Trying the Milwaukee M12 FUEL PEX Expansion Tool Kit

[@yz250a]

Thank-you for not dubbing in rock music. Very straightforward and informative.

[@PicRic]

That is my intention. There is far too much noise out there. Here is information. Thanks for watching.

[@MessianicJudaism]

What? Straightforward, yes. Informative, no. I'm new to this stuff. I don't understand the purpose of this tool. It would've been nice to have some dialog as to the purpose of those rings he put on the pex, and what's up with that black fitting? Was it glued (lack of a better word), or how does it seal itself? I don't get this tools full potential. Thank you for your comment.

[@realrobertjohnson]

As someone who knows what PEX-a is and what this tool does, but wanted to see the latest FUEL version of this tool, this video was all that I needed (P.S. I watched the entire video). This video was exactly as it was titled: "Trying the Milwaukee M12 FUEL PEX Expansion Tool Kit". It was not promoted as a how-to use the tool, or what PEX-a is and how to use it - there are countless other videos for that. Well done!

[@PicRic]

Well thank you very much for your kind comments, Robert. It's nice to get such positive feedback. I have many more try out, review and how to videos on my channel including plumbing tools. Please, subscribe and 'ring the bell' at the top right of the page to be notified of all new videos when they go live.

[@davidmuth4571]

I just bought an M12 because I see a lot of pex in my future. I've been plumbing for 15 years, but I'm new to pex. I got a mobile home and the pex piping around the water heater was a mess of adapters, and there were some joints I couldn't stop leaking. All of the connects were failed sharkbite or crimps that weren't holding. I had to get a plumber over for a burst pipe, and before leaving he gave me the short course in pex and why I should never rely on a crimp. He recommended the M12 when I told him I want to repipe all the supply lines to 1/2".

[@davepeoples]

Just replaced all 40+ year old leaking copper in 3 bath house with Pex A, plumber used this very tool. Very clean install. 9G complete. Gadz I hate leaks and associated water damage. This should be all good till long after I've gone on to my reward.

[@PicRic]

That is very good to hear, Dave. Is your plumber a subscriber to this channel too? Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@davepeoples]

@@PicRic I'll ask him, thanks!

[@PicRic]

@@davepeoples Okay, Dave.

[@thegermgod2595]

As a plumber in the field who has used this tool for about 2 years now, I’ve noticed it is extremely sensitive, I’ve sent mine in 2 times now to get replaced. Love Milwaukee just needs improvement with water seals

[@PicRic]

That's valuable feedback for this tool. Thank you for watching and contributing.

[@tommarsala3155]

What was the problem with the tool, I just bought 1 it should be delivered in a few days, what should I be looking out for? I'm not a Plummer so it will not get used more than a dozen times a year. Thanks

[@riotgear6891]

Have you tried the DeWalt version? Any more luck with that one?

[@user-nh3gu1ge3d]

Which version did you have? The M12 "standard" or the Fuel?

[@rgenericson5361]

Right on point! Just purchased mine several days ago. Iv'e used the Dewalt in the past. Got some side work tomorrow so I'll be giving the M12 a whirl. Right now there's a severe national shortage of Pex A fittings.

[@PicRic]

Thanks. This is a great tool to use.

[@jteddy11]

Trying to order a Milwaukee, the Dewalt has a bigger battery it looks like. Which do you like best? Hope they have more fittings, and pipe. My Home Depot does not have any 3/4" pipe. FJB.

[@PicRic]

@@jteddy11 I can't comment on the DeWalt tool but I definitely like the Milwaukee kit. It comes with two batteries and a separate charger so the chances of running out of power are very low.

[@tommarsala3155]

@@PicRic Can you give a good source for buying the fittings. also, I hear different opinions about using the plastic fitting verses the brass fittings, which do you prefer and why.

[@PicRic]

@@tommarsala3155 I tend to use plastic so I'm not the best to ask about brass. I have not had any failures with the plastic fittings. I tend to buy at Home Depot for my projects but there a many choices available.

[@TOOL_TECHNICAL]

I really appreciated you taking the time to grease the expanding cone with a paint brush. In my latest video I gave it a few swipes with a finger lol

[@PicRic]

Thanks, that brush is now dedicated to this tool and it has two jobs, avoiding contamination and greasing the cone. Much more controlled than using a finger or rag, doncha think? Thanks for sharing and chipping in to comment. Stay subscribed and ring the bell to learn about more new videos coming soon!

[@btd-cf2000]

What size, bristle type, and bristle count is that paint brush I should be using? Kidding. ;-) Very helpful demonstration, straight and to the point.

