Looking for tips on the best way to bend steel tubing as in fuel and brake lines. How do you bend yours to avoid kinks and flat spots? Have you used any good tools or kits for this? Also any shortcuts to form the double flare ends and others? tia
[This message has been edited by Bazooka (edited 05-03-2004).]
www.jcwhitney.com ( I think that is the web site) Has a tube bending tool as well as a flare tool. Both very good and cheep enough! Now you need to just get the lines ! Have fun!!! pratice a little first
Revin and TE, That is real helpful info, as I use to go to JCW til they moved south 100 miles. Harbor Freight is right down the street from me and their tools are always specific task tools. I have a ton of different benders and flaring tools that work only 'so-so' but I do like that tubing bender from H.F. and will try it. Anyone know what the smallest bend radius is for a 3/8 and 5/16 steel tube? Also, any advantage to heating up the tubing with a torch?
IP: Logged
05:10 PM
Bazooka Member
Posts: 1301 From: Chicago, IL. Registered: Mar 2001
Thanks Kevin Some of the less complicated methods for bending the tubing sound great and I think I'lle have a lot more confidence as I practice using the suggestions.
[This message has been edited by Bazooka (edited 05-03-2004).]
I think home depot has a multi size copper tube bender. They also have springs you put the tub in, and then can do gradual turns. Plus flaring tools. They might rent them too.
[This message has been edited by zMacK (edited 05-03-2004).]
You have to use the tubing bender that is the corect for the tubing OD 1/4, 3/8 etc. I know I run stainless steel tubing for a living.benders with rolers are the best.swagelok are the best but expensive.
IP: Logged
11:57 PM
88fierogt123 Member
Posts: 202 From: Bonifay Fl us Registered: Dec 2002
You have to use the tubing bender that is the corect for the tubing OD 1/4, 3/8 etc. I know I run stainless steel tubing for a living.benders with rolers are the best.swagelok are the best but expensive.
IP: Logged
11:58 PM
May 4th, 2004
Spyhunter Member
Posts: 1254 From: San Francisco, CA Registered: Feb 2002
After you get really frustrated and want the lines to look really good and never have to replace them again... www.inlinetube.com sells stainless steel replacements that are excellent. They even have the Clutch line even thought they don't show it. I sent them my old one to use for a pattern.
Glenn
------------------ Plastic's Fantastic...
IP: Logged
07:39 AM
PFF
System Bot
paulcal Member
Posts: 2608 From: Jacksonville, Fl Registered: Oct 2002
Originally posted by paulcal: Actually an old school trick is to fill it with sand and make a jig with boards and pegs to bend it. Cheapest way to go.
No offence but,
NO WAY would I fill a gas or brake line with sand to bend !!! Sure rinse then rinse again...but man if one little piece of grain got in there and clogged (or worst) something...........
Funny you should post. I just tried bending my own 3/8" fuel line today and broke it. Be careful. I'm using a tubing bender from Advance Auto. Make sure the tube seats in the dugout thing or it'll crease.
IP: Logged
10:54 PM
May 6th, 2004
Bazooka Member
Posts: 1301 From: Chicago, IL. Registered: Mar 2001
Tesmith, Picked up the tool from Harbor Freight. Been using it today at the junkyard. It works flawlessly. I just have to stop using those universal tools for this type of work.
88fierogt123, Having the exact size of the roller for the tubing is probably the most important thing. I can feel the difference in how snug the tubing is as I'm bending it. Yep, no slop does mean no flattening.
1986 SE 350 V8
