12 Best Copper Pipe Crimping Tools [For Your Home Projects]

It can be tricky to figure out the best way to seal your pipes and keep them working well for years to come. For example, do you want to try crimping copper pipes but have zero idea what tools to use? What does crimping a pipe do? Is this good for your piping?

Luckily, we've done plenty of research and have these answers below.

When it comes to the best copper pipe crimping tools, here are the top 15 we recommend:

1. IWISS Pex Pipe Crimping Tool Kit
2. IWS-1632AF Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool
3. IBOSAD Copper Tube Fittings Hydraulic Pipe Crimping Tool
4. IBOSAD Copper Tube Fittings Hydraulic Pex Pipe Crimping Tool
5. iGeelee Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool
6. Anbull Hydraulic Copper Tube Crimping Tool
7. iCrimp 1/2 and 3/4-inch Combo Pex Pipe Crimping Tool
8. iCrimp Copper Pipe Pressing Tool Kit
9. IWS-1632AF Copper Tubing Press Tool
10. IWISS® F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit
11. VOTOER Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimper
12. DEWALT 20V MAX* Pipe Crimping Tool Kit (DCE200M2)

Now that you have some products to think over, there's a lot more to learn. Throughout this article, we'll discuss the boost tools for crimping copper pipes and give helpful tips and tricks for doing that. Without further ado, let's dive right into this article below!

What Does It Mean To Crimp A Copper Pipe?

When you hear the phrase "crimping copper pipes," you connect piping to other plumbing using copper or pressed connections. Think of the crimping process as joining various pipes together, forming one pathway for water to flow.

For example, you may need to crimp a copper pipe or various pipes from your sink to the main water line. The same goes for your shower, tub, pipes in the kitchen, and even the toilet.

Connecting your pipes by crimping them is the best/only way to ensure they're watertight. Furthermore, with a powered crimping tool, you can get this process done using special copper fittings attached to copper tubing.

Copper is a popular plumbing material, as it is highly corrosion-resistant in most underground environments. So, you will see copper pipes and fittings a lot when building or renovating your home.

Copper also has a low failure rate, adding to its overall popularity.

You want to make sure you use a crimping tool to connect your pipes, or you risk them bursting, leaking, etc. Plumbing can be incredibly tedious, so keep this in mind during your project.

Here's a video showing how the crimping process on copper pipes works:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=22&v=kB6ta-IvFxI&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F&feature=emb_logo

What Are The Best Crimping Tools For Copper Pipes?

Now that you have an idea as to what crimping is/does, what tools should you use? Luckily, we tagged 12 amazing options earlier, which we'll discuss in detail throughout this section.

Here are the top 12 copper-friendly crimping tools you can use for your next project:

1. IWISS Pex Pipe Crimping Tool Kit

This pipe crimping kit works well for copper materials, has a lightweight design, has comfort grips to minimize fatigue, and includes a 1-inch Crimper, 1/2&3/8&3/4-inch Jaws, Gauge, and Spanner.

Follow this link to view it on Amazon.

2. IWS-1632AF Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool

This next crimping tool secures fittings/pipes in seconds, is copper-friendly, has a 360-degree rotating head, creates leak-free connections, has a slip-proof rubberized handle, and is compatible with Viega Copper, Pro-Press, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings.

Follow this link to see it on Amazon.

3. IBOSAD Copper Tube Fittings Hydraulic Pipe Crimping Tool

This crimping tool is made specifically for copper pipes, fits 1/2",3/4", and 1" piping, is made with aluminum alloy material, has a rotating head, and is compatible with Viega Copper, Pro-Press, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings.

Check this crimping tool out on Amazon.

4. IBOSAD Copper Tube Fittings Hydraulic Pex Pipe Crimping Tool Kit

Next, we have a crimping tip that works well for copper pipes/fittings, is suitable for smaller spaces, has an aluminum alloy body, has a 350-degree turning head, and is compatible with Viega Copper, Pro-Press, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings.

View this copper crimping kit on Amazon.

5. iGeelee Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimping Tool

Another copper crimping tool we have is suitable for copper pipes, copper fittings & joints, and copper sleeves, is made with aluminum alloy, has a 360-degree rotating head, creates leak-free connections, works for 1/2, 3/4 and 1” pipes/fittings, and has an ergonomic handle.

View this copper crimping tool on Amazon.

6. Anbull Hydraulic Copper Tube Crimping Tool

Next, this copper crimping tool works well with hydraulic cylinders, gives your pipes a leak-free result, has a 360-degree turning head, is perfect for Tee fittings, doesn't require brazing/soldering, has an anti-slide grip, and is compatible with Viega Copper, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings.

Follow this link to view it on Amazon.