[@PicRic]

Ha, ha ... Actually, a dedicated, long handled, small headed brush that will not shed its bristles! Thanks, for adding a little levity with a serious point, bri'.

[@josephcheslock259]

Would be nice if the could make one for HVAC copper tubing

[@PicRic]

Have you asked them if they do / can / will?

[@Joe-jb9qu]

Yep, I’m buying this. Thanks for the video

[@PicRic]

Hey, Jose, thanks for the positive feedback. Please like and subscribe for more reviews and how to videos.

[@RVWeekendsRC1]

Thanks. I doing an online class and I kept reading about this tool but no idea how it worked.

[@PicRic]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching. Find many more review and how to videos by subscribing to my channel.

[@billybong10]

thanks for taking the time to make a video showing the tools function. To people complaining... go make your own video and show us how its done

[@PicRic]

Thanks for the feedback and support, Tim. Please like and subscribe for many more reviews and how to videos.

[@flsabvb7578]

A plumber question for ya. What type pex you like better. Like pex A you use the expandable Milwaukee m12 fuel very easy. It seems the others you use the crimping clamps and to me it looks like it takes more time and if you ha leak you have to take it off without cutting yourself etc. Have you ever seen the expandable pex type A leak before. I want to buy one but the best ya know , your opinion my friend and I hope all is well. Take care 💪

[@JMGeranimo]

About to purchase the fuel version, thank you for the video. The bigger version looks interesting but doubt it's worth it unless you are doing commercial work.

[@PicRic]

Great! I'm sure you'll find it a worthy addition to your tool kit. Thanks for watching.

[@travelhawk7895]

I am interested in getting the M12 Fuel Expansion Tool kit and like to know whether it is adequate for expanding 1 inch tubing. Thanks for your input.

[@PicRic]

The 1 inch expander is included in this kit and I have not seen, experienced, or read anything to indicate that the results from the larger size adapter would be any different to the smaller sizes. I imagine it will take a few practice joints to fully understand the performance characteristics so give it a go, Travel Hawk. Will you let us know how you get on with it in the field?

[@brandonm.4187]

I love how much easier it is than a regular hand tool but $400 for this kit is a very steep price considering how basic the function is.

[@PicRic]

I guess it's the price of convenience ... And speed ... And accuracy ... And peace of mind knowing every connection will just work.

[@46GarageUSA]

And I'm sitting here thinking 🤔 only $400 ... I'm buying one today

[@PicRic]

@@46GarageUSA Sold! To the man with the nice smile!

[@alexcampbell5371]

400$ I wish the new fuel is 550$ for this kit

[@stanchang1335]

This is probably the best $400 I've ever spent(non Fuel version). Whats steep are ProPress crimpers, which comes in compact, standard, and XL. Compact kit starts at $2k regardless of which brand. :Crying:

[@samperi2468]

thanks for the demo

[@PicRic]

Glad you liked it, Sam. Subscribe for more reviews and 'how to's'.

[@juliangallardo9897]

Well done. Thank you for your help

[@PicRic]

Thank you for your kind comment, Julian.

[@fiercenet]

Always do 10 cycles is what I was told to make sure its nice and warm and pliable.

[@PicRic]

Good tip, Jeff. Thanks for sharing.

[@balloney2175]

@@PicRic What if I do more than ten. I am using the manual stuff and I need Hercules to help me expand the thing.

[@PicRic]

@@balloney2175 Do you need to do more than ten? With this tool it is easy to do as many as you like.

[@creativesuit1930]

depends on the size of pipe, I typically do 10 for 3/4 and 6 or 7 for 1/2" with no trouble.

[@PicRic]

@@creativesuit1930 Thanks for your input.

[@Theredeemedchild2]

Why are people going with the plastic over the brass fittings? Just because of price or?

[@PicRic]

That's an interesting observation: What is the context of your experience with the Milwaukee PEX Expansion Tool? Do you also favor the plastic PEX over brass connectors, Virginia?

[@Theredeemedchild2]

@@PicRic I installed plastic because that's what we stocked. But I'm about to get rid of my copper for PEX a and I plan on using brass unless there is a good reason not to aside from cost.

[@PicRic]

@@Theredeemedchild2 Isn't it a 'horses for courses' situation, Virginia? In other words, using the most appropriate tools and materials available to you and in line with local codes and the like? Even then you'll end up with a mix of solutions, won't you? Aside from that, how are you liking the PEX Expansion Tool Kit?

