SHALL Pex Crimping Clamp Cinch Tool and Pipe Hose Cutter, Pipe Fitting Crimper Tool Kit Meets ASTM F2098 for 3/8" to 1" Stainless Steel Clamps Including 20pcs 1/2", 10pcs 3/4" Clamps With Storage Bag

A good cinch tool should disappear in your hand: line it up, squeeze, and move on with confidence. That’s been my experience with the SHALL cinch tool kit after a few weeks of shower, laundry, and hose-line odds-and-ends. It’s a compact, budget-friendly set that trades raw leverage for portability, and—importantly—stays within spec for code-compliant stainless cinch clamps.

What’s in the kit

The kit includes the cinch tool, a PEX cutter, a storage bag, a small calibration tool, two pairs of light PVC gloves, and an assortment of stainless clamps (20 pieces of 1/2 inch and 10 pieces of 3/4 inch). It’s aimed squarely at F2098 stainless cinch clamps, covering 3/8 inch up to 1 inch. The range is wide enough for most residential PEX work, and the extra clamps are enough to get a small project off the ground before you have to buy a refill pack.

The bag deserves a nod. It’s not a hard case, but it’s structured enough to keep the tool from beating up the cutter and to corral loose clamps and the calibration tool. I tossed it into a tote with fittings and didn’t find a nest of bent clamps later—small win, but appreciated.

Build quality and ergonomics

The tool itself is forged from manganese steel and feels like it. The pivot is tight, the ratchet is positive, and the wire-EDM cut jaws are crisp with clean edges. There’s no slop in the head, and the jaw faces meet squarely, which matters for consistent ear compression.

At 8.5 inches, the handles are short by pro standards. That’s intentional: you can get this into cramped, under-sink corners without pulling a vanity. The tradeoff is leverage. On 1/2 inch clamps, it’s a straightforward two- or three-squeeze cycle as the ratchet advances. On 3/4 inch (and especially if you’re on an awkward angle), it takes more hand strength. The dual-color grips are grippy and comfortable; they reduce hot spots but they can’t manufacture leverage. If you’re planning a day of 3/4 inch or 1 inch connections, expect a forearm workout.

I like the ratchet and self-release. It prevents partial crimps and accidental back-offs mid-cycle. The release is smooth and predictable once the ear hits full compression. That said, you still need to pay attention to perpendicular alignment; the best ratchet in the world won’t save a crooked clamp.

Crimping performance

I tested 1/2 inch and 3/4 inch F2098 stainless clamps from two different manufacturers on PEX-A and PEX-B. The tool didn’t balk. With the ear centered in the jaws, the collapse was even and repeatable, leaving a uniform imprint and no “ear tilt” or stepped bite marks that sometimes show up on cheaper jaws. Every connection passed a pressure test without a weep.

Consistency is where this tool shines for its price. The ratchet guarantees a full cycle every time, and I never had to chase a mystery drip because I stopped a hair early. The jaw geometry delivers flat, parallel compression on the ear and resists rolling off the edge of the ear when you squeeze aggressively—credit to the precise machining there.

One note for larger clamps: take a moment to align the ear square to the tool and brace the piping so you’re not fighting the spring-back of the line while squeezing. It’s basic technique, but it’s the difference between an easy crimp and a tiring one with short handles.

Cutting and prep

The included cutter is simple and sharp. On 1/2 inch PEX, it makes fast, clean cuts. To get a perfectly square end, I lightly rotate the pipe while closing the blade rather than powering straight down; that reduces the tendency to flare or angle the cut, especially on PEX-B that’s been coiled and wants to hold a curve. On 3/4 inch, it still cuts cleanly, but you’ll appreciate a firm, two-handed grip for a straight finish.

This isn’t a long-handle, heavy-duty shear; it’s sized to fit in the same bag as the crimper. Used thoughtfully, it’s absolutely serviceable for prep work on PEX and other soft tubing. Keep the blade clean, avoid cutting against a rough surface, and it will stay sharp long enough for many projects.

Compatibility and range

Beyond PEX cinch clamps, the tool also handles single-ear hose clamps as long as the ear’s length and width fit within the jaw opening. I used it on a couple of single-ear clamps for a utility pump hose and got symmetrical crimps with no “walk.” That said, I treat the hose-clamp use as a bonus; its primary job is PEX, and it’s optimized for that geometry.

On the PEX side, the ASTM F2098 compliance matters. If you’re working in jurisdictions that require listed tools for stainless cinch clamps, this checks the box. It also plays nicely with clamps from different reputable brands within the spec range—useful if you’re raiding the leftovers from past jobs.

Calibration and maintenance

The tool arrives factory-adjusted. Mine produced complete ear collapses out of the bag. The included calibration tool is there if, after long use, the jaws need a tweak. Out of curiosity, I verified jaw closure against a sacrificial ear and found no need to touch calibration. If you do adjust anything, do it sparingly and verify with a test crimp before returning to a live line.

Maintenance is basic: wipe the jaws, keep the pivot lightly oiled, and don’t store it with construction dust packed into the ratchet. The EDM-cut jaw faces resist burrs, and I saw no mushrooming or deformation after a few dozen crimps.

Where it fits in the shop

This kit hits a sweet spot for homeowners and DIYers who want a single bag that covers cutting, clamping, and basic organization. It’s also a handy backup or tight-quarters tool for pros who typically rely on longer-handled crimpers. If you’re outfitting a truck for all-day PEX work, especially on larger diameters, you’ll likely prefer a longer tool with more leverage or a head style designed for rapid repetitive cycles. But for remodels, appliance hook-ups, and occasional new runs, this is easy to recommend.

Limitations and small annoyances

• Leverage on larger clamps: The short handles are great in cabinets, less great in open spaces when you’re doing many 3/4 inch connections. It’s not a flaw so much as a design choice, but it will tax your grip over time.
• Cutter technique matters: The cutter is sharp, but a perfectly square cut takes a little practice, especially on curved PEX coming off a coil. Rotate as you cut and you’ll get the result you want.
• Clamp count: The included clamps get you started, but for any meaningful project you’ll need to buy more, particularly in 1/2 inch.

None of these are deal-breakers; they’re just realities of a compact, budget-oriented kit.

Tips for best results

• Keep the ear perpendicular to the jaws and centered before you start the ratchet cycle.
• Support the pipe and fitting so you’re not fighting the line while squeezing.
• Rotate the cutter slightly during the cut for square ends, and make sure the cut end is clean before you slide the clamp.
• Position the clamp so the ear is accessible and not jammed against a wall or the fitting shoulder—plan the orientation before you seat the fitting all the way.
• Do a quick wipe of the jaw faces after dusty work; grit will accelerate wear.

The bottom line

The SHALL cinch tool kit delivers reliable, code-compliant crimps in a compact package, with a sharp cutter and enough clamps to get moving. Its machining and ratcheting action produce consistent, leak-free connections, and the factory setup requires no tinkering. The tradeoffs—short handles and a cutter that rewards good technique—are easy to live with for small to medium jobs.

Recommendation: I recommend this kit for homeowners, DIYers, and pros who want a compact backup for tight spaces. It offers strong value, dependable performance within ASTM F2098 standards, and a thoughtful bundle that reduces trips back to the truck. If your day-to-day involves hundreds of large-diameter crimps, look for a longer-handled tool. For everyone else, this kit is an easy, confidence-inspiring choice.