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5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns

Posted By: mopars4ever

5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 12:00 PM

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
Posted By: Mr T2U

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 12:19 PM

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
Posted By: MoonshineMattK

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 03:05 PM

Originally Posted by mopars4ever
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


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
Posted By: TJP

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 04:08 PM

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

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Posted By: jbc426

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 05:19 PM

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.
Posted By: Twostick

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 06:56 PM


Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin

Attached picture 2-1-tube_bender_3_small.jpg
Posted By: topside

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 07:22 PM

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.
Posted By: mopars4ever

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/15/22 11:16 PM

Originally Posted by Twostick

Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin
yes that will work until I saw the price.
Posted By: dvw

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/16/22 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by Twostick

Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin


It doesn't do 5/16"
Doug
Posted By: 5thAve

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/16/22 02:12 AM

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

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Posted By: Twostick

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/16/22 04:15 AM

Originally Posted by dvw
Originally Posted by Twostick

Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin


It doesn't do 5/16"
Doug


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

Kevin
Posted By: A990

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/17/22 12:11 AM

I'm looking into this
Posted By: FurryStump

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/17/22 01:49 AM

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.
Posted By: TJP

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/17/22 04:52 PM

Originally Posted by FurryStump
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 ? shruggy
Posted By: markz528

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/17/22 05:41 PM

Originally Posted by Twostick

Is this a tight enough radius?


https://ecihotrodbrakes.com/index.html

Kevin


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.

Attached picture bender1.jpg
Attached picture bender2.jpg
Posted By: Ply72rr

Re: 5/16 tubing bender for sharper turns - 04/18/22 08:49 PM

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
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