How to bend a steel pipe at home
Home renovation, in particular the renovation of a private house, often requires the use of pipes, and not always perfectly straight ones. In such a situation, the question arises: how to bend a pipe without a pipe bender at home? If you know all the tricks of this process, then it is quite simple to do.
Methods for bending a metal pipe at an angle of 90°
Metal is a fairly strong material, but under special influence it can be bent quite easily. Today, there are several methods for bending a metal pipe with your own hands.
- Using pegs. When bending in this way, there is a high probability of damage to the pipe itself or its breakage. This can be avoided by filling the void with dry, fine sand, and then installing plugs at both ends. Now you can proceed directly to the bending process. To do this, dig one or more other pieces into the ground and, using the lever method, try to bend it. If you are not entirely confident in your abilities, practice on unnecessary pieces of similar building material. This technique can be used for structures with a diameter of 16-20 mm. If necessary, also for pipe structures of larger diameter. However, this is a very complex process. It is also worth considering its material. For galvanized ones, it is better to use other ways to bend a pipe without a pipe bender.
Modification of the profile pipe
This type of metal structures is often used for the construction of greenhouses of various sizes and purposes, as well as gazebos and other buildings on the site.
The main feature of the building material of such a pipeline is that when bent it is very easy to damage, for example, it can easily flatten or crack. The way out of this situation is quite simple. Its cavity must be filled with dry fine sand or water (later the water must be frozen).
It is these actions that will eliminate the possibility of damage to the pipe and achieve the desired result. The same technique is suitable for both duralumin and brass pipelines.
How to bend a square profile pipe?
If you have a square pipe with a small cross-section in your hands, you can easily bend it without heating. However, it is still advisable to fill the cavity with sand or water. Unlike the usual round blanks, you will need a rubber mallet.
The pipeline itself must be placed on two reliable supports. After this, using the mallet directly, bend the product, and all actions must be performed very smoothly and carefully to avoid possible damage. If you need to achieve a large enough angle of curvature, the material can be heated at the intended bend to facilitate the process.
Rules for bending metal-plastic
It is the metal-plastic pipe that is most often used to install a heated floor system. To ensure the efficiency of the system, it is necessary to ensure parallel operation of the pipeline with the heating system.
Features of laying heated floors imply the presence of a large number of folds. However, they are not available for free sale. You have to make the bends yourself, and for this you need to know all the secrets of the material and the procedure.
Just as in the case of a metal blank, there are several ways to obtain the required turn:
- The simplest and cheapest method is to bend a pipe on your own, without using improvised means. To do this, the building structure should be held tightly in your fists and bent smoothly. Try to exclude the possibility of a strong bend. There is a standard for this, which assumes the presence of 15° curvature for every 1-2 cm of a metal-plastic workpiece;
- for another method, you need to take care of the availability of pieces of wire with which you need to fill the cavities. This will allow you to achieve a smooth and even bend in the shortest possible time;
- since for a metal pipeline, dry fine sand can be used as a filler, which must be poured into the cavity and the pipe holes must be closed with plugs. One end of the building structure needs to be fixed, and it is advisable to do this quite reliably and firmly, and then, using a blowtorch or gas torch, heat the place of further bending. Checking the readiness of the material to change shape is checked with a piece of paper.
Source: https://MyTooling.ru/instrumenty/kak-sognut-stalnuju-trubu-v-domashnih-uslovijah
How to bend a metal or PVC pipe without a pipe bender: we work at home
During repairs and construction work, it becomes necessary to install water supply and heating systems. And if it is possible to attract a professional team to solve the problem, the process is completed quickly, and the result is pleasing. But what if you have to do without the help of a specialist, and you don’t have the necessary tools at hand - how to bend a pipe without a pipe bender on your own? Let's consider the possible options.
Bend by hand
Do not despair if you have to install a complex structure using curved pipes, but there are no professional tools available. Even if you were unable to purchase blanks with the desired bending angle in advance, you can make parts for the work yourself, at home and with a minimum of tools.
