Tube bender for smaller diameters

[guy2600]

There are a lot of recommendations for tube benders for larger applications. For my uses, I'm bending 1/4" and 1/2" 16 gauge tubing in mild steel and aluminum. Also, I'm just starting out, so I know next to nothing about them. Any thoughts on these options? I'm seeing three different types:

This type which seems to be able to make a wide variety of bend radii but they seem to be geared towards larger diameters and can get pricey.


This type which seems to bend at a fixed radius for a given tube diameter. They also have reverse bend options (I still don't quite understand what this is).


This type which seems to be the most economical of them all. Not sure if this will bend what I need or what the limitations are vs the one above.

 

[Ditchdigger]

The first one you have pictured is a tubing roller. They will indeed to large radii but no sharp bends.


The third is what I believe you are looking for. They are used for hydraulic tubing, AC lines, Power steering lines, and brake and fuel lines in steel, stainless, copper and nicopp. Easy to use and powerful.

 

[slowtwitch73]

It's need specific.. what radius etc.

The Rigid 358 style geared benders work really well but only a few sizes are offered... spendy unless you can find used. I use mine on 4130.

Hossfeld, Diacro, etc etc.

 

[jfleisher]

Will any of these work?

3-in-1 Metal Worker

Micro-Mark offers a variety of benders for metal, wire, tubes, and jewelry projects. The devises include bending breaks, mandrels, and vises ideal for precision bending.

www.micromark.com

 

[LXCam]

I have all three and I’d suggest #3 for what you want to do. I just used my imperial 1/4” tubing bender to form some hangers out of 1/4” pencil rod recently and worked great.

 

[BukitCase]

For 1/2" tubing, especially aluminum, if you can afford it I recommend this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ULY74G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Look at the closeup pics; this model uses rollers instead of fixed pins - less likelihood of flattened tubes, easier to use, etc... Steve

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have every size of RIDGID Lab tube bender. Picture 3 looks like an Imperial tube bender. I have the Imperial. I had my first Imperial break at the joint wile I was bending some 1/2" steel tube. Imperial replaced the damaged bender, no question.

 

[isb cornbinder]

For 1/2" tubing, especially aluminum, if you can afford it I recommend this one

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008ULY74G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Look at the closeup pics; this model uses rollers instead of fixed pins - less likelihood of flattened tubes, easier to use, etc... Steve

This is the only tube bender I will trust to make bends is steel tube.

 

[TurnipTruck]

These Swagelok tubing benders are the best I have ever used as a professional instrument tube installer, but they are several hundred bucks each new and are overkill for aluminum and steel. You will need a bender for each size tube.
The imperials are completely adequate for what you need.

 

[rustyzman]

My personal choice is the Holesclaw geared bender. I believe Imperial took over making them new, now.



I have a couple sizes and it is what I use for copper and brass. I have not tried in steel or stainless, but I believe it could do it.

 

[2oolhound]

Not sure if you can still get the World Ware benders. Maybe used on ebay. I found this one for $20 or so.

 

[joe_padavano]

Imperial 364-series is by far the best. I use these exclusively for automotive tubing, often stainless. I got all of mine used at swap meets or ebay.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have the Ridgid HD version which is very similar if not exactly like the Imperial and Swagelok branded small diameter benders.





I have the Ridgid's in sizes from 3/16" up to 1/2" and they have been nice quality tools. For anything larger I move to my JD2 tube bender.

I like the HD version of the Ridgids with the rollers and feel they don't mar the surface of the tubing as much as the stationary shoe style plus the handle rotates so you can bend to a tighter radius when needed.