How to Use a Pipe Bender

Last Updated: June 15, 2022

Need to bend some steel pipes? A pipe bender might be able to help. The machine can generally accommodate 3-quarter inch to 2 inches (5.1 cm) round tube steel, with a wall thickness of 8 inches (20.3 cm). Read on for a full tutorial on how to use a manual pipe bender all on your own.

1

Install the die.

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Remove the die pivot pin. Insert the die into the die slot and insert the pin into the die to secure it.

2

Install the follower block.

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Place the block near the die with sufficient space for the tube. Then take the follower block pin and insert it into the main bender arm and the follower block.

3

Prepare the pipe.

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Using a pen or marker, make a random mark at the point where you want to start the bend.

4

Insert the pipe.

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Hold the pipe in between the follower block and the die. Vertically align the block to the pipe, and then insert the pipe into the machine. The die will rotate outwards as you insert the pipe. Once the pipe is in place, rotate the die back into the correct position.

5

Install the U-strap.

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It consists of a pin that corresponds to the size of the pipe and the follower block. Remove the strap pin. Slip the strap over the pipe and reinsert the pin.

6

Fix up the drive pin.

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Take the pin and drop it into the gap between the arms and the die.

7

Align the pipe.

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You can accomplish this by looking through one of the drive pin holes until the mark is visible.

8

Create tension in the pivot arms.

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Place a little tension on the pivot arms by pulling on them.

9

Install the degree pointer.

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The pointer consists of a thumbscrew. Use it to anchor the pointer to the lug. Ensure that the pointer is resting on the degree ring and is aligned to zero degrees. At this point, you need to tighten the tensioner bolt, which is located next to the die.

10

Engage the drive rack.

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11

Start the bending process.

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The die will rotate and bend the pipe. At the same time, the pointer will begin to indicate the curvature measurement. As you bend the pipe, engage the subsequent teeth of the drive rack and work your way down to the last notch.

12

Reset the bender.

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Complete the last half-turn of the handle and hold it in the closed position. Keep a little pressure on the handle and detach the release lever of the anti-spring back kit. Then release the drive pin, allowing the pivot arm to become loose. Put a little pressure on the release lever and reset the pivot arms. Place the drive pin in the next drive hole while keeping the arms in their reset position. Then you can continue the bending process.

13

Remove the pipe.

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Keep a little tension on the handle and detach the spring back kit. Swing the drive rack and the handle out of your way. Remove the drive pin and close the pivot arms. Loosen the tensioner bolt, remove the U-strap pin, and take out the pipe from the machine.

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Tips

Before inserting the pipe, you can slightly grease the follower block for easier movement and scratch prevention.

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Warnings

The die is marked with the size number. Make sure that the number is facing upwards with the lug facing outwards away from the pivot arms.

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Always ensure that the die is kept clean and without grease.

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The follower block has a tiny height positioning pin attached to it. This pin needs to be facing downwards when installing the block

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How to Use a Pipe Bender

Steps

Install the die.

Install the follower block.

Prepare the pipe.

Insert the pipe.

Install the U-strap.

Fix up the drive pin.

Align the pipe.

Create tension in the pivot arms.

Install the degree pointer.

Engage the drive rack.

Start the bending process.

Reset the bender.

Remove the pipe.

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