[@NoMoreLeaks]

All great ideas and uses! I hadn't thought of the garden hose repairs--might have to do that on one of our hoses soon.

[@jonathanyates8414]

Your first connection would have been fine 😉 I've seen other plumbers do worse

[@NoMoreLeaks]

LOL, thanks! I just do not want to ever see that coupling again so I figured better safe than sorry. Really appreciate your comment!

[@joshuahanning3850]

Yeah looked good to me😂 you do have to move pretty quick but as long as it’s past the first barb on the fitting it’ll hold (worst case scenario)

[@natew48]

That's what it's all about. Learning from mistakes is one of the best ways to learn

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Hope it saves you at least one mistake!

[@shannontaylor1849]

Thanks for taking the time to share.

[@NoMoreLeaks]

I hope your project goes well and you don't have any mulligans!

[@adamdimaggio2237]

A tip for down the road.. Also if you expand it and let go of the trigger JUST before it collapsed, just let it sit for a few seconds. You can get your other stuff ready. Pex is VERY cool stuff. The Longer you keep it expanded the longer you have to work with it because it closes slower. In cold weather I use HEAT to shrink it back down faster, and in the summer or REALLY hot places, Ill leave it expanded longer because it closes back up faster.. OMG I just seen this was 3 years old.. OMG I should delete this.. lol

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Please don't delete this. :) That's a great explanation. Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge. This is one of the best comments on this video--and people often learn more from comments than the video itself.

[@mpxz999]

Thank YOU for this video! SO HELPFUL

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Glad to hear it. Best of luck on your project!

[@geoffadam4475]

Nice solder joint too 👍🏻

[@NoMoreLeaks]

I'll pass on the kudos! My husband has been improving his soldering--a skill used only under duress--for years. Have to give some credit to the @got2learn channel too.

[@daffyduck8244]

And of coarse move back the pipe insulation so you can see what your doing. Pro tip

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Heh, yep.

[@jacquelynwilliams5025]

Does the coupling spin in place once installed? Im using pex a 1/2 inch with 90-degree plastic elbow. They required minimal expansion and can not be pylled off , but force can spin. Is this expected?

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Yes, that's how they roll...I mean spin. 😉 I recall it wasn't freewheeling or anything but the metal barb to connect the PEX run to the copper elbow could be adjusted to lay flat.

[@carlosrubio5393]

What’s the insulation doing there? Problem, keep your lines visible and ready to handle

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Yes, that's a good point. Here's how we protected the line so we wouldn't see dents on either of the copper whips, like the ones we took off: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5S5mIZ5q9qJg5I

[@chris_758]

When you use these PEX Expansion Tools let them expand the proper amount of times according to the size pipe/ tubing you're using

[@paulwarila1502]

thanks of that super practical tip?

[@rcsmith8402]

So, a manufacturers rep will tell you that the last little bit of the pipe fitting is fine. You did not ha e to remove/redo the fitting.

[@jonathanyates8414]

Also you don't have to turn the tool, the heads are self rotating

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Yeah...I caught that after I put the closeup expansion tool shots in the video. 🧐😂🤷‍♀️ So I probably expanded the same place multiple times...another lesson learned!

[@46GarageUSA]

Why did you buy the old version and not their newest one out ?

[@NoMoreLeaks]

We had the tool a few years before Nov 2020. I've assisted in pulling PEX lines prior, but was just the first time I had done a coupling.

[@tucsonirrigation]

👍

[@markchidester6239]

How could you possibly work in this environment with nail polish?

[@NoMoreLeaks]

LOL, reapplication. Seriously. Blue nail polish is the by far the worst nail polish--it doesn't last more than a day or two tops and it doesn't matter which brand. However, it does match with Phyn Plus and that's where I was headed video wise to do an unboxing and install. Now I have a garden and have dropped all such frivolousness. ;-)

[@jamescole3152]

I watch a lot of these and most of the time the person just pretends it's on all the way. lol

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Heh, well, I'm not a willing participant to dig up the water main again, so that sucker better be on all the way AND I made sure we didn't knick the barb taking the poorly placed coupling off. Better safe than sorry--no pride here! ;-)

[@mx-lj4qq]

Damn bae 😍

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Thanks. Hope your project goes well!

[@homeytoyer8303]

When using Milwaukee tools you must wear red fingernail polish like professional men do. This is why your attempt failed

[@ChrisS-if7ev]

You should not be using pex outdoors like this :)

[@u2ooberboober]

I’ll be doing a main feed to my house soon with is method!

[@NoMoreLeaks]

Best of luck on that project and a half! I'd love to hear how it pans out.