You can find pipe springs at any major hardware store or home improvement center. Pipe springs are useful tools to have on hand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration repairs, or any project that involves induction heating or cooling. [2] X Research source
Use a deburring tool to remove any metallic burrs on the end of the tube that might present an obstruction to the spring. Tubes that have been cut by a tube cutter often have slightly rounded ends which may not accommodate a pipe spring of the same size as the tubing. In this case, you’ll need to recut the tubing rather than using a smaller pipe spring.
Tube springs work by providing internal support for the tube, which makes it less likely to kink, warp, or collapse while being bent. [6] X Research source Bending the tube gradually cuts down even further on the chances of small ripples and creases forming in the soft metal.
If you’re having trouble getting the spring out, try twisting it counterclockwise as you pull. This will wind the coiled shaft tighter, momentarily reducing its width enough for you to yank it free.
If the bender die (the rounded piece at the top of the longer handle that the tubing actually bends around) of your pipe bender tool has a faceplate displaying measurements for calibrating bends at precise angles, make sure it’s facing you.
Pipe bender tube latches sometimes take the form of simple hooks that swing over the pipe or tube after it’s been put into place inside the unit. [10] X Research source
Marking the tube before you attempt to shape it will help you position the bend correctly. Drawing a series of lines can also make it easier to keep track of each bend point you need to make multiple or compound bends.
Pipe benders can create bends in any part of a pipe or tube, including the ends. When you close the handles of the unit, the tubing will curve smoothly around the bender die, which prevents it from kinking or collapsing.
The tube latch is designed to clamp down on the tubing, but not so tightly that you can’t make last-minute adjustments.
Make sure the markings on both pieces mirror one another—while the handles are open, the ‘0’ on the roll support should be aligned with the ‘0’ on the bender die faceplate. [15] X Research source The guide markings on various pipe bender tools may differ, depending on the model.
Once you’ve finished bending the tube, simply raise the short handle again to remove it. If you want to double-check your work, you can use a protractor to confirm that the angle of the bend is accurate.
