Everything you'll need to build this unit is right here!
Tools That I use plus honorable mentions
Here you will find every tool that I use plus some honorable mentions that are more budget friendly that I have used over the years.
Yes, I said critter finder. This is expensive. But if you do lots of home repair stuff and things.....this is heaven. But of course a stud finder of any method or type works so long as you find at least two for the mount.
Stud Finder:
Carrying Case:
MORE AFFORDABLE Honorable Mention:
It's the one I prefer and use for my builds. https://amzn.to/4gKnlDQ
You can find my favorite Best Budget Banger here. I've used it countless times over the years and it always delivers.
These make life so much simpler for those "I need to be hella accurate" moments.
Combination Square: https://amzn.to/4oSgSbS
Your local hardware store will have the Empire framing square that I use.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Empire-16-in-x-24-in-Laser-Etched-Framing-Square-1190/100167166
Here are your solid Budget Banger options that I have actually used over the years.
Framing Square:
Combination Square: https://amzn.to/3SvLGTX
There is nothing worse than having a drill that falls just short of the job. This one here is my top dog for building my filtration systems. It's not too heavy, not too powerful yet still has all of the features and punch that I need to do the job right. This is the Budget Banger while also being my go to hands down.
I use a 3/8" drive ratchet and 14 mil socket and also a socket driver set for my drill. The socket driver bits for your drill do make life pretty easy and enable you to tighten things up a little quicker.
Heres a solid set that I have used:
These are simply awesome. And the price! Oh, and not only are they available on Amazon but you can pick them up on those great Harbor Freight tools deal days!
No the other ones are not the same hahaha. Ok fine. If you prefer to use something else just please make sure you have the grip to torque your stuff tight.
Do not compromise here.
Crimper:
Ratcheting Crimper That Works:
Cutter:
Crimp Ring Removal Tool:
Yeah if you have a couple of standard screwdrivers, use those. But this is my favorite:
Yes...that's a lot for a screwdriver. But it is pretty and ratchets!
Look, it has the power, speed, and longevity for the job but it is optional. Totally just for esthetics.
Router
Router Bit:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DIABLO-1-4-in-Radius-Rounding-Over-Bit-DR34110/202585375
Router Base:
Milwaukee wins again here. Lightweight, snug fit, great FOV and 20 bucks for 2? Even your homie gets one:
MATERIALS SHOPPING LIST
Here is a list of exactly what I use and where I get it. If anything ever changes, it will change here immediately. (PLEASE WATCH THE VIDEOS PRIOR TO PURCHASING MATERIALS : I WANT YOU TO MAKE THE DECISIONS THAT WORK BEST FOR YOU)
Pay close attention to detail here. Make sure that you are getting PEX B NOT PEX A EXPANSION PIPE
1" PEX B pipe here:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-1-in-x-5-ft-White-PEX-B-Pipe-APPW51/301541233
3/4" PEX B pipe here:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-3-4-in-x-2-ft-White-PEX-B-Pipe-APPW234/301541201
Have some extra because you may mess up a couple of crimps and well....it happens
1" inch PEX crimp rings I'd get 40:
3/4" PEX crimp rings here:
You will need 2 of these:
BUT! YOU COULD USE THE FOUR NIPPLES THAT WE WILL LIST NEXT
I personally prefer to use these as you will see in my build.
You will only need 2 of these nipples if you decide to use the stainless elbows for the softener loop:
You will use four if you decide to do so. Make sure you watch that step of the video for the who, what, when, where, why
This is what I use. Mine do not leak. Deviate at your own risk.
Pipe Sealant:
Teflon Tape:
Silicone Grease:
(Same stuff just smaller tube)
Exact Stuff At Home Depot:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-1-2-oz-Waterproof-Faucet-Grease-77677/318950215
Yes, you can get these cheaper. But I prefer these ball valves for their quality build.
You will need 3 of these:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Apollo-1-in-Brass-PEX-B-Barb-Ball-Valve-APXV11/301541057
The items in the image are from a different source that only sells in bulk and have impressed me and never failed. Unless you want 20 of them I would buy the ones that I would get if these in the image were unavailable.
You will need 2 of these:
For transparency this is the link to what I actually use in my builds (They are great):
You are going to need 6 or more of these. I like to use six. I don't know why they are frequently returned because I actually love these:
I personally use a dry erase marker to draw and mark points on the HDPE backer board because I can wipe it right off. Wax crayon, pencil, if you are a magical wizard just eyeball everything.
This T.V. mount is and absolute beast for this job. 330lb rating better safe than sorry sturdiness.
You will need 1 of these:
This material is commonly used in marine applications. It is flexible, easy to router edges, easy on the drill bits, looks good and once you see the build you'll understand why I landed on this material in the end.
You will need 1 of these:
These won my heart, haven't failed me, and passed all of my multi variable criteria.
You will need 4 of these:
You will need one of these which will fill your cartridge twice:
This is the first part to my one two punch when dealing with chloramine / chlorine situation. You'll see in the KDF stage
Get one here:
https://amzn.to/4ePJRse
Always have a first stage sediment no matter what. Why clog the other filters when a few bucks can give them such longer life?
This one is my fave:
This is a stellar filter that combines KDF with Catalytic carbon making it my go to for the one two chlorine/chloramine punch for literally most whole house water filters. And it is refillable so you can buy the media in bulk separately? ....psssshhh get outa here.
Get this here:
Unless your house is the size of a hotel...use this one here. I love this softener. It is simple, does its job, nothing more needed. It never breaks down when combined with this build. Just leave a note for your great, great grandkids that they may need to change the resin one day. I've been getting all of mine for over 12 years for here. Yes that matters trust me.
Fleck 5600 sxt:
IF, IF, IF! You feel the need for this after all of that delicious filtration goodness? This is the only one that I would buy. I don't want to get into trouble so we can just leave it at that.
Get this here:
Stainless is the way to go in humid environments. Zinc is more than fine in dry climates or for indoor installations.
QTY=10 3/8" X 1 1/2" Length Bolts
QTY=20 3/8" Flat Washers
QTY=10 3/8" Lock Washers
QTY=10 3/8" Nuts or Nylon Locking
QTY=6. #8-32 X 2 1/2" Length Round Head Machine Screws With Locking Nuts or Just Nuts