Tubing Bender

Richard in Florida

Richard in Florida

Well-known member
I need a tubing bender that'll do 5/16" tubing. I'd like to stay around $20 because I'll probably only use it once. I couldn't find a rental for that size.

The array of benders out there, even on Amazon alone, is dizzying, so I'm asking for real-life experiences and opinions.


 
oldford2 said:
I got a good quality tubing bender at Sears. Not expensive.
John

http://www.sears.com/cal-van-tools-...p-00960651000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
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I have a "pliers" type bender from (I think) KD and mine doesn't bend 5/16" tubing. It has the provision for that size, but 5/16" steel tubing is a bear to bend and I don't see how anything short of a quality lever type is going to work. That said, tomorrow I plan to stop by Harbor Freight and get the one 51 Merc shared a link on. I'll try to report on its worthiness.

UPDATE: Stopped by the HF on my way to "work" yesterday. They didn't have the one shown in the link. Only a itty bitty one. I'll try to get one online.
 
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I think I'll try this one. Looks interesting. About $16.
 

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I'd be surprised if you end-up happy with the use of the one above. I hope I'm wrong. It just looks awkward to use, and seemingly would have to be mounted in a vise to have much control over. Your mileage could vary. DD
 
Must be small repair shop somewhere close that would do it for you for a reasonable fee. Make you pattern from a cloths hanger & take it with the tubing & 6 pak. Maybe a school auto shop. The six pak there best be soda tho. heh heh he. Auto zone or most parts store will loan you one for $.0
 
Richard in Fla.

I have had one of those for many years. Best used in a vice. I like it because it is always where it is supposed to be. Not like the other styles which may be laying where I last used it.

Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time
 
Richard in Florida said:
That won't work because I'll under the car, making it up as I go along.
The one my local AutoZone has won't do 5/16. Advance has nothing.
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I picked up one a few years back from AZ..10-12 bucks, has two mandrels, one for 3/16th and 1/4in, the other for 5/16th and 3/8th....I've done a lot of 3/8th steeltubing with it...I'll see if I can find a pic of it, might be easier to use under the car, than the one you're looking at.

Edit:

AZwebsite doesn't show it, but did find it on O'riely's...thinking about it, I may have bought it there when they were Kragens...

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/d...=Search_tube+bender_-1_-1&keyword=tube+bender
 
Richard,That ought to fun trying to bend tubing under the car. I tried that ..Use a coat hanger while your under there to make measurements. Then transfer to tubing on bench. You'll be a lot happier. JMO Ken
 
Ken Crans said:
Richard,That ought to fun trying to bend tubing under the car. I tried that ..Use a coat hanger while your under there to make measurements. Then transfer to tubing on bench. You'll be a lot happier. JMO Ken
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Oh, yeah... I can see a LOT of crawling under, crawling out, crawling under, crawling out... with my back, I'll be in traction the next day.
 
If they A Z don't have one they can order it & have it in the next day. Use it then take it back. Still recommend making a pattern. Your body & your car so have at it.
 
The one in your thumbnail is a loser. I had one of those and it will not get you the correct bends and is a bear to work with. Get one of the lever type from Harbor Freight. They will bend three different diameters of tubing, so you can use it for other projects.
 
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