Bending tools shape tubes and pipes, reducing the need for welding and fitting pipes together. They can also shape solid cylindrical forms such as rebar. Tools for bending can be manual, hydraulic-assisted or hydraulic motor driven. During straight pipe bending, bending tools support the tube from either the outside or the inside of the tube to make sure it doesn't break. When it's all right for the pipe to have some deformation in its cross-section, the bending tools don't need to support the tube during bending.

Many different types of bending tools exist for use on the varying applications and materials. Pipe bending tools perform operations on cylindrical pipes and tubes that have oval, round, square or rectangular cross-sections. Metal bending tools work primarily on titanium, copper, aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys and brass. You use small tube bending tools for tubes used in the medical industry. Some industries require wire bending tools.

1. Invest in bending tools to lower your overall cost for manufacturing.

2. Reduce the expense involved in purchasing with used tube bending tools.

3. Consider outsourcing the work when you don't require bending tools on a permanent basis.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out bender tool companies for your industry

If you focus on looking for companies that work with your industry, you'll be sure to find a quality bending tools manufacturer with a knowledgeable customer service staff. Whether you're looking for a sheet metal bender, wire bending tool or tube bending tool, many companies exist to serve your needs.

I recommend: Tube Bending Concepts manufactures tube bending tools for the automotive, aerospace, HVAC and fitness equipment industries. Tools for Bending specializes in aircraft tube bending.

Shop for used bending tools

If it's in good condition, a used bending tool will work just as well as a new one and can be purchased for a much lower price. Look for a bending tools distributor that sells used or wholesale bending tools.

I recommend: Check out the Surplus Record Machinery & Equipment Directory for its many used pipe and tube bending tools for sale. Liberty Machinery buys and sells used bending machines.

Hire a pipe or tube bending service company

If you don't have the means for doing your own pipe or tube bending in-house or at the job site, plenty of pipe and tube bending services are available to do the job to your specifications. Most companies work in the time frame you need. If you use existing tooling, you can get faster part turnaround without the need to pay tooling expenses.

I recommend: Bassett delivers uniform parts at a high volume. It does pipe bending in square, round, rectangular and oval shapes in aluminum, mild steel and stainless. Russell's Tube Forming develops and produces tube-related parts and assemblies in aluminum, carbon and stainless steel. Metal Works Corporation bends both pipes and tubes, working with all alloys and many types of bends.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask colleagues in your industry what they recommend in terms of the type of bending tools or services you should buy.