Hi guys,
Fresh from my Duratec rant - I've decided to get cracking and get the new brake lines and fuel lines in 
I considered this piece of equipment:
I'M A PIPE BENDER
I'M A PIPE
BENDER TOO
Anybody used similar, or can recommend a decent tool for BRAKE+FUEL, or even separate - I don't mind
Cheers,
M
[Edited on 4/2/08 by muzchap]
I have both sorts in my toolbox but I never use them for bending soft pipe like copper, cunifer etc. In fact, I've only used them for bending
small bore stainless. The 'push-through' type (as opposed to the 'bend-around' type, can be a bit tricky to get the bend to
start/finish where you want and can leave dents if you're a bit clumsy!
I bend brake lines with my hands. To get a nice even curve, I draw the radius on a piece of wood or card and bend the tube to match it. That way you
can get several bends the same.
how tight a bend do you need to make?
I have always managed using my hands.
Brake pipe is thick walled so is not susceptible to collapsing like thinner walled tubing.
I've used the first one
Cheers
Ian
I used the pipe bender from machine mart on my build... it is very much like the one in your first link.. it does the job.. bends pipes, nothing more
to it
I've also never bothered with a pipe bender. Do it by hand- its v unlikely to kind unless you go for really tight radiuses.
I have both, and prefer the second one. It makes nicer bends. Although neither make really tight bends.
I also have the Sykes Pickavent bending pliers, which are good and do make tight bends.
Still find that my thumbs do a very good job in most cases.
As for making the ends off on the pipes.
I have a cheap tool that leaves serrated marks on the pipes, and makes the nuts hard to slide over the pipe.
I also have the expensive Sykes Pickavent Cam operated tool. Whilst this cost me £117, its the dogs dangly bits. Forming excellent flares and leaving
no marks on the pipes either.
Generally you get what you pay for.
I have the second one.
Firstly, I payed £12 + p&p only to find them at Stoneleigh for a tenner. 
Secondly, it will only bend 90deg.
I ended up making a Locost one in the end for bu**er all.
It may not look the dogs dangles but it will bend a tight 180deg.
Paul G
When I went for SVA the Tester particulary checked the inside of the bends on the brake pipes. He said that he was pleased to see that I had used a
bender and not bent them by hand which causes not a kink but a flattening of the tube.
I thought I would pass that on for what it's worth.
John.jpg)
I tried the first one on microbore copper for fuel lines. Pretty useless - the pipe flattened. I then went for 90 deg solder elbows.
Brake pipes are easy but use something as a former to get the curve even - looks much better.
own and use the the one in your first link
at work all the time good product easy to use etc etc bit of practice on some spare material and you will be well away
also seen them a bit cheaper than that if you are lucky
les g
quote:
Originally posted by 907
I have the second one.
Firstly, I payed £12 + p&p only to find them at Stoneleigh for a tenner.
Secondly, it will only bend 90deg.
I ended up making a Locost one in the end for bu**er all.
It may not look the dogs dangles but it will bend a tight 180deg.
Paul G
All I ever use for bending copper brake pipes are my hands and for tight bend some Sykes Pickavant pipe aid pliers. For larger pipe the first type bender is fine if used carefully
I've used the first one without any problems....on both 8mm fuel and std brake pipe..both Kunifer. Mine was black and was for 3/16 and 5/16 pipe.
I've got one like the first link and it's served me pretty well (although it does tend to crush thin walled (not brake)pipe.
I have had to use hand made bends to get sharp curves Eg, from the master cylinder.
Just been having a look at these pipe bending pliers - I'll be on the look-out for them at the next show
I did my brake pipes using my hands and a bending spring for my fuel as I needed to do a couple of tightish bends.
Rich
quote:
Originally posted by britishtrident
quote:
Originally posted by 907
I have the second one.
Firstly, I payed £12 + p&p only to find them at Stoneleigh for a tenner.
Secondly, it will only bend 90deg.
Paul G
I got mine in a pound shop --- really !
Thanks guys appreciate that
I'll get the second one but try with the old hands first
Cheers,
Murray