The rise in popularity of COPPER and PEX piping for plumbing and heating systems has brought about an increased demand for efficient and effective pipe expansion tools.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional contractor, selecting the right tool can significantly impact your job’s quality and speed.
In this review, we’ll look at four expander tools: Copper Pipe SUMA-3818EC, SUMA-3818EC-HY, Pex Pipe SUMA-F1960, SUMA-F1960C.
Each has unique strengths, but we’ll highlight why the SUMA-3818EC-HY stands out as the ideal solution for expanding 1-inch pipes with ease.
Product Comparisons
- SUMA-3818EC: Lightweight And Affordable
The SUMA-3818EC is a solid entry-level manual Copper expander designed for DIY enthusiasts and small-scale repairs. It includes 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, 1”, 1-1/8” inch expansion heads, making it versatile enough for most home installations. Made from aluminum alloy, it is corrosion-resistant and built to last. This tool is lightweight, easy to carry, and has an ergonomic design to reduce fatigue during use.
Pros
1.Versatility: can expand soft copper,aluminum and soft steel tube.
2.Light Tool body made of aluminum alloy.
3.Ergonomic grips for easy operation.
4.Multi specifications expanding head
Cons
Lacks auto-rotation feature
Not ideal for large or heavy-duty tasks
Best For: DIY homeowners, small repairs, and infrequent use.
- SUMA-3818EC-HY: The Top Performer For 1-Inch Pipe Expansion
The SUMA-3818EC-HY is the standout tool among these models, thanks to its Hydralic mechanism. Hydralic mechanism gives users the leverage they need to easily expand 1-inch pipes with minimal effort, solving a common pain point with manual expanders. Like the KIT-1960D, it features auto-rotation heads for 3/8”, 1/2”, 5/8”, 3/4”, 7/8”, 1”, 1-1/8” inch pipes, ensuring uniform expansion every time. The combination of automatic rotation and extra leverage makes it an ideal solution for professionals and DIYers alike who need to tackle larger pipe sizes without switching to an electric model.
Pros
1.Hydralic mechanism provide added leverage, making 1-inch pipe expansion effortless
2.Automatic pressure relief.
3.Compact design for narrow spaces.
4.Easy one-hand operation.
5.Expand soft copper, aluminum and soft steel tube without using fittings
Cons
Slightly higher price due to added features, but well worth it for frequent use
Best For: Users who regularly expand larger pipes, especially 1-inch pipes, and want the best manual option without switching to electric.
- SUMA-F1960: Reliable With Auto-Rotation For Consistent Results
The SUMA-F1960 is a solid entry-level manual PEX expander designed for DIY enthusiasts and small-scale repairs. With 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch heads, this tool ensures a consistent, even expansion of PEX pipes, preventing any leakage due to deep grooves on the interior.
Pros
1.Versatility: can expand PEX pipe, PAPpipe.
2.Light Tool body made of aluminum alloy.
3.Ergonomic grips for easy operation.
4.Precision WIRE EDM Cutting engineered expansion head for accurate expansion.
Cons
Still requires some physical effort compared to electric models
Best For: Professionals and DIYers looking for reliable, even results without upgrading to an electric tool.
- SUMA-F1960C: Reliable With Auto-Rotation For Consistent Results
The SUMA-F1960C builds on the strengths of the SUMA-F1960, but adds a Pex Tubing Cutter. With 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch heads.
Pros
1.Versatility: PEX-a tubing and expansion sleeves from Uponor(Wirsbo) ProPex…..
2.Light Tool body made of aluminum alloy.
3.Ergonomic grips for easy operation.
4.Precision WIRE EDM Cutting engineered expansion head for accurate expansion.
5.Manual expanding tool set,including Pex Tubing Cutter.
Cons
Still requires some physical effort compared to electric models
Best For: Professionals and DIYers looking for reliable, even results without upgrading to an electric tool.
Conclusion
All four tools in this comparison offer their own unique strengths, making them suitable for different types of users and applications.
The SUMA-3818EC is a solid entry-level manual Copper expander designed for DIY enthusiasts and small-scale repairs.
The SUMA-3818EC-HY stands out as an excellent choice for those who frequently work with 1-inch copper pipes, thanks to its Hydralic mechanism and Automatic pressure relief, which provide extra leverage and ensure even, consistent pipe expansion. It is an ideal tool for both professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable and effective solution for larger pipes, especially when precision and ease of use are important factors.
The SUMA-F1960 is a solid entry-level manual PEX expander designed for DIY enthusiasts and small-scale repairs.
The SUMA-F1960C builds on the strengths of the SUMA-F1960, but adds a Pex Tubing Cutter. With 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, and 1-inch heads.
The choice depends on the scale of your projects and whether you prioritize speed or long-term reliability.