[@Theredeemedchild2]

@@PicRic it is I assume but I've never installed the brass. I assume it's just because of cost but I wanted to be sure.

[@PicRic]

@@Theredeemedchild2 Maybe I missed something in the context of your comments, Virginia: Are you asking about using Pex-A with the Milwaukee PEX Expansion Tool, or something else?

[@tommy030]

Grease is only supposed to go on the expander cone

[@PicRic]

Is that what you do, tom'?

[@HectorTorres-lf8xy]

I wonder can if you can use this for swagging.

[@PicRic]

Isn't that kinda what this is showing the tool doing, Hector? Or do you mean something else?

[@HectorTorres-lf8xy]

@@PicRic oh yeah. Let’s just put this to a line set and find out bro. I only see plumbers with this. And no a/c techs. At least in my area. How’s about you just stop being a Richard.

[@HectorTorres-lf8xy]

Sorry the last part was for a literal guy named Richard. On another video. 😂

[@PicRic]

@@HectorTorres-lf8xy Erm ... Coz it's a plumbers tool; specifically for PEX-A connections! Do you think it will work on your AC line set installations? Or are you asking a general question about battery powered swaging tools? By the way, where is "my area"?

[@PicRic]

@@HectorTorres-lf8xy Yeaaaah, 'course ... Don't be rude, Hector and stick to one comment at a time, maybe!

[@robertbrewer1152]

I like this over the crimp tool because you can put it right to copper where I’m pretty sure the crimp tool requires a special fittings to go onto copper. I’ve been considering buying one finally switched from copper to pex with a shark bite crimper but doesn’t do well in tight spaces. So is this like regular pex and just the white fittings that shrink onto any pex?

[@PicRic]

I think the fittings are designed to shrink onto PEX-A and that is all I used in the video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@thebigroy]

Can you expand it to much (overexpand) with tool?

[@PicRic]

Great question! I don't believe so - at least not in my experience. The manual indicates it is a possibility but with proper use, storage and maintenance it seems to be unlikely. Thanks for subscribing!

[@alexraymes]

I don’t own either tool, but after watching videos of each, the Milwaukee seems to do this much faster than the DeWalt. However they both look like identical tools. Maybe the Milwaukee has a faster more powerful motor in it? I am a DeWalt fanatic but I will most likely be buying the Milwaukee expander

[@PicRic]

I am open minded and not so brand loyal so I tend to use the tool that, in my opinion, does the best job or has the best price point, etc. Milwaukee do seem to be very good at making the right tool for the job though. Give them a try, I think you'll be quite pleased, Alex.

[@akfiredawg69]

I'm late to the party, but great video. Very informative. Thx.

[@PicRic]

Pleased to hear that, Kevin. How are you using the kit?

[@castillohenry92]

Does the tool stop itself? Does it has a pre-set rotation cycle?

[@PicRic]

The tool is trigger operated so when the trigger is released the tool stops. The rotation cycle is pre-set at 1/8 turn.

[@jrross4224]

Dang I like that tool

[@PicRic]

There is a lot to like about it, Jr. Please, like and subscribe to see more great review and how to videos.

[@toryuskoski8382]

What's the point of expanding faster if you're making 3 extra pumps?

[@PicRic]

The number of expansions required to obtain a good, tight connection was decreasing as the trial shows.

[@lifeisgood070]

How do you remove a fitting if you mess up? Are there any other connection types? Im thinking about doing 1” everywhere because the inner diameter of pex is so small

[@PicRic]

Erm ... Cut it off? Having said that, it's pretty hard to mess up if you have some inkling about what you are doing? This kit includes 1" so you are good to go, lifeisgood070.

[@Vanilla_Icecream1231]

Heat it up and cut the it off

[@PicRic]

@@Vanilla_Icecream1231 Yes, you are right, Khalsa.

[@DasSnakeBoy]

The other type of pex has a smaller diameter. You wouldn’t have to up size the type A. It’d cost so much more reducing 1” to 1/2” and there would be a shit ton more room for error with all them connections.

[@coolhluke8089]

Wow that's it huh? And that won't leak?

[@PicRic]

Understandable question, I too was skeptical at first but, no, it won't leak. Thanks for watching!

[@shallcarry]

Okay, I like it. Picasso.

[@PicRic]

I'm not sure what the artist reference means but I'll take the praise! Thank you, Richard.

[@RobertTaylorGreatfunshop]

Best video demo ever ! None of the shit music in the background in which everbody wants!

[@PicRic]

Thanks Robert ... I think ... Your second sentence is a bit confusing though. Thanks for watching.

