The former of the ratchet pipe bender sits in the centre of the tool and is attached to the handle.
Each time the ratchet trigger is pulled, the former is forced slightly out towards the end of the tool. This is continued until the pipe is the desired shape.
Side blocks on a ratchet pipe bender
The two side blocks sit either side of the former and can be adjusted, by turning clockwise, so they fit the pipe you are bending. The size of the pipe needs to match the cut outs on the side blocks.
The side blocks are attached to a bar and can be moved along this bar to be set to different angles. They fix the pipe in place between the former so that the centre has to bend when pressure is exerted.
Ratchet trigger on a ratchet pipe bender
The ratchet trigger is connected to the tool’s handle. With each squeeze, the former is pushed further upwards.
In the hydraulic version, the ratchet trigger engages the hydraulic pump which forces the former upwards with a greater force.
Ratchet pipe bender handle
The handle of the ratchet pipe bender is connected to the former by a piece of metal inside the handle. When the ratchet trigger is pulled, the metal piece is forced upwards, which, in turn, forces the former upwards.
In the hydraulic ratchet pipe bender, the handle is where the pump is situated.