Which pipe bender to choose: review of the 10 best pipe bender models

To bend profile pipes, a special device is used - a pipe bender. It can be bought at a specialty store or at the construction market. You can also make a pipe bender for a profile pipe with your own hands. To cope with the task, you will need to understand the design of the device, the principle of operation and the type of drive. To work with this device you will need to have some experience.

To choose a pipe bender for metal-plastic pipes for your purposes, you need to understand the characteristics of various devices, as well as learn about their design and functionality. It won’t hurt to figure out how to make a pipe bender from scrap materials. This will help you understand the features of its operation.

Essential elements

A pipe bender consists of several main parts. They are practically the same in different types of models. Most often, the choice falls on front-facing devices. They consist of the following elements:

• 3 metal shafts;
• axes of rotation;
• drive chain;
• a mechanism that drives the remaining parts of the device;
• metal profiles from which the frame is made.

Often, a pipe bending machine is equipped with polyurethane or wooden rollers. When selecting materials, it is worth assessing the strength of the products that are supposed to be bent. If such requirements are neglected, the main components of the device may not withstand the operating pressure.

The process of bending a workpiece is subject to certain rules that should be taken into account. Basically, pipe benders use the rolling or rolling principle. Such methods provide the safest and most practical way of bending. The risk of breakage or damage to the product in this case is minimal.

When using a manual device, the pipe is inserted between the rollers and then the handle is turned. The use of such a device allows you to obtain the correct bend on the profile pipe.

Risk of deformation of metal-plastic pipes

Using specialized pipe bending tools is the only right choice. This solution will provide the best pipe bending effect. Thanks to the pipe bender, the bent products are not deformed and their structure is not damaged.

There are many advantages of such devices. The main ones include:

• safety of bending metal-plastic products;
• low risk of workpiece destruction;
• the ability to work with almost any pipe;
• bends are obtained without cracks or flattening;
• ease of operation.

Pipe benders are quite convenient to use. They are highly impact resistant - all models are made of metal. Also, when using a pipe bender, you can bend metal-plastic at different angles. Pipe preparation (heating or special treatment) is not required when using such a device. The quality of installation of pipes bent in this way increases noticeably. This is due to the reduction in the number of welding and fastening work when installing pipelines or household networks.

Brief overview of industrial structures

The choice of industrial models can be focused, for example, on products of domestic companies. But foreign-made products also make themselves known quite actively.

Budget manual options

The TG series hydraulic pipe bender is available for pipes with a diameter of 15 to 50 mm and a wall thickness of up to 4.5 mm. The device easily bends products at an angle of up to 90º due to the force of 12 tons created on the power rod. The simplest design and high-quality materials are the key to the long service life of this device. Designed to work with round pipes.

Another development from Stalex looks no less interesting. In terms of technical capabilities, the HB-12 pipe bender is not inferior to the TG models. This device is designed to work with pipes with a wall thickness of no more than 2.5 - 4.0 mm.

The main purpose is processing round pipes, but working with profiles is also supported. The design, weighing only 40 kg, is recommended to be carefully studied by owners of private farms. This is a good choice for home use.

The next candidate for choice is the manual vertical hydraulic tool “Zubr”, which creates a force on the rod of up to 10 tons. The model bends pipes with a diameter of 15 – 76 mm with a wall thickness of up to 5 mm. A bend angle of up to 90º can be easily created without additional heating of the pipe. It is equipped with four spare rollers and 8 working attachments.

The horizontal design of the SWG-2 pipe bender manufactured by Renza is positioned as the optimal choice for the housing and communal services sector. This tool is indispensable for the installation of pipelines for various purposes. Bends pipes up to 50 mm in outer diameter at an angle of up to 90º. The stroke distance of the power rod is 250 mm.

For ease of use, the tool is equipped with a tripod stand and wheels. The device is designed for bending round pipes.

Expensive automated devices

Equipped with an electric motor, the Ridgid tool is a product made in the USA, a well-reasoned choice when it comes to industrial applications. The company's products are represented by a series of designs (three serial developments), each of which has its own advantages.

