While copper is soft, it’s not soft enough to bend smoothly and perfectly on its own. Bending copper pipe without special methods or tools usually results in pipe collapse. Instead of a continuous curve, the pipe will crimp and fold at the intended bend point. For crafting, it’s generally not the look you want. For plumbing, it impedes water flow. There are a number of reliable ways to bend copper pipe. A few of the methods don’t even require special tools. Instead, they use simple materials that you may already have on hand around the house. Listed below are four of the most common methods, along with some general tips.
Tips For Bending Copper Pipe
Pipe Support: Supporting the copper pipe along the entire length of its bend is key to a consistent shape. Support can either be inside or outside of the pipe. Bend Slowly: Bending the copper pipe quickly might still crimp it, even if it is properly supported. Or, if you do manage to get the right curve, ripples may develop on the inside of the curve. Always bend slowly. Shape the Bend: Bending the pipe over a padded knee is the quickest way to bend copper pipe to an approximate 4- to 8-inch radius. But you can also use other curved shaping items: metal cans, buckets, or large pipes.
To bend a copper pipe with a tube spring: To use sand or salt to bend the pipe: Shaped like a set of pliers, a pipe bender allows for the insertion of pipes down the middle. A marked gauge indicates the angle of the bend, from zero up to 90 degrees. The secret of pipe benders is that the top part of the tool—the shoe—travels along with the bend, ensuring a smooth curve. For anyone who needs to bend copper pipes frequently, a pipe bender is a good investment.
