Small Diameter Tubing Bender Recommendation

[LightningEngineer]

What's available that has multi-die capability?

Looking to bend 1/8, 1/4", 3/8" and maybe one or two 1/2" stainless tubes. I'd prefer to pick up something like a rigid/swagelok style tubing bender that has replaceable dies but at ~$200-300 each I don't want to spend $1k to bend ~15 tubes.

 

[MountaineerMiner]

Check out Imperial Eastman kits on eBay. Good quality, US made, lots of slightly used models available. I paid about $200 shipped for mine, but it is not in perfect cosmetic condition, expect to pay a little more based on condition.

Have not used on stainless, but easily bend plain steel hydraulic lines up to 3/4, possibly larger, just have not tried, should do up to 1/2”ss without breaking a sweat.

 

[454ragtop]

I have an Imperial 1/4" and a Ridgid 3/8" excess to my needs, just getting ready to list in the classifieds, cheap. PM if interested. Alternatively, for a multi size, this RobinAir bender works exceptionally well https://www.toolsource.com/tubing-b...e-tubing-bender-supersedes-14528-p-94289.html


Response to my earlier recommendation of it here https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=283964&page=2&highlight=bender

 

[LXCam]

I do quite a bit of stainless tubing and you absolutely want the best as you already know. Those cheap cast units **** a dirty set. Some of the best pricing I've found has been from Aircraft Spruce

https://m.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/topages/levertypebendr1.php

But you might also try Zoro and wait for a 25% discount code. If you plan on going bigger then 1/2" I'd suggest this kit. I bought it not long ago and for 200$ on sale is a hard value to beat. But, the shoes will need to be cleaned up of the casting marks as those will transfer into the tubing.

https://racetoolsdirect.com/product...MoUETlQT03EnQUANauMG9p9_PVY-SOzoaAvfrEALw_wcB

 

[engineer2]

Look into Swagelok, but I don't think any of their handheld models have interchangeable dies.

 

[454ragtop]

I do quite a bit of stainless tubing and you absolutely want the best as you already know. Those cheap cast units **** a dirty set.

Not sure if you're referring to the RobinAir bender I linked to, but if you are and you haven't actually used one, well, you don't know what you don't know. First, it's not die cast, I agree the die cast ones I've seen are a POS, it glass reinforced plastic. I do a lot of stainless tubing work as well, and the bender I linked to is up to the task, it's actually right up there with dedicated size benders for the quality of the bends it makes.

 

[BukitCase]

Your link (RobinAir) says it's discontinued

Also, been using the Swagelok and Ridgid benders for decades - haven't seen one that's multi-diameter tho. If you're gonna be doing quite a few bends (especially in 1/2" or larger) spend the extra $ and get one with the roller followers - MUCH nicer bends, and quite a bit easier... Steve

 

[LXCam]

Not sure if you're referring to the RobinAir bender I linked to, but if you are and you haven't actually used one, well, you don't know what you don't know. First, it's not die cast, I agree the die cast ones I've seen are a POS, it glass reinforced plastic. I do a lot of stainless tubing work as well, and the bender I linked to is up to the task, it's actually right up there with dedicated size benders for the quality of the bends it makes.

Can't say I was referring to yours as I've never used that brand. But I do have a few including a very nice imperial that still ***** when compared to a good one. I'm glad you had great experience with it, good on you

 

[454ragtop]

Well bummer that it is discontinued, when I posted the link I saw ships from the factory and didn't read down any further. There is this one on Ebay https://www.ebay.com/itm/4-in-1-180...=item2cd8798e0a:g:ivwAAOSwWJZbWt8y:rk:27:pf:0 which is the spittin' image of the Robinair, but I'm hesitant to recommend it since I have no direct experience. One buyer does mention it's a good copy of the RobinAir though. Note to self, if you see these at a swap meet, pick them up...……..

 

[toplessHO]

Smaller sizes I have an imperial thats multi die
for bigger ones I have the individual Rigid ones

 

[Wamsutta]

The Imperial 370-FH will bend 3/16 thru 1/2.

 

[Robbyj67]

I know this is an old thread but this is what I use to bend all my fuel, transmission and brake lines. I love this thing!

I cant post a link yet but this is their name Engineered Componets, Inc. (ECI)

 

[tarbellb]

I know this is an old thread but this is what I use to bend all my fuel, transmission and brake lines. I love this thing!

I cant post a link yet but this is their name Engineered Componets, Inc. (ECI)

Looks very nice, and the pricing aint bad either.

12/20- 2-1 bender $150, 4-1 bender $180.

 

[Robbyj67]

One of the features I reall like is being able to start a bend right at the back of a tube nut for a really tight bend in tight areas.