This is one of those effective tools that allows you to make bends at angles up to 180º using special shoes. Despite its decent weight (75 - 110 kg), the device belongs to universal portable equipment.

The design of French engineers from the Virax company has an almost similar design. The device with an electric drive (single-phase) is designed to work with pipes with an outer diameter of 12 - 50 mm. The hydraulic cylinder provides a rod force of 8 tons. The maximum possible bend angle can be 90º.

It is also logical to supplement this list with a German instrument – ​​a product from the Rothenberger company. To select a universal mobile pipe bender with an electric drive, the tool is suitable without further ado. A convenient and necessary technical tool at a construction site, in the housing and communal services system, in gas supply facilities, etc.

Rothenberger's Robull Me model provides bend radii up to 90º for metal pipes ranging from 3/8" to 2" in diameter. Electric motor power is 900 W, with a hydraulic cylinder power of 150 kN (15,000 kg).

The design is equipped with an automatic return mechanism for the hydraulic cylinder piston. The volume of refilled hydraulic oil is 1 liter. The kit includes an installation tripod and two bending templates. Two modifications of the device are offered - with an open and closed frame.

Operating principle

A pipe bender for a profile pipe is a special device with which pipes are bent along a certain radius. Thanks to such devices, deformation and bending of profile blanks is prevented.

Pipe benders differ according to the principle of pipe bending:

• Segmental. The mandrel is installed between two levers connected by a hinge. Using it, the radius of curvature is set. The device is used when bending workpieces made of soft metal with thin walls.
• Dornovye. A rod is inserted into the workpiece, which is assembled from several calibration elements. This bending method allows you to bend pipes with a minimum radius of curvature with the highest quality possible.
• Spring. A pipe of the appropriate diameter is inserted into the hollow spring. Soft thin-walled products are bent.
• Crossbow. Such installations have a T-shape and a movable lever, as well as holders for workpieces.

When choosing the type of pipe bender, you should focus on the material from which the pipes are made and their dimensions.

Areas of use

Using a pipe bender, it is possible to deform a variety of pipes, round and profile, made of steel, copper, aluminum.

With such deformation, the bend location will remain ideal, the diameter of the pipe will not be affected, and no other defects will arise.

It is also possible to give the required shape to metal rods rather than hollow materials. It is impossible to get such a result without a special tool.

This device has a wide range of applications, but it is especially needed during repairs. When carrying out communications, it may be necessary to make a pipeline. Plastic pipes will be easy to solder, but welding metal is a more complex process that requires skills and special equipment.

The more seams there are, the higher the possibility of leakage. Installation of heating, water supply and gas pipelines cannot be done without a pipe bender. This tool may also be needed in the following cases:

• in the manufacture of all kinds of fences, exercise equipment and railings;
• in automotive and shipbuilding.

Pipe bender device

The main difference of this tool is the hydraulic cylinder; it serves as a power device and significantly facilitates pipe bending, making it possible to bend large-diameter material with minimal effort.

Also, special shoes are installed on such a tool to provide support. They are selected according to the diameter of the workpiece; they have the shape of a crescent. With this design, the pipe is fixed securely and reduces the risk of spontaneous popping out.

The hydraulic cylinder moves and moves the support shoe in which the pipe is installed, moves it all the way, and the metal pins immobilize the product. This allows you to achieve a perfect deflection in the center.

In some cases, marks are applied to the shoes to make it easier to determine the center of the bend. There are also models in which the angle is indicated, it helps to determine the force of extension of the cylinder.

Hydraulic pipe benders

Each hydraulic pipe bender can be classified into one of two large groups:

• equipped with electric drive;
• manual.

Manual hydraulic pipe benders operate on the principle of a single-stage handle. Such devices contain only 1 valve that regulates the operation of the hydraulic cylinder. The hydraulic pipe bender, powered by electricity, is equipped with a two-stage handle.

Manual devices have fewer capabilities, however, they are quite easy to operate. Electrohydraulic devices are more often used in production. Most of these models have a bending angle limitation - a maximum of 90 degrees. To bend the pipe at a large angle, you will need to purchase additional elements.

Attention! Hydraulic pipe benders of any type allow you to work with many types of products, even thin-walled ones.