How to proceed? Grab the structure with your hands, squeeze it tightly and gradually bend it. Proceed carefully so as not to damage the part. Smoothly, centimeter by centimeter, move along the length of the pipe. You need to repeat the manipulation in 5-6 approaches. Manual work is not suitable in all cases, since bending an aluminum pipe, for example, is much easier than doing the same with a metal product.
Advice: practice on an unnecessary section before starting “finishing” work. Act smoothly so as not to deform or break the part; the number of “approaches” depends on the diameter and length of the structure.
The pipe can be bent without a pipe bender - by hand
The manual method is effective when working with pipes with a diameter of 16-20 mm. With a larger cut, the process will be longer and more labor-intensive, but it is possible.
We use the hot method
We've sorted out the aluminum, but how to bend a metal pipe yourself so that the result doesn't disappoint? A gas burner will solve the problem.
Algorithm of actions:
- We fix the metal piece in a vice.
- We warm up the area of the future bend.
- When scale appears, we begin bending.
How to determine when you can start working?
If the material is aluminum, hold a sheet of paper to the surface of the pipe. The signal will be if it ignites or produces smoke. If the other metal is metal, the heated area will turn red.
Please note: the heating method is not suitable for working with galvanized parts - damage to the coating is guaranteed and the coating will become unusable.
Tip: since it is more difficult to bend a square pipe without creases and deformation, use a powerful blowtorch or torch and heat all sides of the product before starting work.
Heating is an effective way to bend pipes safely
We use fillers - sand and water
The use of fillers allows you to bend both corrugated pipe and large-diameter aluminum sections.
Principle of working with sand:
- pour sand inside the structure, put plugs on the ends of the pipe (watch for tightness);
- fix the part in a vice;
- We warm up the bending area with a soldering iron or gas torch;
- when the area heats up, bend the structure with a rubber mallet or a wooden mallet, gently tapping it on the heated surface;
- Upon completion of the manipulations, remove the plugs, remove the sand from the cavities - everything is ready.
Sand protects the pipe from deformation and uneven bending.
Important:
- Galvanized parts are bent in this way without heating
- Fill the cavities tightly so that the interior is filled to the brim.
- Treat square pipes on each side to help avoid unevenness.
Make sure that pipes are sealed tightly when working with sand and water.
The principle of working with water is almost identical - pour water into the part and install plugs. Before bending a PVC pipe or product made of other material, let the water freeze (expose it to frost or place it in the refrigerator). Once the liquid freezes, we apply the required bending radius to the structure using translational movements.
Using this principle, you can either bend a sheet of metal into a pipe (only without using water and sand), or bend the pipe itself.
Plane-parallel plates
If heating and cooling is not your thing, use a parallel plate.
A primitive, but trouble-free and proven method. A plate is a curved piece of wood or metal with a groove. Suitable for working with steel and metal-plastic products with a diameter of up to 45 mm.
Operating principle:
- We place the pipe in a clamp on a plane-parallel plate and fix it (clamp it).
- We bend it, repeating the shape of the workpiece along the groove, and remove it.
A fast, reliable method that does not require large expenses. The disadvantage of using plane-parallel plates is the unchangeable curvature of the workpiece. The use of plates with different radii of curvature will help solve the problem. A steel structure will also give in.
The peculiarity of the method is the limitation in length; the shape of short tubes can be easily changed, but it will not be possible to accurately bend a product whose length exceeds the length of the workpiece.
A plane-parallel plate is a reliable, affordable way to bend a pipe yourself
Metal springs
Let's look at how to bend a pipe into a spiral with your own hands or give the product an angle of up to 90°.
It is better to use a metal spring for working with parts made of ductile non-ferrous metals. The spring prevents deformation of the structure. The choice of size depends on the internal “girth” of the tube.
How to proceed:
- Insert the spring into the part (insert until it bends).
- Gradually add a bend at the knee or by first clamping the structure in a vice.
The spring simplifies the process by taking the compression/tension force and load onto itself. When working with soft, pliable materials, choose springs of medium hardness and small diameter. Precautionary measures will prevent the part from bursting or tearing.
Please note: Before placing the steel spring inside the pipe, attach a strong cord or long wire to one of its ends. This step will make it easier to remove the spring after bending.
