I have a tubing bender but I can`t get a real sharp close radius turn with it. My tool is not made for those type of turns. What inexpensive tool will make a tighter radius turn on 5/16 tubing? Will this one work? https://www.circlecsupply.com/gearw...igIWW9wIVhu6zCh2j1wjmEAQYASABEgK5XvD_BwE

It is hard to tell how big the 5/16 wheel is from the pic

maybe look into something like these from eastwood.

the one on the bottom of the 2 in the pic is available in a LOT of places. i think you can buy this at harbor freight.
if you are looking for a really tight bend the pliers type one in the top of the 2 pictured works pretty good. these are pretty hard to find.

https://www.eastwood.com/tubing-bender-and-forming-pliers-kit.html

Swagelok benders are the best I've used. Try to find one on Ebay. Ridgid makes a knockoff that's not bad either

https://www.amazon.com/Ridgid-38038-Bender-605-608M/dp/B00AEA969W

the Swagelok/ rigid/ imperial eastman single size benders are the best overall. They are available as mentioned from several sources and the bay is a good place to find a used one. The one size fit's all Eastwood benders are junk IMO, they work but very limited. However the other "plier" style in the are handy for getting real close to the fitting. they also are available from multiple sources. Note there are newer versions of the pictured lever bender that offer a slight advantage when making S bends

I've thought of packing the line with sand and screwing in two fine thread bolts in each end to contain it during the bending attempt. Then again, I've only used a high quality tubeing bender to bend my stuff.

Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin

I like that one. I've used a few, best I've bought so far is one that's like the blue Eastwood bender.
Main thing of course is proper support for the inside radius so it doesn't kink.

yes that will work until I saw the price.

It doesn't do 5/16"
Doug

I have these tube benders and have also done tight bends wrapping the line around a socket.

The 4 in 1 model does. Not cheap but good tools seldom are.

Kevin

I'm looking into this

What I do is get a rubber cap for both ends of the tube. Fill it with water and freeze it overnight. Then bend it as you want. The water acts as a mandrel.

HMM, I've heard of using sand in exhaust tubing to prevent it from collapsing but not a good ised on small tubinf for furel / brake lines etc.
Wonder if something like baking soda or other rinseable material would work ?

I like that! I think I will make me some, but I like one size at a time.

I made this bender for bending 5/16" brake line on my buddy's 65 Dodge RV.

Might try these.
http://www.v8tools.com/special.html#809

https://www.toolsid.com/v8-tools/5-16-plier-type-tube-bender-mpn-v8-809.html