Being careful when removing the stainless steel pinch clamps allows for the fitting to be reused. A fitting that has been removed and is in good shape can be used in another system saving money.
In this blog we are going to cover how to remove the pinch clamps by two basic methods Option #1 Cutting the ear of the pinch clamp using an End-Cutter, and Option #2 Using common tools to disengage the interlock tabs of the clamp using a Side Cutter Pliers and a Flat Screw Driver. For instructions on how to make a stainless steel pinch clamp PEX connection, click here.
Tools Required
- Pipe Cutter
- Heavy Duty End Cutter
- Pliers
- If you do not have an End Cutter you can use Side Cut Pliers and a Flat Head Screwdriver.
Getting Started
Removing a stainless steel pinch clamp with a heavy duty end cutter is quite simple. However, if you do not have an end cutter, no worries it can be done with side cut pliers and a flat screwdriver.
In hard to reach locations, when a pinch clamp needs to be removed with the fitting in the system, the use of a heavy duty end cutter can make the job easier. Clamp removal is easiest if the fitting can be removed from the piping system and clamped in a vice, it is important to avoid clamping on the insert ribs or barbed area, which will damage the fitting making it unusable.
Option #1
Removing a Pinch Clamp using an End Cutter.
Step #1 
Cut the fitting assembly from the PEX pipe using a pipe cutter. The
cut should be close to the fitting. Leaving approximately ½” - 3/4“ of pipe can make it easier to get a grip on the pipe with a pliers to pull the pipe from the fitting in step 3.
Step #2
Place cutting jaw on each side of clamp ear. Squeeze handles until the jaws cut completely through the clamp ear. Then grip one of the cut ends with the jaws to open and remove the clamp from the pipe.
Step #3
Remove the PEX Pipe. The barbs on the PEX fittings make removing the pipe difficult, grip on the PEX pipe with a pliers, and with a twisting motion remove the pipe from the fitting. You may need to cut part way through the pipe in order to get the pipe to come off, great care must be taken to not cut right through and damage the fitting.
Option #2
Removing a Pinch Clamp using common tools to disengage the interlock tabs of the clamp.
Step #1
Cut the fitting assembly from the PEX pipe using a pipe cutter. The
cut should be close to the fitting. Leaving approximately ½” - 3/4“ of pipe can make it easier to get a grip on the pipe with a pliers to pull the pipe from the fitting in step 4.
Step #2
Work a flat screw driver or side cutter jaws under the clamp band tab and pry the end up to disengage and separate the interlocking tab mechanism. 
Step #3
Using a side cutters or pliers grab onto the tab and pull to fully open the clamp band and remove the clamp.
Step #4
Remove the PEX Pipe. The barbs on the PEX fittings make removing the pipe difficult, grip on the PEX pipe with a pliers, and with a twisting motion remove the pipe from the fitting. You may need to cut part way through the pipe in order to get the pipe to come off, great care must be taken to not cut right through and damage the fitting.
No matter which option you choose, the pinch clamp can't be used again but the fitting can be. Before throwing away the fitting away, consider these steps to remove the pinch clamp and reuse the fitting. Always make sure the fitting is in good shape before reusing it.
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