Pipe bending is an essential process in many industries, and having the right tools can make all the difference. Whether you’re working on a gas central heating system or any plumbing work, having the best pipe bending tools can help you complete your tasks more efficiently and effectively.
Key Takeaways for Pipe Bending Tools
| Feature | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| Capacity | Choose a pipe bender that can handle the sizes of pipes you will be working with. |
| Material | Consider the material of the pipe bender in terms of durability and portability. Steel is heavier but more durable, while aluminium is lighter and more portable. |
| Number of guides | Look for a pipe bender with at least two guides to accommodate different pipe sizes. |
| Guide sizes | Make sure the guide sizes match the sizes of pipes you will be working with. |
| Weight | Consider the weight of the pipe bender in terms of portability and ease of use. |
| Warranty | Choose a pipe bender with a warranty to protect your investment and ensure quality. |
| Price | Compare prices and features to find the best value for your needs. |
When it comes to pipe bending tools, there are several factors to consider. The type of material you’re working with, the diameter of the pipe, and the degree of bend required are all critical factors that should be taken into account when choosing the right tool for the job.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing pipe bending tools is the quality of the tool itself. High-quality tools are more durable and can withstand the wear and tear of regular use. They also tend to produce more accurate bends, which is essential when working with pipes that need to fit together precisely.
In this article, we’ll share our findings and help you choose the best pipe bending tools for your needs.
Best Pipe Bending Tools
We have researched and tested various pipe bending tools to bring you our top picks for the best ones available in the market. These tools are essential for anyone who works with pipes, whether you’re a plumber, HVAC technician, or DIY enthusiast. With the right pipe bending tool, you can easily bend pipes to the desired angle without causing any damage or kinks. In this article, we will present you with our top recommendations for the best pipe bending tools that will help you get the job done quickly and efficiently.
Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit
We highly recommend the Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit for anyone looking for a reliable and durable pipe bender.
Pros
- The heavy-duty carbon steel handles provide a durable surface finish and non-slip grips, ensuring that the bender is easy to use and will last for years.
- This bender can bend 15-22mm pipes up to 180° without kinking, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.
- The bender can be bench-mounted or clamped in a vice for easier bending, providing flexibility in how you use it.
Cons
- The arm may leave slight indentations on pipes, but this doesn’t affect their usability once bent.
- The bender can be quite stiff to operate initially, but it should ease up after a few bends.
- Some users have reported that the bender may bend or break after several uses.
The Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit is a great choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly pipe bender that doesn’t compromise on quality. The carbon steel handles are robust and provide a secure grip, making it easy to bend pipes without slipping. Additionally, the bender can handle a wide range of pipe sizes and materials, making it a versatile tool for any job.
Overall, we believe that the Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit is a smart investment for anyone looking to add a reliable and durable pipe bender to their tool collection. With its sturdy construction and flexible design, this bender is sure to provide years of reliable use.
Arctic Hayes PB6810 Mini Professional Pipe Bender
If you’re looking for a reliable pipe bender that can handle a variety of tasks, the Arctic Hayes PB6810 Mini Professional Pipe Bender is a great option.
Pros
- Creates ripple-free precise bends
- Made from durable aluminium material
- Ergonomic handle design
Cons
- Can squash pipe slightly
- May scuff up the pipe
- Produces a D-shaped cross section with a flat on the outside of the curve
We’ve recently used the Arctic Hayes PB6810 Mini Professional Pipe Bender for a few different plumbing projects and it has performed well. The tool is made from durable aluminium material, which allows it to withstand regular use without showing signs of wear and tear. Additionally, the ergonomic handle design makes it comfortable to hold and use for extended periods of time.
One of the standout features of this pipe bender is its ability to create ripple-free precise bends. We’ve used it to accurately bend 6, 8, and 10mm pipes up to 180 degrees, and the results have been consistently smooth and accurate. However, it’s worth noting that the tool can squash the pipe slightly, which may not be ideal for certain projects.