Metal springs serve as a “frame” for the pipe when bending
Radical measures - welding
Bending of metal sheets and pipes is also carried out using a grinder. Welding is a radical method that solves the problem if other options are not suitable for objective reasons. The required tools are a welding machine and a grinder.
Algorithm of actions:
- Make calculations - estimate the radius of curvature of the product (to be sure, you can sketch out a drawing and make markings on the part).
- Three transverse cuts are made along the length of the bent section (on three sides).
- The details give a bend.
- The sawn sections are welded.
- The bent end of the pipe at the welding site is ground, removing “sawdust” and irregularities.
The bend is neat, aesthetic and durable.
As you can see, there are enough answers to the question of how to bend a pipe - choosing the method that is relevant to solve your problems will not be difficult. All you need is the right tool and desire. Consider the diameter of the product, its length and the material with which you will be working.
The above methods have two disadvantages:
- Possibility of product damage, breakage and ruptures.
- Getting a uniform, aesthetic curve at home is problematic.
Welding is a quick way to give a pipe the desired bend.
There is only one way to insure yourself against troubles if you do not have the skills and experience in pipe bending work - to hire a professional.
If you have no desire or opportunity to use the services of a specialist, do not despair. Before starting the event, carefully study the mat. part, watch videos or master classes from professional builders (there are plenty of them on the Internet).
recommendations: how to bend a metal-plastic pipe by hand
Prepare the necessary tools and get to work. Be brave, the one who walks will master the road.
Source: http://trubsovet.ru/rem/sgib/kak-sognut-trubu-bez-trubogiba.html
How to bend a pipe at home
This problem can be encountered by anyone who independently carries out plumbing work using various types of pipes. If you are not a specialist in this field, then you, of course, do not have special tools and professional equipment to carry out such work. Next we will talk about different ways to bend a pipe at home without a pipe bender, depending on the material from which they are made.
How to bend a metal pipe yourself?
1. When bent, such pipes may decrease in diameter or even break. The simplest and most effective way to avoid deformation or breakage of our product at home: fill the pipe to capacity with dry, finely sifted sand and install plugs at its ends. At home, the easiest way is to drive in wooden choppers, but only in such a way that you can easily pull them out later, avoiding deformation of the pipe itself.
Now the pipe can be safely bent. If the metal or alloy is soft, then this procedure is easy to do with your own hands, or you can use, for example, another pipe of larger diameter fixed or dug into the ground, using the lever method, we make a bend. In winter, instead of sand, you can use plain water: pour; waiting for it to freeze; bend and heat the pipe, turning the ice back into water.
2. If we are dealing with aluminum or steel pipes, then we will need a gas burner or blowtorch. Before starting work, fill the tube with sand (as described above) and securely fasten one end (for example, in a vice). We evenly heat the area of the future bend.
An indicator of sufficient heating of a steel pipe will be its bright red color, and we bring a piece of paper to the place where the aluminum pipe is heated, it should smoke or catch fire. We put on gloves to avoid burns and begin to bend slowly.
REMEMBER! Galvanized pipes cannot be heated for bending.
3. Square profile pipes with a small cross-section can be bent without heating, only with the obligatory filling of sand, or pouring water in winter. In this case, you will additionally need a rubber mallet. We place the ends of such a pipe on two supports and use a mallet to slowly bend the product to the desired shape. If the bending angle is too large, the square-shaped steel pipe can be heated at the bending point.
We have a profile pipe. How to bend a pipe without a pipe bender if you want to preserve its shape? For this we need a strong spring. We insert the spring inside our pipe at the bend, having first tied it securely with wire so that we can then easily pull it back out. We bend our product.
How to bend a metal-plastic pipe?
We will need a lot of bends in the metal-plastic pipe when installing heated floors. Such bends will help to more effectively use the heat-conducting surface of our product.
1. The easiest way is to smoothly bend such a pipe with your hands. It should be taken into account that the bend should be within 15 degrees for every 1.5 - 2 cm. In this way, we can make all the bends we need for installing a heated floor.
