How to Bend Copper Pipe
Copper pipe is soft and easy to bend by hand. But it's too delicate to bend smoothly and perfectly on its own. Bending copper pipe without special methods or tools results in pipe collapse and crimping.
There are a couple of easy and reliable ways to bend copper pipe safely. One method uses an inexpensive spring kit to prevent the pipe from crimping. Another method uses common salt or fine sand.
Tips For Bending Copper Pipe
- Support the pipe: Support the copper pipe along the entire length of its bend to control the curve and prevent collapse.
- Bend slowly: Bend the copper pipe slowly so you can keep the bend consistent along the entire length.
- Shape the bend: Bend the pipe over a padded knee, metal can, bucket, or a larger pipe to form the perfect curve.
What You'll Need
Equipment / Tools
Bend Copper Pipe With a Spring
- Indelible marker
- Spring tubing bender kit
- Deburring tool
- Soft cloth
Bend Copper Pipe With Salt or Sand
- Indelible marker
- Funnel
- Deburring tool
- Soft cloth
Materials
Bend Copper Pipe With a Spring
- Copper pipe
Bend Copper Pipe With Salt or Sand
- Copper pipe
- Fine sand or salt
Instructions
How to Bend Copper Pipe With a Spring
Tube-bending springs fit in or over the copper pipe and act as support to better distribute the force. Bends as extreme as 180 degrees are possible with tube springs. Tube springs come in kits of various sizes that fit copper pipes ranging from 1/4-inch to 5/8-inch diameter.
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Mark the Bend Location
Use an indelible marker to mark the spot on the copper tube where you want to make the bend. The mark should be at the outermost point of the bend's radius.
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Smooth Off Burrs
Clean off any burrs on the end of the copper pipe from cutting.
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Choose the Spring
Choose the correct size of spring for the pipe. Some springs fit in the pipe, while other types are designed to fit around the outside.
If the spring is longer than the pipe, you can easily retrieve the spring after bending the pipe. If the spring is shorter, attach a wire to the end of the spring.
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Insert the Spring or the Pipe
Insert the spring into the copper pipe or the pipe into the spring, depending on the type of kit that you have.
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Bend the Copper Pipe
After padding the copper pipe with a soft cloth, bend it over your knee. Move the pipe back and forth to the left and right sides of your knee to create a smoother bend.
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Remove the Spring or Pipe
Remove the spring or the pipe. If the spring is difficult to remove, twist it clockwise while pulling it out.
How to Bend Copper Pipe With Sand or Salt
Dense materials packed inside the copper pipe produce an effect much like pipe bending springs. They prevent any single area from receiving all of the bending force. Instead, the force is distributed along the entire length of the curve. Fine sand and salt can be used.
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Straighten the Pipe
Roughly straighten out the copper pipe or tubing. It doesn't have to be perfectly straight; only straight enough to allow the material to flow.
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Tape One End of the Pipe
Tape off the bottom of the copper pipe with duct tape or electrical tape.
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Fill the Pipe
Fill the copper pipe with sand or salt, using a funnel.
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Tape the Other End
Tape up the other end of the pipe.
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Bend the Pipe
Bend the pipe to the desired curve.
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Remove the Tape and Filler
Remove the tape and let the sand or salt flow out.
Use a Pipe Bending Tool to Bend the Pipe
A pipe bender is a small, inexpensive, dedicated tool that does only one thing but does it very well. It bends various sizes of copper and other soft metal pipes to a set radius, usually about 2 or 3 inches.
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.
When to Call a Professional
Copper pipe is expensive. If you're attempting to bend copper for a plumbing project, hiring a qualified plumber to bend the pipes may be more cost-effective than having to buy multiple pipes, should your attempts at bending the pipes yourself go awry.