Manual devices have to be set in motion with some effort. To bend the pipe, you have to pump up the handle of the mechanism. Electrohydraulic systems are more advanced in this regard. Also, do not forget that when using such a device you will have to pay additionally for electricity consumption.

Types of devices

Manufacturers offer devices of different designs.
It can be argued that any of the devices is not difficult to use. Pipe benders are:

• crossbow type - looks like a sports crossbow;
• segmental - they are also break-in;
• spring - external and internal, always separately for each diameter.

Crossbow

A crossbow pipe bender is a device that has a fixed bending pattern for each diameter separately. It has the shape of a semicircle and allows you to bend the pipe at an angle of 90 degrees.

The principle of operation of the crossbow device:

• the section intended for bending is fixedly fixed on stops;
• the pipe is pressed with a template on the handle to the required angle.

A hand tool of this type for metal-plastic materials d 16-20 mm is inexpensive and weighs up to 2 kg.

Segmental

A segment (or rolling) pipe bender is a metal machine made of two rollers with pipe clamps. The tool allows you to change the guide axis by 180 degrees. Manufacturers offer electromechanical, hydraulic and manual devices.

A segment pipe bender often has a universal purpose; it is used not only for metal-plastic, but also for aluminum and copper materials. The principle of operation is simple - the pipe is fixed on a roller template and, by rolling a smaller roller, it is “wrapped” around the template. To install household communications with your own hands, it is unprofitable to purchase a segmental pipe bender. This is a professional tool.

Spring

A spring pipe bender is an elastic metal spring that is inserted inside a metal-plastic pipe or put on top. This is a hand-held, inexpensive tool that is convenient for working in hard-to-reach places, for example, when passing communications through an obstacle. The spring weighs from 200 to 600 g, depending on the size.

• the spring is inserted inside the pipe, having previously secured a wire at its end for extraction;
• the pipe is bent into the required configuration by hand;
• It is acceptable to use the knee as a middle lever.

The internal spring not only maintains the required bending radius, but also serves as a mandrel, preventing deformation of the internal lumen.

Advantages of manual pipe benders

Hydraulic pipe benders come in several types. The most common option is crossbow-type devices. Manual devices have several advantages:

• mobility;
• ease of operation;
• no energy consumption;
• precision of pressure application;
• cheapness.

Pipe benders that have a hydraulic drive, unlike conventional devices, are able to cope with more complex tasks. They can also be compact, which allows them to be transported to any place if necessary. Their design is much simpler than that of their electricity-powered counterparts, so they break down much less often.

Comparison table of characteristics

The table below presents the main characteristics of the pipe bender models under consideration. By comparing them with each other, it will be much easier for you to choose a design that meets your needs and types of work. Yandex

Hydraulic lubricant

Any device that contains many moving elements needs timely lubrication. A hydraulic pipe bender for a profile pipe needs to use a certain oil. It should have the following properties:

• Oil purity even in the event of large temperature changes. If it forms sediment during freezing or heating, you should not choose such a lubricant.
• Hydrolytic stability. If water gets on a hydraulic pipe bender, the oil should protect the mechanism parts from the corrosion process.
• Filtration properties. The oil should not have a too thick consistency. This is necessary in order to pass freely through the cleaning filter.

Selecting oil in accordance with these rules will extend the life of the device.

Bending pipes using the rolling method

For a manual pipe bender that works on the rolling principle, two rollers are used. One of them is static, the second runs in the pipe. For this purpose, a bending blank is used. The pipe is firmly attached to it, then the roller moves along it, creating the necessary bend. Due to the smooth movements of the movable roller, the bending radius is achieved gradually. When working with such a pipe deflection, the minimum possible bend radius is 4 pipe diameters. Smaller work is performed on equipment with mandrels.

According to the standards, the outer diameter of the pipe must correspond to the parameters of the bending blank groove. A very important indicator during break-in is the gap between the break-in roller and the pipe. If this distance is too large, then there will be defects at the bending point in the cross section. If the gap is too small, more force is required to bend. The optimal distance between the roller and the pipe depends on the diameter of the pipe.