2. There is another way. For it we need small pieces of wire, which we pour inside the product until it is completely filled. The wire will give us the opportunity to make smoother bends.
3. What if you can’t make an accurate and smooth bend without a pipe bender? To do this, we will need to install a plug at one end of the pipe, maybe a wooden cap, and fill it with dry, fine sand to the edges of the pipe.
We also place a plug on the other end of the pipe. We securely fasten one end of the product and heat the bend with a blowtorch. We bring a piece of paper to the place of heating; if it smolders, it means that the heating is sufficient.
We take gloves and make a bend of the desired shape, remove the plugs, pour out the sand.
How to bend a polypropylene pipe?
In general, manufacturers of polypropylene pipes do not recommend bending their products at home, but it can still be done. There are two such methods.
1. For the first method, we need to preheat our pipe using a hair dryer to a temperature of about 150 degrees Celsius and, using gloves, bend the product to the desired angle. In this case, one condition must be strictly observed: the thickened wall of the pipe must always be placed on the outside of the curved corner. After the pipe has cooled, inspect the bend in the pipe. There should be no dents or cracks.
2. In the second way, you can bend a polypropylene pipe cold, but the bending radius should not exceed 8 diameters of the pipe itself.
How to bend a plastic pipe?
To work with plastic you will need to do the following operations:
- Make a special frame from the fiberboard in order to give the plastic blank the required shape;
- Sand this frame with fine sandpaper;
- Next, use a special silicone molding machine to make a suitable shell for the plastic blank; it is needed specifically for fastening the pipe in our frame, including it will not allow scratches, chips and various dents to appear on the surface of the plastic;
- Install the plastic pipe into the manufactured shell;
- Fix the part well in the frame, then place all the elements on the molding machine;
- As soon as the plastic begins to soften when heated, it will gradually begin to settle on the frame, as a result of which it will give the workpiece the necessary shape;
- And the last thing you should do is wait about ten to fifteen minutes, remove the plastic pipe from the frame and wait until it cools completely.
In our article, we looked at many ways to bend a pipe at home without a pipe bender. We can do all of the above methods with our own hands, without having practically any special devices or tools. Bent pipes may also be required in other cases: to make a coil for a moonshine still, to connect a washing machine without special factory-made curved pipes for power supply and drainage, and so on.
Pipe benders for bending pipes
It would be wrong not to remind you about special tools for bending pipes. In general, qualified specialists mainly use special pipe benders when working with pipes.
According to the bending method, such tools are of the following types:
- Crossbow - (a certain shape is used, which is needed for pipes of a special diameter);
- Spring - (based on a steel spring, which helps bend plastic pipes independently without deformation);
- Segmental - (pipe bending is carried out using a special segment, it is capable of pulling the workpiece around itself);
- Mandrel - (as a rule, they allow you to bend pipes with thin walls and small radii).
According to the type of drive, as a rule, they are:
- Manual - (used in most cases for bending pipes of small diameter, for example from stainless steel, thin polymers, and other non-ferrous alloys);
- Hydraulic - (industrial, make it possible to shape pipes up to three inches in diameter);
- Electromechanical - (used for various pipe diameters, they allow you to achieve high accuracy of the required bending radius of the product, as well as angle accuracy).
For work at home, a regular manual pipe bender is perfect. It will be sufficient for bending stainless, aluminum, brass, copper thin-walled pipes, including those coated with plastic, that is, those that do not exceed a diameter of 25 millimeters.
I hope that this article will make it much easier for you to carry out renovations in your own home or apartment.
Source: https://vseprostroiku.ru/santexnika/kak-sognut-trubu-v-domashnix-usloviyax.html
How to bend a metal pipe?
This problem can be encountered by anyone who independently carries out plumbing work using various types of pipes.
If you are not a specialist in this field, then you, of course, do not have special tools and professional equipment to carry out such work.
Next we will talk about different ways to bend a pipe at home without a pipe bender, depending on the material from which they are made.
