Bending 8mm copper tube

[doug748]

The 6mm stuff always bends well. How easy is it to bend 8mm, does it tend to kink?

 

[sailorman]

heat with blow torch until "cherry red" let it cool naturally.
it will then bend kink free

 

[Channel Ribs]

Not if you use a sprung inner or outer, I have even been known to turn out a helix once or twice /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Or get a brake pipe bending tool..... really cheap from a decent motor factor, and avoids the risk of using heat or kinking the pipe..... mine has 'wheels' that support various diameter pipes.....

 

[DavidGrieves]

Hi

8mm external bending spring seen here only cost about a quid.

 

[steverow]

Doug,

You need one of these:

Does 6/8/10mm
Available from B&Q for just a few quid.


Steve

 

[doug748]

I have used an internal spring on the plumbing, but have never seen the external job, available for such a small size as well. I think I will try this, as I am working in a quite confined space. Thanks everyone.

 

[graham]

cheapest/easiest is an 8mm external spring.No need for heat.bend it slightly more than needed then straighten slightly.This makes it easier to get the spring off.

 

[Talbot]

Thats a cracking tool. I cant heat my 8mm pipe cause it has pvc skin on it!

 

[Sans Bateau]

Thats the tool steve!

I have used one of these for years, THE ONLY WAY TO BEND COPPER PIPE!

Using an external sping is OK 50% of the time. However a spring is not strong enough to always stop the kink. Then you finish up with a copper pipe with a spring stuck around it!

 

[silvertop]

I packed with fine sand, bend all I want then empty sand and blow through wit air line. Cost nowt.

 

[tcm]

yes, filling with sand is another way to even the forces on the pipe walls and avoid kinking. The internal springs do the same thing.