[@briansnyder9496]

How long does it take for the pex to tighten on the fitting after you stick in in?

[@PicRic]

Great question, Brian. In my experience the fittings can be fully tight in five seconds. Take a look at the Description above for a more detailed answer.

[@creativesuit1930]

I've turned the water back on as soon as 20 seconds after my last fitting with no leaks. Depending on how much you expand it and the ambient temperature I'm sure you could test faster times.

[@krazykillar4794]

Wilwaukee is the best hands down . Doesn't matter what trade your in , maybe snap on does something better for mechanics other than that I dont know of any brand other than dewalt that's even comparable to milwaukee. I just love their stuff , everything that they sell .

[@PicRic]

Are they? Milwaukee are a good brand too!!

[@krazykillar4794]

@@PicRic I didn't get it at first , thinking what the fuck is this guy on about ! Then I saw it 😆 I really need to stop smoking .

[@PicRic]

@@krazykillar4794 Just a little joke 😁

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

I agree that most trades can be accomodated by the two. Makita offers a lot too, but not near as much as the other two. I used to be a DeWalt fan. All my stuff was theirs, but their customer service is garbage, or at least the rep I talked to was, I switched to Milwaukee immediately following needing DeWalt support. I've got all the DeWalt stuff still because it's pretty solid but as anything needs replacing its red. All my personal stuff and all my company's tools. I'm not saying Milwaukee customer service is better because so far I've never needed to contact them. We do plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and industrial maintenance on gas compression and treating. Haven't come across anything yet that Milwaukee doesn't make a tool for 😂

[@wd9888]

Can you use this with Pex B

[@PicRic]

That is not recommended. Pex A has the flexibility for cold jointing but Pex B is not the same. Great question, W D. Thanks for watching.

[@waterlife.1905]

I wouldn't trust something like that in my house. Friction is all holding flooding water from happening?

[@PicRic]

You are right but I can assure you the PEX systems work. It was put in my last three houses and never once caused a problem. Copper however failed in the house prior to these and flooded a hallway and laundry room. When I added a sink in my garage I used only PEX and it's great.

[@Kevin-ip8uf]

It works in a lot of shops on the compressed air systems and they run at twice the pressure of domestic water supplies. Pex is kind of an acronym for cross linked polyethylene (some call it XLPE), and the crosslinking of the molecular structure means it really wants to return to its unaltered shape. The fitting being the same internal diameter of the pipe means the pipe is expanded over it, so it's molecular tendency to keep shrinking smaller than it can is what keeps it tight.

[@Aepek]

Wish woulda talked, even if did a voice over. HOWEVER, great vid on showing the tool, Accessories inside, layout inside, and putting cone grease on (as so many don’t do in vids); and loved the small paint brush tip. Usually use a Q-tip cuz have with me, but like the paintbrush idea better👍🏻 Cheers✌🏻

[@PicRic]

Thanks, Aepek. It's great to hear that you like the videos - subscribe for more, coming soon.

[@DJjosher]

Bought my tool can’t wait to use it. 💪🏻

[@PicRic]

Woo Hoo! Hey, share a video and I'll put it on my channel!

[@djsdavid92]

Has anyone try it on copper fittings

[@PicRic]

I don't know but I doubt it as it is meant for PEX-a.

[@gillyarchtop]

I like that there is no voice over. Who needs a mouth rattling on in the background when it’s this straight forward.

[@PicRic]

Thanks for your kind comments, David. It's nice to get such positive feedback. I have many more review and how to videos on my channel with new ones being added often. Please, subscribe and 'ring the bell' at the top right of the page to be notified of all new videos when they go live.

[@jeffkusman2179]

Good demonstration but should have been about 2.5 mins max. Thanks

[@PicRic]

Thanks, Jeff. Feedback accepted. Check out more recent videos here, kzbin.info.

[@balloney2175]

I've never seen a video using 1 inch. It is easy to do small stuff.

[@PicRic]

Neither have I actually but I think it would be just about the same as the other sizes. Thanks for watching, Bal.

[@balloney2175]

@@PicRic You are welcome. I will try this time. The first one I did, did not insert completely, there was some few millimeters gap.

[@PicRic]

@@balloney2175 Okay, good.

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

So 6 whee-oohs? Got it. 😄

[@PicRic]

Yep! That will work.

[@dumdiversaspapalbull1452]

@@PicRic lolz 😂

[@reedrobb]

The manual says you should rotate the tool when expanding this pex. If you don’t, the internal serrations created will be linear. This will cause some leaks. Rotating the tool during expanding creates a series of unrepeated serrations. I have tested this theory and found it to be true.