1. When bent, such pipes may decrease in diameter or even break. The simplest and most effective way to avoid deformation or breakage of our product at home: fill the pipe to capacity with dry, finely sifted sand and install plugs at its ends. At home, the easiest way is to drive in wooden choppers, but only in such a way that you can easily pull them out later, avoiding deformation of the pipe itself.
Now the pipe can be safely bent. If the metal or alloy is soft, then this procedure is easy to do with your own hands, or you can use, for example, another pipe of larger diameter fixed or dug into the ground, using the lever method, we make a bend. In winter, instead of sand, you can use plain water: pour; waiting for it to freeze; bend and heat the pipe, turning the ice back into water.
2. If we are dealing with aluminum or steel pipes, then we will need a gas burner or blowtorch. Before starting work, fill the tube with sand (as described above) and securely fasten one end (for example, in a vice). We evenly heat the area of the future bend.
An indicator of sufficient heating of a steel pipe will be its bright red color, and we bring a piece of paper to the place where the aluminum pipe is heated, it should smoke or catch fire. We put on gloves to avoid burns and begin to bend slowly.
REMEMBER! Galvanized pipes cannot be heated for bending.
3. Square profile pipes with a small cross-section can be bent without heating, only with the obligatory filling of sand, or pouring water in winter. In this case, you will additionally need a rubber mallet. We place the ends of such a pipe on two supports and use a mallet to slowly bend the product to the desired shape. If the bending angle is too large, the square-shaped steel pipe can be heated at the bending point.
We have a profile pipe. How to bend a pipe without a pipe bender if you want to preserve its shape? For this we need a strong spring. We insert the spring inside our pipe at the bend, having first tied it securely with wire so that we can then easily pull it back out. We bend our product.
How to bend a pipe at home: features and useful tips
When carrying out a variety of plumbing work, the question may arise: how to bend a pipe at home - if you do not have specialized equipment at hand? Of course, it would be nice to have a special pipe bender available.
But not everyone has it available.
Nevertheless, there are still ways out of the problem situation. Tips on how to bend a pipe will depend directly on what material it is made of.
All materials can be divided into three large groups:
- Metals;
- Plastic;
- Polypropylene.
And in this case, the approach to the pipe will be its own, special.
How to bend a metal pipe
When installing a pipeline in your home, you have to bend metal pipes, which is not so easy to do without certain skills and special tools.
Pipes made of metal can break or decrease in diameter at the point of bending at any stage of bending. This kind of deformation is extremely undesirable, since in this case the hydraulic pressure at the bend increases. In order to avoid this, it is recommended to fill the pipe with dry sand or dry sawdust before bending. You can also drive special wood chips into the pipe.
But with the condition that they can then be quickly removed without deforming the pipe. After these procedures have been completed, you can begin bending the pipe. If the metal alloy is soft enough, you can use another pipe as a lever, carefully forming a bend in the right place. By the way, in winter you can use ordinary water instead of sand. You will need to pour it in and wait until it turns into ice.
Accordingly, after bending, the ice will need to be melted - and simply drained from the pipe.
In the same case, if you have to deal with pipes made of aluminum or steel, you will need a blowtorch or gas torch. Here you will also need to first fill the pipe with sand or sawdust, and then secure the end of the pipe in a vice or in some other way.
Then the bend must be heated evenly and carefully until the pipe turns bright red. You can bend such a pipe by hand. Of course, don't forget to wear gloves to avoid burns.
When bending a metal pipe, sand and plugs are used, which are placed on both sides of the pipe. This is necessary in order not to damage the tube, because it can easily deteriorate or even break.
If we are talking about a pipe with a square profile, then it can be bent even without the need to preheat. But in winter it will be necessary to fill it with water or add sand. In order to bend such a pipe, you will need a special rubber mallet - a hammer. The pipe is installed at both ends on some support - and the required degree of bend is formed. If the bending angle is too large, then the steel pipe can be heated and the situation can be corrected.
Note! A profile pipe can be bent without a special device. To do this, you will need to insert a spring into the bend inside the pipe - and all that remains is to bend the pipe. To avoid any difficulties in removing the spring, you can first tie a cord or rope to it - and then just pull it - the spring will be easily pulled out.
