Apollo PEX Pinch Clamps - 1" (5 Qty)

Apollo PEX Pinch Clamps – 1" (5-Pack)

Keep your PEX installations tight, secure, and code-compliant with Apollo PEX pinch clamps. These 1" stainless steel pinch clamps are designed for use with PEX tubing and compatible fittings, providing a fast, reliable connection without the need for crimp rings or special tools beyond a standard pinch clamp tool. A go-to for plumbers and contractors across the Charlotte area.

• Model: PXPC15PK
• SKU: ACPI15951874 | LID: F-EC1
• Size: 1"
• Quantity: 5 clamps per pack
• Material: Stainless steel for corrosion resistance
• Compatible with: 1" PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C tubing
• Tool required: Standard pinch clamp (ear clamp) tool
• Application: Potable water, radiant heat, and general plumbing

Available for same-day pickup at AC Construction Depot in Pineville, NC. Questions? Call us at 704-835-1086.

Frequently Asked Questions — PEX Pinch Clamps

1. What is a PEX pinch clamp, and how is it different from a crimp ring?

A PEX pinch clamp (also called an ear clamp or oetiker clamp) is a stainless steel band with a raised ear that is compressed with a pinch clamp tool to secure PEX tubing onto a fitting. Unlike crimp rings — which require a go/no-go gauge and a separate crimping tool — pinch clamps are installed with a single-action pinch tool and are easier to inspect visually. Both methods create a reliable, code-approved connection; pinch clamps are often preferred in tight spaces where a full crimp tool is hard to maneuver.

2. What tool do I need to install PEX pinch clamps?

You need a pinch clamp tool (sometimes called an ear clamp tool or oetiker tool). These are available as manual, ratcheting, or cordless versions. The tool squeezes the raised ear of the clamp flat, locking the clamp permanently onto the fitting. Standard pinch clamp tools are compatible with all brands of pinch clamps in the same size range. Do not attempt to install pinch clamps with pliers — this will not create a proper seal.

3. Are these clamps compatible with all types of PEX tubing?

Yes — Apollo 1" pinch clamps are compatible with PEX-A, PEX-B, and PEX-C tubing of the same nominal size. They work with standard barbed PEX fittings (brass, poly, or poly alloy). Always match the clamp size to the tubing size — a 1" clamp is for 1" PEX tubing. Do not mix sizes, as an undersized or oversized clamp will not seal properly.

4. Can PEX pinch clamps be used for hot water applications?

Yes — stainless steel PEX pinch clamps are rated for both hot and cold water supply lines. They are suitable for domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydronic systems. Always verify the temperature and pressure ratings of both the clamp and the PEX tubing for your specific application. Standard PEX systems are typically rated up to 180°F (82°C) at 100 PSI.

5. How do I know if a pinch clamp is installed correctly?

A properly installed pinch clamp will have the ear fully compressed flat with no gap remaining in the ear opening. The clamp should sit squarely on the tubing, positioned over the fitting's barb (typically 1/8" to 1/4" from the end of the fitting). After installation, give the tubing a firm tug — it should not pull off the fitting. Pressure-test the system before concealing any connections. If the ear is not fully closed, the clamp must be cut off and replaced.

6. Can a pinch clamp be removed and reused?

No — pinch clamps are single-use only. Once the ear is compressed, the clamp is permanently deformed and cannot be reopened or reused. To remove a pinch clamp, cut it off with diagonal cutters or a clamp removal tool. Always use a new clamp when reconnecting PEX tubing. Attempting to reuse a compressed clamp will result in an unreliable connection and potential leak.

7. Are PEX pinch clamps approved by plumbing codes?

Yes — PEX pinch clamp connections are approved under major plumbing codes including the IPC (International Plumbing Code) and UPC (Uniform Plumbing Code) when installed per the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable ASTM standards (ASTM F2098). Apollo fittings and clamps are NSF/ANSI 61 certified for potable water. Always verify with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before rough-in inspection.

8. What is the pressure rating for PEX pinch clamp connections?

When used with properly rated PEX tubing and barbed fittings, pinch clamp connections are typically rated for up to 160 PSI at 73°F (23°C) and 100 PSI at 180°F (82°C) — consistent with standard PEX system ratings. The stainless steel clamp itself is not the limiting factor; the tubing and fitting ratings govern the system’s maximum working pressure. Always design your system within the lowest-rated component’s specifications.

9. How many clamps do I need per connection, and how many are in this pack?

Each PEX connection requires one clamp per end of the fitting — so a straight coupling uses 2 clamps, a tee uses 3, and so on. This pack contains 5 clamps, which is enough for 2 full coupling connections with one spare, or a variety of fittings on a small repair or rough-in job. For larger projects, we carry clamps in bulk quantities — call us at 704-835-1086 to ask about volume pricing.

10. Are these available for same-day pickup, and do you carry other PEX clamp sizes?

Yes — these Apollo 1" PEX pinch clamps are in stock and available for same-day pickup at AC Construction Depot in Pineville, NC (serving the greater Charlotte area). We carry PEX clamps in multiple sizes to cover your full rough-in. Call us at 704-835-1086 to confirm availability on other sizes or to place a bulk order for your job site.