bending copper tubing

Brian J in MN · Mar 9, 2017

I am trying to figure out how to bend 1/2 inch copper tubing without kinking it. My tubing bender only goes to 3/8 inch size. The sharpest bend I need is 90 degrees. Any ideas welcome.

Thanks,
Brian

Patsdeere · Mar 9, 2017

Tape one end shut. Add sand. Tape other end shut. End around something sort of round and presto.

Steve@Advance · Mar 9, 2017

I assume you are working with soft copper, the bendable kind, not the rigid plumbing copper.

That can be bent somewhat by hand if you are careful, and like patsdeere said, fill it with sand, if practical.

Something else that might work is wrapping it tightly and solid (wire to wire) with bailing wire. Put a clamp around the wire on each side of the bend to keep the wire tight.

Brian J in MN · Mar 9, 2017

It is soft copper tubing. I really don't want to fill with sand as these are lines for a Ford select-o-speed trans that I am mounting an external filter for easier maintenance.

I'll keep ideas and keep trying on other ways as well.

Southern Ray · Mar 9, 2017

Do you have a spring that will fit over the tubing?
I haven't done it this way but I hear it works.
There are several videos on U-tube.
bending copper

kevinj54 · Mar 9, 2017

(quoted from post at 16:05:23 03/09/17) I am trying to figure out how to bend 1/2 inch copper tubing without kinking it. My tubing bender only goes to 3/8 inch size. The sharpest bend I need is 90 degrees. Any ideas welcome.

Thanks,
Brian

Sounds like you need a 1/2" tube bender.

Richard G. · Mar 9, 2017

Get a V belt pulley and bend it. Done it many times.
Richard in NW SC

jtwat · Mar 9, 2017

You could always sweat in a 90* fitting instead of bending.

RobCons · Mar 9, 2017

Get a set of springs from a hardware store, HD, or Lowes. They are sold in the plumbing section just for bending tubing and don't cost very much.

Stephen Newell · Mar 9, 2017

Not all tubing is intended to be bent. There is rigid copper tubing that comes in 10' lengths and then there is soft copper tubing that comes in rolls. The soft copper is what you use to bend.

Alan K · Mar 10, 2017

I was going to suggest a V belt pulley but you beat me to it lol.

Brian J in MN · Mar 11, 2017

Tried filling tubing with salt(youtube video) kind of worked. I changed my strategy and went with short pieces for the compression/flare fittings and used oil resistant hose and clamps(I first was thinking the hose and clamps would be to cumbersome but it's not).

Thanks to all for the ideas. I will check out springs for bending for next time.

Brian

mikebol250 · Mar 19, 2017

(quoted from post at 17:00:48 03/09/17) It is soft copper tubing. I really don't want to fill with sand as these are lines for a Ford select-o-speed trans that I am mounting an external filter for easier maintenance.

I'll keep ideas and keep trying on other ways as well.

You could cut the copper and solder in the joint you need or a couple of joints to make one. I used this technique on a engine conversion and it still functioning.

bending copper tubing

Brian J in MN

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Patsdeere

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Steve@Advance

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Brian J in MN

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