How to bend a metal-plastic pipe
The need to bend a metal-plastic pipe may arise, for example, if a so-called heated floor is being installed. Numerous bends in this case will help to use the potential of the heat-conducting surface of the pipe much more efficiently. There are several ways to do this:
- The simplest is to simply bend the pipe smoothly with your hands. It must be taken into account that the bends should be approximately 15 degrees for every one and a half to two centimeters of pipe length. At the same time, you should not apply excessive efforts: the pipe can be easily damaged;
- You can also use small pieces of wire. They are poured inside the pipe until it is completely filled. These wire pieces will help you create smoother, more even curves.
To bend metal-plastic pipes, use a small piece of wire that needs to be marked inside the pipe so that the bend is as even as possible.
- But what to do if you can’t achieve a smooth and accurate deflection? In this case, it is recommended to install a plug at one end of the pipe. For example, made of wood. Then sawdust or dry fine sand is poured inside. Now you also need to install a plug at the other end. One end of the pipe must be secured in a vice or dug into the ground, the bend is heated with a blowtorch. If you bring a sheet of paper to this place and it begins to smolder, this indicates that you can begin to bend it. The fold can also be formed with your hands, not forgetting about protective gloves.
How to bend a plastic pipe
To bend a plastic pipe evenly and correctly, you will need to do the following:
- Construct a frame from a slab made of wood fiber, which will then help the plastic pipe to acquire the required shape;
- Now this frame is processed with fine sandpaper;
- Then, using a special molding machine, a shell for the plastic blank is made from silicone. The casing is necessary to attach the pipe to the frame. In addition, it will prevent the appearance of chips, scratches, dents and other mechanical damage that may occur during the bending process;
- Now the plastic pipe is placed in the shell;
- Then the part is fixed inside the frame, all elements of the assembled structure are placed in a molding machine; Heating the plastic will allow you to use its elastic properties and give the pipes the required shape.
- During heating, the plastic will begin to soften and settle on its frame. The pipe will take the desired shape;
- After this, you will need to wait about 15 more minutes - and you can remove the pipe. All you have to do is wait until the pipe has cooled completely. You can use it for its intended purpose.
Techniques for bending polypropylene pipes
Some people confuse polypropylene pipes with plastic ones. However, this is fundamentally wrong. Plastic and polypropylene are completely different chemical elements, and the properties of pipes made from them are also completely different. Generally speaking, it is not recommended to bend polypropylene pipes at home. But, if there is no way out, then we can suggest at least two ways to do this.
The first involves preheating a section of pipe using a special construction (not household!) hair dryer to approximately 150 degrees. Then you can bend it with your hands - again, not forgetting about protective gloves. It is necessary that the following condition be met: the pipe wall where the thickening is observed must always be placed on the outside of the bending corner.
When the bending has been carried out, you will need to carefully inspect the pipe for the formation of all kinds of defects.
Bending of polypropylene pipes is carried out using a special construction hair dryer.
You can also bend the polypropylene pipe without having to preheat it. But in this case, the deflection radius should not exceed eight pipe diameters.
As has been shown, almost any pipe can be bent without the need for specialized equipment. However, it is still preferable to use them.
After all, everything is structurally provided in pipe benders to ensure that the process goes as smoothly and problem-free as possible.
In this regard, you can pay a little attention to these devices.
What types of pipe bending devices are there?
Generally speaking, pipe benders can be divided into many types and subspecies.
But the generally accepted classification is based on the method of bending and the type of drive that is used in them. So, according to the bending method, pipe benders are usually divided into:
- Crossbow type - these use a special shape required for a pipe of a particular diameter; Pipe bender - a machine or device designed for bending pipes.
- Spring type. These use a special spring made of durable steel. It allows you to bend plastic pipes on your own without any damage;
- Segmented devices - in these, the bending process is carried out using a special segment that pulls the pipe around itself;
- Sod pipe benders - thanks to such devices, it is possible to bend pipes with fairly thin walls and very small diameters.
