How to Bend Copper Tubing
Copper tubing is used extensively for household plumbing. Although angled connectors are used to change the direction of the tubing, sometimes it is necessary to bend the tubing. Copper tubing must be bent using a tubing bender to prevent kinks. California plumbing code deems bent copper plumbing to be acceptable, but the tube size, wall thickness and bend radius restrictions must be adhered to. Consult your local plumbing code before beginning work.
1
Mark the tubing with a felt marking pen at the center of the desired bend location.
2
Lift the upper, short handle of the bender and open the tube latch.
3
Place the tubing in the groove of the bender die, aligning the mark you made with the "0" degree mark on the lower die. Close the tube latch so it lightly holds the tubing in position, but not enough to restrict its movement if minor positioning adjustments are needed.
4
Lower the upper, shorter handle until the upper roller dies lie on top of the tube. Align the "0" degree mark on the upper roller support with the "0" degree mark on the lower die, ensuring the toggle link is parallel to the lower handle.
5
Firmly push the tube latch onto the tube once final adjustments are made. Hold the lower handle and slowly pull the upper handle down until the desired bend is achieved. For example, for a 30-degree bend, the "0" mark on the upper roller support aligns with the "30" mark on the lower die support.
6
Lift the upper handle and open the latch. Remove the tubing.
7
For bends greater than 90 degrees, bend the pipe as much as you can as in the previous steps. Turn the upper handle counterclockwise to loosen it. Reposition the upper handle so it is perpendicular to the long handle, then retighten it. Continue bending until the desired angle is achieved.
References
Writer Bio
Emrah Oruc is a general contractor, freelance writer and former race-car mechanic who has written professionally since 2000. He has been published in "The Family Handyman" magazine and has experience as a consultant developing and delivering end-user training. Oruc holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and a minor in economics from the University of Delaware.