How does a pipe bender work?

10th March 2020


	How does a pipe bender work?


	Shop for Pipe Benders


			To use a pipe bender, the user pulls the handles of the bender to force the pipe around the former (shoe). The pipe is sandwiched between the former and the roller, so is forced to take the former’s shape when pressure is exerted by the user pushing the handles together.Pressure must be exerted to force the pipe, but it is important that the pipe retains most of its shape to keep it in good working condition.

			The larger or thicker the pipe that needs to be bent, the larger the pipe bender will be. Longer handles mean that more force can be exerted onto the pipe.The shoe must fit the pipe exactly, to help prevent any deformation by holding the pipe in place. Former sizes are categorised by pipe diameter size so it easy to match a former to your pipe.

			To accurately make a bend to the correct angle, you must first measure where on the pipe you wish to bend and how far around the former it needs to be bent. Often the former has angle markings to help with this.



			Are there any similar products?
			Another common way to create a bend in a pipe is to use a bending spring. A bending spring is essentially a large spring which can be used over the outside of the pipe or inserted into the pipe.The pipe is then bent around the user’s knee. If done gently, the spring prevents the pipe from collapsing.

			Why use a pipe bender over a bending spring? For prolonged use, a pipe bender is preferable over a bending spring, which can cause injury to the user’s knees if bending is a daily occurrence. Furthermore, the pipe bender allows the user to make more accurate bends because of its marked former.

			Finally, the bending spring cannot bend pipes larger than 15mm (0.6″) as they are too thick and strong to be bent solely by hand.

			Bending springs that are inserted into the pipe, can however, be used with pipe benders to help reduce the risk of deformation of the pipe during bending by supporting the inner walls of the pipe.Sand is also sometimes used, packed into the pipe tightly to support its inner walls.