[Shop-talk] PEX plumbing

[Wayne]

I need to replace some freeze-burst water lines (in my shop) and am considering going to PEX plumbing.  Anyone have suggestions on crimp tools and other necessary equipment to procure?  Looks like crimpers are still stupid expensive, but it's an investment I'm considering.

Are crimpers, bands, and fittings generally compatible between manufacturers?

And of course... can you use PEX for compressed air?  :)  I understand it's elastic enough to usually survive water freezing.  So it seems like you could safely use it for air, without concerns of it shattering like PVC.  And it's gotta be a helluva lot easier to work with than Eric's iron pipe woes!

-Wayne