Trans.,fuel,brake line bender suggestions?

[novaman_68]

I am looking for a tubing bender that makes fairly tight good quality bends. I have used two different styles (pictured) and did'nt really like either one. Anyone found something better out there?

[eldogg]

eastwood and pure choice have some really cool benders that will do real tight bends. only draw back is you have to buy a tool for each size but if you do alot of hardline work or just a tool junkie (like me) its not all that bad. you only have to buy 3. 3/16,5/16,3/8.
eldogg

[chicane67]

The schiznit is the bender from Swagelok.

[68protouring454]

how much is that badboy?
jake

[novaman_68]

Thanks guys, that helps me out a lot. Hi my name is Kip and I am a tool junkie. I have been looking for a bender that would make tighter bends than the one's pictured.

[chicane67]

I think new, from Swagelok, its pretty boocou. But on e-bay you can find them for something like $75.00.

The Swagelok units have different radius bend dies available, but none-the-less, they are the only one which offer 'minimum radius bends'. Anything "tighter" and you run the risk of collapsing the tube internally. I feel your pain Kip..... Im at 150k with no end in sight

[Camaro Zach]

i have a few tubing benders that look almost identical to the Swagelok one but are just made out of regular steel. I can see if they have a name on them if you want. Def will be less expensive than that one.

[68protouring454]

yeah zach let us know, maybe a pic or teo
jake

[Camaro Zach]

well i have a 1/4", 5/16", and a 3/8" version but im sure they make more. The name is Weatherhead. Ill do a search in a minute and see what i come up with.

[CarlC]

well i have a 1/4", 5/16", and a 3/8" version but im sure they make more. The name is Weatherhead. Ill do a search in a minute and see what i come up with.

Those are Imperial benders.

They work fine for most applications, but the Swagelok has a rolling form wheel vs. the imperial sliding type. The rolling wheel does a much better job at keeping the tube round through the bend.

[68protouring454]

carl where can i get the imperial, how much?? do you need one for each size?? or do they have dies??
jake

[CarlC]

You will need one for each size. 3/8", 1/4", and 3/16" are the most popular. 5/16" is used on some transmission applications, but in the aircraft industry 5/16" is resrticted to oxygen use only, hence not as popular for tools and fittings.

There are mulit-mandrel types but they are pretty pricey.

I believe McMaster Carr carries them. If not eBay usually has some for sale, but check against new tooling costs vs. used to make sure you are getting a good deal.

[68protouring454]

exactely, i won't pay more than 1/2 for something if it is used, unless it is pricey, not worth it on e 100-200 tool, better off getting warranty etc, thanks carlc
jake