[@PicRic]

But the tool itself rotates so I don't understand that.

[@reedrobb]

Read the manual. I bet the circular rotation creates a pattern. Break the circle, break the pattern, no leaks

[@PicRic]

@@reedrobb I haven't read it for a while but neither have I had any leaks.

[@PicRic]

I read the manual again Robb and rotating the tool manually is only necessary when Uponor Standard expander heads are used. It's not necessary when rotating heads are used.

[@jamescole3152]

Picasso.

[@PicRic]

I have no idea what you mean by that, James. Please elaborate.

[@webtheweb]

Who made this video, Darth Vader?

[@PicRic]

Why do you ask, webtheweb?

[@webtheweb]

@@PicRic the heavy breathing

[@PicRic]

@@webtheweb Ah! Point taken.

[@robertor2798]

Es un video horrible Sin información importante

[@PicRic]

What would you consider to be important information, Roberto?

[@chillin909090]

I didnt like the video, didnt really go over much stuff, and you dont need to pump it 7 to 10 times , you could do it with just 4 or 5 pumps

[@PicRic]

You will notice how that one of the things I was trying to demonstrate was the amount of effort required to get a good strong connection and how, over time, I reduced the number of trigger pulls to try and show that. The description also expands on this. Apart from showing how all the elements of the tool work what else do you think I should have covered?

[@jorgegallardo6779]

Deadass bro no real plumber is gonna pump more than 5 times. It's overkill my guy...

[@PicRic]

@@jorgegallardo6779 Yes, I know. If you watch all the video you will see less pumps with each connection. That is also explained in the accompanying text.

[@F1NATIK]

@@jorgegallardo6779 Acts like he knows how to use every new tool he gets straight out of the box, WHAT A WANKER YOU ARE MATE

[@jamescole3152]

@@jorgegallardo6779 Well I have watched a videos and the person had to fight to get the fitting on. Not sure why that would be better. Then the fitting was not all the way down on one video.

[@ohger1]

You really need a voice over, either a human or even TTS software would be an improvement. Otherwise your videos will go nowhere.

[@PicRic]

Is there something in particular that you are struggling to understand in the video John-Del? You'd be surprised by the number of people who appreciate the focus on the product, it's abilities and the clarity of presentation.

[@ohger1]

@@PicRic No, I'm a certified instructor on all PEX systems, but like to look at on-line videos for curiosity sake. You can do what you want, but my criticism of your video is accurate. Check your statistics. You'll probably find a large percentage of people don't watch your whole video.

[@PicRic]

@@ohger1 Great! Please subscribe to see many more review and how to videos coming soon.

[@ohger1]

@@PicRic OK, subbed. You might also consider just doing graphics if you don't want to do a voice over.

[@PicRic]

@@ohger1 Thanks. I do add graphics if it is necessary to explain something. This is a good example of that, kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYLZmYyri5iWmpY.

[@josecunha6974]

Are you a mute? Its like silent films version of a tool demo?

[@PicRic]

Mmm ... Well, if I don't say anything, then yes! How are you Jose? Silent films are the greatest, aren't they?

[@josecunha6974]

@@PicRic Hope I didn't offend? Not my intention, going to re-pipe my house in Miami to remove Polybutylene pipe that has been driving me nuts with pex or copper. . Decide the cost of copper is too high for the benefit, so pex it is. Your video was a great help, but can't always control my sarcasm. Sorry!

[@PicRic]

@@josecunha6974 Y'know I've never seen a leak on any pex installation, no matter how old. Probably best for you to go with copper though if you are allergic to Polybutylene. Hope this helps!

[@josecunha6974]

@@PicRic Allergies not really the problem, but 3 leaks inside the walls in the last 12 years ( mostly at fittings) have been a nightmare. I replaced small sections where accessible with copper the old school way, acetylene b-tank and solder, eventually went to Shark Bite to remediate the leaks. I'm selling the house soon, and doing the work myself, so I'm going to replace the last 3 sections of pb under the slab with pex-a through the attic. Thanks for the tip though, and the video! No doubt the new house will have its plumbing woes as well, and building a new shop so plumbing challenges will remain in my future.

[@PicRic]

@@josecunha6974 I'm not quite sure how you do that, "going to replace the last 3 sections of pb under the slab with pex-a through the attic." but good luck with your project. It seems to be a sellers market nearly everywhere at the moment so you are well situated to make a buck. Oh, and thanks for watching and your lively comments.