I am going to be cutting into my current pex tubing to run an additional hot and cold line to the bathroom I am putting in my basement. I have been looking at all the necessary components of accomplishing this and I'm a bit confused, is it necessary to use these rings or is there a fitting that can just slide into the tube and that it is it? As I see it right now I would need a cutter and crimper along with a fitting to branch off and then the rings to seal it off at the fitting?

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Originally Posted by newbiedad08klk

as i see it right now i would need a cutter and crimper along with a fitting to branch off and then the rings to seal it off at the fitting?

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Yes. However, both crimp (uses rings, requires crimp tool) and push fit fittings (e.g. PEX Supply: Sharkbite Tees, PlumbingSupply.com: Push fit quick connect fittings; Sharkbite Fittings) are available. I can't comment on the reliability of the push fits as I've never used them. A local plumber would probably be the best source for what's preferred in your area. Inspector may have an opinion too.

Agree with Scleros: Shark Bite fittings are easy to use and you can pick them up in Home Depot. They may be expensive if you use them for large project - but for small installation like yours - they are perfect ! Good luck with your project... Milo

I used a combination of push on fittings (in the places where I connected to the existing supply lines and it would have been very difficult to use the crimp tool) and the compression rings with a special tool to crimp.

Using the push fittings also meant that I only needed the rings and tool to make the 1/2 inch connections...