ProPEX Expander Tools & Heads

The ProPEX Expander Tool is one of the most widely used tools used to build and connect PEX systems. Although PEX generally requires fewer fittings than rigid pipe, weighing the pros and cons of a PEX connection system ensures the best selection for your next job. Meeting the ASTM F1960 specification, expansion fittings are a top choice for professionals in residential and commercial applications.

What type of PEX is compatible with expansion fittings?
Only PEX-a works with expander fittings. PEX-a pipe possesses superior shape memory than PEX-b or PEX-c due to more even polyethylene crosslinking. This enables the tubing to form a strong seal on a proper expansion connection. Brands of PEX-a tubing include Uponor (Wirsbo), Rehau, and Mr. PEX. SupplyHouse.com is proud to carry Uponor’s ProPEX line of expansion fittings and adapters. PEX-a tubing also works with any other type of standard PEX fitting.

What are the benefits of this connection system?
Expansion connectors offer a wider inside diameter (ID) than any other style of PEX fitting, much more comparable to the ID of the tubing itself. Fittings of the crimp, PEX press, and push fit variety offer the reliability and durability to ensure systems can perform optimally.

How do you make a PEX expansion connection?
Tools Needed: ProPEX Expander Tool, ProPEX Fittings, and ProPEX Rings
1. Slide the ring over the properly-sized PEX-a pipe down to the stop on the collar.
2. Insert the corresponding expansion tool head into the PEX ring and tubing and expand as necessary until the pipe is wide enough to accept the fitting. (Note that more cycles may be needed with colder temperatures.)
3. Immediately remove the tool and insert the fitting to the appropriate depth as indicated by the collar on the fitting. The connection will set more quickly in warmer temperatures.

Are there any drawbacks?
The cost of the tool can be a barrier for many first-time users, but the addition of the Milwaukee ProPEX tool can be a worthwhile investment for any professional installer who uses PEX on a frequent basis. The tool can be integrated with Milwuakee’s M12 and M18 systems.

Can I reuse a ProPEX fitting?
Uponor’s brass ProPEX can be reused on a fresh section of PEX-a when extracted properly using a heat gun, but engineered polymer (EP) ProPEX fittings should only be used once.