Brake Pipe Bender (is this the best one to get?)
#1
Brake Pipe Bender (is this the best one to get?)
More than a Pair of 'Wiring Pliers' I need a 'Brake Pipe Bender'
About a couple of years ago I had a Professional Hydraulic Shop make me Two Front Brake Pipes.
They had all the gear to do so, in the Form of a Sykes Pickavant Machine but the guy who made them for me, thought I was telling him how to do his job, when I tactfully suggested that he put some Oil on the Die before he formed them.
And I was because it was obvious that he didn't have a Clue!
As soon as I put them on the Car they sucked Air and wouldn't seal, so after I got my money back, I bought one of those kits and made my own.
It took a few goes to get them right and after a dozen failed attempts, I got a couple of good ones which are still on my Grey Car and survived the MOT Inspector putting the Brakes on Hard.
I hand bent those ones into shape but since my 'Beautiful Bespoke Caliper Wiring', has met with Cries of 'Get yourself a pair of Wiring Pliers'
This time I want to take a more Professional approach.
Bearing in mind that I already have the Brake Pipe Making Kit, is this Tube Bender a good one to buy?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plumbers-C...8AAOSwyTZUXjjr
About a couple of years ago I had a Professional Hydraulic Shop make me Two Front Brake Pipes.
They had all the gear to do so, in the Form of a Sykes Pickavant Machine but the guy who made them for me, thought I was telling him how to do his job, when I tactfully suggested that he put some Oil on the Die before he formed them.
And I was because it was obvious that he didn't have a Clue!
As soon as I put them on the Car they sucked Air and wouldn't seal, so after I got my money back, I bought one of those kits and made my own.
It took a few goes to get them right and after a dozen failed attempts, I got a couple of good ones which are still on my Grey Car and survived the MOT Inspector putting the Brakes on Hard.
I hand bent those ones into shape but since my 'Beautiful Bespoke Caliper Wiring', has met with Cries of 'Get yourself a pair of Wiring Pliers'
This time I want to take a more Professional approach.
Bearing in mind that I already have the Brake Pipe Making Kit, is this Tube Bender a good one to buy?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Plumbers-C...8AAOSwyTZUXjjr
#2
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#3
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orangeblossom (11-06-2016)
#4
OB,
You could be in danger of starting the tool equivalent of "shall I fit a leaper"?!!
Seriously, I think there are a multitude of views on this. I've used JTsmks sand technique and I've also bent copper by hand without managing to kink it. When I fitted a pipe set to my TR7 25 years ago, I invested in a flaring kit and also a set of Sykes Pickavant pliers. Those SP pliers are still providing great service but it's difficult to find them under about £30-£35 now. However, Bergen do a good similar version which can handle 2 different bore types. Usually about £20 but Ifound one guy selling at £9.76 here:
BERGEN BRAKE PIPE BENDING PLIERS FOR COPPER TUBE 3/16" AND 1/4" B5847 | eBay
I'm guessing you're working with copper or cunifer? In which case, I'd suggest straighten the pipe first and then make each bend using one of these simpler type pliers which protect the pipe well from kinks yet can do tight turns.
Good luck
Paul
You could be in danger of starting the tool equivalent of "shall I fit a leaper"?!!
Seriously, I think there are a multitude of views on this. I've used JTsmks sand technique and I've also bent copper by hand without managing to kink it. When I fitted a pipe set to my TR7 25 years ago, I invested in a flaring kit and also a set of Sykes Pickavant pliers. Those SP pliers are still providing great service but it's difficult to find them under about £30-£35 now. However, Bergen do a good similar version which can handle 2 different bore types. Usually about £20 but Ifound one guy selling at £9.76 here:
BERGEN BRAKE PIPE BENDING PLIERS FOR COPPER TUBE 3/16" AND 1/4" B5847 | eBay
I'm guessing you're working with copper or cunifer? In which case, I'd suggest straighten the pipe first and then make each bend using one of these simpler type pliers which protect the pipe well from kinks yet can do tight turns.
Good luck
Paul
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orangeblossom (11-06-2016)
#5
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orangeblossom (11-06-2016)
#6
That's how I did them last time out of Automec Copper and they looked ok to me and every bit as good as my locking wire plaiting, which I think you will agree would give Leonardo Da Vinchi a run for his money.
#7
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#8
#9
Won't get a roadworthy cert. down here with copper brake lines. A lot of steel line is copper plated though.
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#10
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#11
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#12
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#13
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#15
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#16
I was worried about the Sand as well,
I know they do that on Water Pipes for Plumbing and stuff like that but I wouldn't feel happy doing it on a Brake Caliper Pipe, as I'm nowhere near as experienced as JTS for doing that sort of thing.
The last time I did Copper Brake Pipes, I was able to bend them into Shape by hand, so that's the method I'm going to use this time.
I know they do that on Water Pipes for Plumbing and stuff like that but I wouldn't feel happy doing it on a Brake Caliper Pipe, as I'm nowhere near as experienced as JTS for doing that sort of thing.
The last time I did Copper Brake Pipes, I was able to bend them into Shape by hand, so that's the method I'm going to use this time.
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Greg in France (11-07-2016)
#17
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I've a couple of bending pliers. They are similar to the one pictured.
they do work well. I've used them with and without lube. Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly is my choice. From steel, I made up brake and fuel lines for my "Hot Rod of the forties" project.
I do have a set of springs for bending. Not much luck with them.
When in Europe, I did not the apparent hot bend process on steam pipes. Leaves little ridges in the inside of the bend???
I've never come across copper brake lines???
In very older days, copper fuel lines, yes....
But, perhaps a steel/copper alloy?
Carl
they do work well. I've used them with and without lube. Vaseline, aka petroleum jelly is my choice. From steel, I made up brake and fuel lines for my "Hot Rod of the forties" project.
I do have a set of springs for bending. Not much luck with them.
When in Europe, I did not the apparent hot bend process on steam pipes. Leaves little ridges in the inside of the bend???
I've never come across copper brake lines???
In very older days, copper fuel lines, yes....
But, perhaps a steel/copper alloy?
Carl
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orangeblossom (11-07-2016)
#18
#19
NiCopp Nickel / Copper / Iron Alloy Brake Line Tubing is commonly available here in the States. Easy to bend no kinks and no more rust. With what they are laying on the roads here in PA I would not use anything else.
Rusted out brake and fuel lines are the number 1 inspection failure now I have been told.
I've used it on my 2 trucks and it works great.
Rusted out brake and fuel lines are the number 1 inspection failure now I have been told.
I've used it on my 2 trucks and it works great.
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orangeblossom (11-07-2016)