Another minor issue we’ve encountered is that the tool can scuff up the pipe slightly during the bending process. While this hasn’t affected the functionality of the pipes we’ve bent, it’s worth keeping in mind if you’re working with particularly delicate materials.
Finally, it’s worth noting that the tool produces a D-shaped cross section with a flat on the outside of the curve. While this may not be an issue for all projects, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for a tool that can create perfectly round bends.
Overall, we would recommend the Arctic Hayes PB6810 Mini Professional Pipe Bender for anyone looking for a reliable and versatile pipe bending tool. It’s easy to use, durable, and can handle a variety of different tasks with ease.
Irwin HILGLM Hilmor Glm Pipe Bender
We highly recommend the Irwin Hilmor GLM compact bender for those looking for a reliable and efficient tool for pipe bending.
Pros
- Particularly suitable for small heating systems installation
- Comes with 15 mm and 22 mm formers and guides
- Can handle copper, stainless steel, and mild steel pipes
Cons
- Requires considerable force to bend 22 mm pipes
- The handles could be longer for easier operation
- Not suitable for larger diameter pipes
We had the opportunity to use the Irwin Hilmor GLM compact bender for a small heating system installation and were impressed with its performance. The tool is compact and lightweight, making it easy to handle and store. The precision high pressure aluminium die cast formers and guides ensure accurate and consistent bends.
The bender comes with 15 mm and 22 mm formers and guides, making it versatile for different pipe sizes. We found it easy to switch between the formers and guides, and they were securely held in place during the bending process.
The Irwin Hilmor GLM compact bender can handle copper, stainless steel, and mild steel pipes up to 22 mm in diameter. We were able to produce sets, offsets, and multiple bends with ease. However, we did notice that bending 22 mm pipes required considerable force, so it may not be suitable for those with limited physical strength.
The only downside we found was that the handles could be longer for easier operation. Additionally, the bender is not suitable for larger diameter pipes, so it may not be the best option for those who work with larger pipes regularly.
Overall, we were impressed with the Irwin Hilmor GLM compact bender and would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and efficient tool for pipe bending in small heating systems installations.
Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender 15mm 22mm
If you are looking for a reliable and sturdy pipe bender, Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender 15mm 22mm is a great option.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Produces smooth and kink-free bends
- Well-made and durable
Cons
- A bit heavy and bulky
- Expensive compared to some other options
- Limited to 15mm and 22mm pipe sizes
We recently used the Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender 15mm 22mm for a plumbing project and were impressed with its performance. The bender is easy to use and produces smooth, kink-free bends. It feels well-made and durable, and we expect it to last for a long time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the bender is a bit heavy and bulky, which can make it difficult to use in tight spaces. Additionally, it is more expensive than some other pipe bending tools on the market. Finally, it is limited to 15mm and 22mm pipe sizes, so it may not be suitable for all projects.
Overall, if you need a reliable and high-quality pipe bender for 15mm and 22mm pipes, the Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender is a great choice.
Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty pipe bender that can handle copper and stainless steel tubes, the Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender is a great option.
Pros
- The Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender is a heavy-duty tool that can handle 15 and 22mm copper tube and 15mm stainless steel tube.
- The kit includes guides to help you achieve accurate bends.
- The Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender is an affordable option for those who need a pipe bender for occasional DIY plumbing jobs.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the guide cap can be difficult to remove.
- The Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender may not be suitable for professional use.
- It can be challenging to achieve precise bends with this tool.
We recently had the opportunity to use the Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender for a bathroom renovation project, and we were impressed with its performance. The tool is well-built and feels sturdy in your hands, which is essential when you’re working with copper and stainless steel tubes.
The guides included in the kit are helpful and make it easier to achieve accurate bends. However, we did find that the guide cap can be challenging to remove, which can slow you down if you need to make frequent adjustments.
