How to remove a Sharkbite Crimp Ring

[CFO]

I have just a handful of Sharkbite crimp rings to remove and don't want to buy their special tool for such a small job. Can anyone tell me how to get these buggers off without destroying the fitting?

[jimbo]

You can do it with your fingers.... but takes tough fingers!

[jadnashua]

Is this Sharkbite pex crimped connection or one of their push-fit connectors? Sounds like pex. Cutting off the crimp ring without damaging the pex can be tricky.

You might be able to grab and cut it with a pair of end-cutter pliers, or maybe cut it with a cutoff stone on a Dremel, or similar.

[CFO]

Yes, I'm talking about the Pex crimped connectors...the ones that look like a wedding band when affixed. Sharkbite sells a special hand tool to remove them but I am hoping someone has figured out a way to remove them using 'regular' hand tools.

[CFO]

That is, I'm NOT talking about the push-fit connectors.

[hj]

It depends on what you want to do. The easiest way is to cut the PEX at the end of the "barb" and then slit the ring with a hacksaw. with the regular tool, you also cut the PEX, then the tool inserts into the fitting and it "severs" the band when you squeeze the handles.