Pipe benders are typically made from strong steel or die-cast aluminium. They are designed to withstand the pressure put on them when bending a pipe, whilst still maintaining a flawless bend in any given pipe. To get over this, aluminium formers (6) are placed between the hook (1) and the pipe and also between the stay (3) and the pipe. When the handles are pulled together, the stay (3) which is attached to one of the handles, pulls the pipe down and around the wheel former creating the bend. Bending pipes with a pipe bender is difficult. Its not actually difficult to bend the pipe, but bending the pipe in the right place is a different ball game. Working out the diameter of the bend and linking it to the place in the run where you want the bend to start and finish can only be done with practice and we would very strongly suggest you buy extra pipe to practice with. Pipe benders are used when piping needs to bend to fit around an obstacle, or through a gap. Bespoke automakers often use them to bend exhaust pipes and other automotive accessories into shape.

The handles (2) are opened wide which allows the hook (1) and the stay (3) to be in a straight line. As the water flows down the "straight" all of a sudden it encounters a tight, right angled bend. Because the bend is so tight the water simply hits the side of the fitting before going round the corner. They're designed for reliability, durability, and strength, with many professionals getting decades of use from their tube bender kits. Bending copper pipes also reduces the number of fittings used and although this probably would not make a great deal of difference to the DIY enthusiast as the cost of a pipe bender for 2 days is probably more than the cost of the appropriate fittings, it is important to a plumber who probably saves over 600 fittings in the course of a year.Pipe benders are one of the most valuable weapons in a plumbers' arsenal. Their easy-to-use design make them a must-have for any kind of metal pipework or plumbing application. Also, as with any other system in a house which contains many parts, the greater the number of pieces involved, the more there is to go wrong. If a pipe can be bent to do the job, it is impossible for it to leak. If it has fittings in the run, it certainly can! How to Bend Copper Pipe Pipe benders are used to bend metal pipes - such as stainless steel and copper pipes - to form a range of curves and angles. Pipe springs are just that. Springs which go in pipes. Putting a spring into a pipe before applying pressure to bend it, will stop the pipe kinking. Degree - Most pipe benders bend to a 90 degree angle, however some bend to 180 degrees and beyond for specialist jobs. Consider the bending degree required for your jobs when choosing a pipe bender.

When choosing a pipe bender, you'll be faced with a few options. Many pipe benders or tube bender kits will be designed for a specific job or application, so choose wisely. The copper pipe is then placed under the hook across the top of the wheel former (5) and under the stay. You will not see many plumbers using springs however as it is very hard to keep the bend neat and to the correct diameter. This is one of the reasons plumbers prefer to use a copper pipe bender rather than simply cut the pipe and put a bend fitting like an elbow into the run to change direction.Dual pipe bender - Dual pipe benders are the most common type of bender and are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. When the levers are pulled fully, they provide a 90 degree bend. Pipe springs can be used in pipes up to 22mm diameter but bending a 22mm pipe with a spring is a herculean task which none of us would attempt. The formers are sized at different pipes sizes and are about 150mm long. Now, as you close the handle, the former pushes the pipe round the wheel former giving you a perfect, kink free bend. The images shown here are of multi pipe benders and mini pipe benders. The multi bender, as the name suggests, will take many different sizes of pipe, while the mini bender will take the smaller diameter pipes.

Free standing pipe bender - Free standing pipe benders are the biggest, most robust type of bender for heavy duty applications. They stand upright on their own stand, giving users the ability to use both hands - providing the strength required to bend heavy pipes. Ratchet pipe bender - Ratchet pipe benders look much different to other pipe benders as they use a lever to 'push' the pipe into shape. Their smaller form factor makes them great for jobs where space is limited, and their crossbow-like design makes them excellent for bending pipes that are already attached to the wall. Within this area you will find a great deal of information including how to pull 90 degree bends with 50mm offset bends at 30 degrees allowing you to bend round vertical pipe runs with a horizontal pipe run you are placing.

The primary function of a pipe bender is to bend pipes. Simply insert a pipe into the tool, then close the levers to carefully bend the pipe to the correct angle. Pipe benders work by enclosing the pipe around a hard 'shoe'. The user then pulls the level as necessary to pressure the pipe into forming a perfect bend around the shoe. To use a pipe bender, simply place the pipe in between the two levers, then pull the adjustable lever until the desired angle is achieved. Pipe benders are a refreshingly simple tool. Unlike most modern hand tools, pipe benders don't require any power whatsoever. This makes them great for remote working, or for working near any pipes that don't have a power source nearby. Diameter - Similar to the degree, ensure your pipe bender can accommodate the size of pipe you work with.