Overall, we think the Silverline MS124 Pipe Bender is an excellent option for occasional DIY plumbing jobs. However, if you’re a professional plumber or need to make precise bends, you may want to invest in a more expensive tool.
KATSU Hydraulic Pipe Bender 12 Ton Tube Bender with 6 Dies 1/2″ – 2″
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty hydraulic pipe bender, the KATSU Hydraulic Pipe Bender might be a good choice for you. It can bend six different pipe sizes from 15mm /1/2″ to 50mm /2″ diameter, making it ideal for use on a variety of pipework installations and general engineering applications.
Pros
- Heavy duty gauge steel construction is long-lasting.
- Quality made easy to use.
- Includes six interchangeable pipe-work formers from 1/2″ up to 2″ BSP.
Cons
- Not suitable for thin wall tubing e.g. copper piping.
- Die sizes are limited to 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 2″.
- Some users have reported quality control issues.
We found the KATSU Hydraulic Pipe Bender to be a solid and reliable tool. The heavy-duty gauge steel construction ensures it is long-lasting, and the quality of construction is impressive. The six interchangeable pipe-work formers make it easy to use, and the hydraulic pump, fitted within the heavy-duty steel frame, progressively applies up to 12 tons of pressure.
However, it’s worth noting that this pipe bender is not suitable for thin wall tubing like copper piping. Additionally, the die sizes are limited to 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 2″, so it may not be suitable for all pipe bending applications. Finally, some users have reported quality control issues, so it’s worth checking the product carefully upon arrival.
Overall, if you’re looking for a heavy-duty hydraulic pipe bender for bending larger diameter pipes, the KATSU Hydraulic Pipe Bender is a good choice. It’s well-made, easy to use, and comes with a range of interchangeable pipe-work formers.
Comparing the best pipe benders
| Feature | Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit | Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender 15mm 22mm |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 15mm and 22mm copper and light-grade stainless steel pipes | 15mm and 22mm copper pipes |
| Material | Steel | Aluminium |
| Number of guides | 2 | 2 |
| Guide sizes | 15mm and 22mm | 15mm and 22mm |
| Weight | 8.1 kg | 1.3 kg |
| Warranty | 12 months | 12 months |
The Dickie Dyer Heavy Duty Pipe Bender Kit has a larger capacity and is made of steel, making it heavier and more durable. It also comes with a higher price tag. However, the Monument MON2600 2600k Copper Pipe Bender 15mm 22mm is much lighter and made of aluminium, making it more portable and easier to use. Both come with a 12-month warranty and have two guides with the same sizes
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best pipe bending tool, there are a few key features to consider. In this buying guide, we will discuss these features to help you make an informed decision.
Type of Pipe Bending Tool
There are several types of pipe bending tools available, including manual, hydraulic, and electric. Manual pipe bending tools are the most affordable and portable option, but require more physical effort to operate. Hydraulic and electric pipe bending tools are more expensive, but offer greater precision and ease of use. Consider your budget and the level of precision you require when choosing the type of pipe bending tool.
Size and Capacity
The size and capacity of the pipe bending tool should also be considered. The size of the tool should be appropriate for the size of the pipes you will be bending. Additionally, consider the maximum capacity of the tool and ensure it can handle the diameter and thickness of the pipes you will be working with.
Material and Durability
The material and durability of the pipe bending tool are also important factors to consider. Look for tools made from high-quality materials that can withstand the pressure and force required for bending pipes. Additionally, consider the durability of the tool and ensure it can withstand frequent use without breaking down.
Additional Features
Finally, consider any additional features that may be beneficial for your specific needs. For example, some pipe bending tools come with digital displays for greater precision, while others may have adjustable clamps for holding pipes in place. Consider what features are important to you and choose a tool that meets your needs.
In summary, when choosing the best pipe bending tool, consider the type of tool, size and capacity, material and durability, and any additional features that may be beneficial. By considering these factors, you can ensure you choose a tool that meets your needs and provides reliable performance.