7. iCrimp 1/2 and 3/4-inch Combo Pex Pipe Crimping Tool

Here's another crimping tool compatible with copper pipes; it works with 1/2-inch and 3/4-inch copper rings in PEX pipe connections, is made with durable steel, is lightweight, has an easy-to-grip handle, and features a new ergonomic design.

View this copper pipe crimping tool on Amazon.

8. iCrimp Copper Pipe Pressing Tool Kit

This copper pipe pressing kit works with 1/2”,3/4”, and 1” copper tubing pressing, offers secure crimping in seconds, has automatic locking tongs, features a 360-degree rotating head, doesn't require brazing, soldering, or flaring, and is compatible with ViegaCopper, Pro-Press, Elkhart, Conex Pipe Fittings.

See this copper pipe kit on Amazon here.

9. IWS-1632AF Copper Tubing Press Tool

The following copper pipe tool works for Viega ProPress, Elkhart, and Conex copper fittings, has a 360-degree rotating head, works best for copper pipes (not for PEX pipes), and promises not to scratch piping/plumbing.

Check out this copper crimping tool on Amazon.

10. IWISS® F1807 Copper Ring Crimping Tool Kit

This next copper pipe crimping kit works well for PEX pipe to brass or poly fittings using a copper crimp rings, has a crimp ring removal tool, includes an interchangeable jaw set 3/8,1/2,3/4-inch, works well in narrow spaces, weighs 5.7 pounds, and comes in two sizes.

Follow this link to view it on Amazon.

11. VOTOER Hydraulic Copper Tube Fittings Crimper

This next crimping tool works well for copper materials, features a flexible 360-degree rotating head, fits in narrow spaces, can crimp 1/2, 3/4, and 1" tubes, has an ergonomic design, includes a carrying case, has a one-button switch to exchange jaws, and works for crimping lugs pressing fittings, plastic aluminum pipe, copper tube, etc.

Check out this tool on Amazon here.

12. DEWALT 20V MAX* Pipe Crimping Tool Kit (DCE200M2)

Lastly, this high-power tool set has a 1/2" - 4" pressing capacity for copper, PEX, stainless steel, and carbon steel pipes, has crimp connect reporting technology, features forward and reverse triggers, is easy to use, is 20 volts, measures 7 x 18 x 25 inches, and weighs 23 pounds.

See this power-crimping tool on Amazon.

What Is The Best Way To Crimp Copper Pipes?

When it comes to the best way to crimp copper pipes, this can be different for everyone. First, what size pipes do you need to join?

One forum user recommends you "anneal the tube first, clean and tin the inside, clean off the flux residue, then fill and proceed as described" to crimp a 1/4 inch copper pipe.

On top of that, many DIYers recommend applying pipe flux and heating the joint rather than using a crimping tool. That falls into the category of soldering your copper pipes, so there are various ways to do this.

The main objective here is to get your copper pipes connected and secure. Crimping will use other copper crimps/connectors for your two or more pipes: which should be easy for any skill set.

However, if you are having trouble with leaking after you crimp, that could indicate you aren't using the right tool or materials to seal your plumbing.

Additionally, some online crimpers chose to "give fittings that hang down or a longer run upwards a crimp and quarter turn" and then solder their pipes together.

So, it could be worth it to mix one or more bonding methods for your copper pipes.

Is It Better To Solder Or Crimp A Copper Pipe?

The jury is still out on this issue between crimping and soldering copper pipes. According to many plumbing experts, soldering does give your pipes a long-term, corrosion-free alternative to crimping: but it can be more complex and require a professional.

In contrast, crimping is easier for any skill set and should be permanent if done correctly. Furthermore, press fittings install faster, safer, and easier, which is when crimping comes into play.

Unlike soldering, you don't need a torch or a deep pipe cleaning to crimp. With that said, you might prefer the promised permanent result from soldering.

Since you're bonding two copper pipes together through heat, this will be more stable than connected pipes by crimping. For example, in an earthquake, your soldered pipes may withstand the shock better than the ones you crimped.

In addition, soldering does take longer than crimping, which is often credited for its longer-lasting lifespan. So, you may have a more extended install period, but if your pipes stay watertight for decades, that may be worth it.

Again, if you have questions regarding your copper pipes, we recommend contacting a professional plumber and seeing what they suggest.

To Wrap Up

Whether you need to connect copper pipes in the bathroom, kitchen, or elsewhere, it's always good to know what tools you'll need. We found that there are endless choices for crimping your pipes, whether you buy an entire kit or a single crimper.

Many crimping tools are compatible with other pipe and fitting materials, although not everyone will be a universal fit. Make sure and check the compatibility section of a product's description.

Lastly, you may want to crimp and then solder your pipes for a permanent seal or skip crimping and shift your intention to soldering.

While we have you with us, check out these related articles below!

How To Install Sharkbite Fittings On Existing Copper Pipe [Step By Step Guide]

How To Connect Galvanized Pipe Without Threads [Inc To Pvc, Pex, Or Copper]?