A manual or hydraulic tool used to form smooth curves in metal tubing without kinking the walls. It consists of a curved former matching the pipe's outside diameter and a roller or shoe that forces the pipe around the curve. Plumbers use hand benders for small copper lines, while pipefitters use heavy hydraulic benders for thick-walled steel or rigid conduit. Bending reduces the need for cut-and-soldered fittings, lowering the risk of leaks.
Grab the 15mm pipe bender from the van so I can offset this copper run around the soil stack.
Always check the bend radius limits for the specific pipe material and wall thickness to prevent flattening or splitting the outer curve.
Also heard as
- tube bender
Related terms
Microbore
Small-diameter copper or plastic tubing, typically 8mm or 10mm, used in central heating systems.
Pipefitter
A tradesperson who installs and maintains high-pressure piping systems for industrial and commercial facilities.
Plumber
A professional who installs and repairs systems for drinking water, sewage, and drainage.