In addition, pipe benders can be divided according to the type of drive they contain:
- Manual pipe benders - as you can easily guess from the name of these devices, they are operated using manual traction. As a rule, they are used when it is necessary to bend a pipe of a relatively small radius, made of not too hard materials. For example, from non-ferrous metal, stainless steel or polymers;
- Pipe benders with hydraulic drive. These are serious industrial devices that can cope with fairly thick pipes, up to three inches in diameter;
- Finally, with electromechanical drive. These are also powerful devices used for industrial purposes. They allow you to achieve high bending accuracy - down to fractions of a degree.
A manual pipe bender is a device for use at home, in the garage, in a car service center and other places where bending has to be done rarely and with low precision.
If you need to bend a pipe at home, we can recommend purchasing a not too expensive manual pipe bender. As practice shows, in the vast majority of cases it is quite sufficient. It can cope with thin-walled copper pipes made of plastic, aluminum, brass - with a diameter of no more than 2.5 centimeters.
Expert advice
Nikolai Sergeevich Stepanov, master plumber: If you have to deal with galvanized pipes, then you need to remember that it is strictly not recommended to expose them to heat.
Pavel Romanovich Gushchin, foreman: Even after the pipe has been seemingly successfully bent, it is necessary to carefully inspect it and check the tightness, for example, by simply passing water through it.
Conclusion
Summing up what has been said, we can safely say that it is still possible to carry out high-quality pipe bending at home. However, if you have doubts that you can do everything yourself, it is better to turn to professionals for help.
Source: http://79w.ru/vodosnabzhenie-i-vodoprovod/komplektuyushhie-i-truby/kak-sognut-trubu-v-domashnix-usloviyax-osobennosti-i-poleznye-sovety
Methods for bending a metal pipe at home
Every home craftsman has at least once encountered the need to bend pipes when constructing various structures. If possible, use a special device - a pipe bender. There are many types of such devices, but they are not always at hand. In this case, it is necessary to bend the pipe without a pipe bender. More about the available methods below.
If you follow the recommendations and technology, even a novice home craftsman can handle the job. To help, we also provide video and photo materials that will explain in detail all the nuances of the operation.
Features of bending
In general, bending pipes is not difficult. From the outside it may seem that completing a task requires a significant expenditure of energy. Naturally, some effort will have to be made, but with proper preparation and knowledge, the operation can be carried out simply in a matter of minutes.
Simply bending the tube will not be enough. It is necessary to carry out the work correctly to ensure that the sample is correct and not deformed. Doing the work yourself is accompanied by the risk of damaging the source, since at home you will have to bend it using improvised means. During the bending process, rolled products change their shape and structure, that is, they undergo uncontrolled deformation.
From the outside, everything looks like the part is being smoothly bent while maintaining its shape. This is not entirely true. During bending, the walls undergo uneven deformation:
- More material flows into the inner wall. It thickens with the formation of small folds.
- Tension occurs in the outer surface, which contributes to the formation of microcracks.
If you bend very quickly and carry out preliminary preparation, then damage is guaranteed.
Professional devices
Professionals who regularly work with them usually have a special pipe bending device. There are different types of them and they can be classified according to the method of bending:
- Crossbow - has a corresponding shape, similar to small arms.
- Spring - the basis is a steel spring. Most often used for self-bending plastic products.
- Segmental - has a special area around which the part is drawn.
- Mandrel - used for processing thin-walled workpieces or when a small bending radius is required.
Based on the type of drive, devices can be divided into the following types:
- Manual – designed for processing parts with small diameters, made of thin-walled polymer material, stainless steel or non-ferrous metal.
- Hydraulic – most often serious industrial devices. Used for bending rolled products with a diameter of 3 inches or more.
- Electromechanical – allows for high-precision bending and is suitable for pipes of various types and diameters.
To bend a house part, a manual pipe bender is suitable. They can be used to process aluminum, steel, brass, copper and other types of pipes. The main condition is the diameter, which should not be more than 2.5 cm.
Methods for bending a metal pipe
Steel pipes are quite rigid elements that are not easy to bend, especially with a diameter of more than 2 cm. It will not be possible to bend a larger diameter manually.
If you do not take into account the stresses that arise on the walls and do not bend carefully, then a rupture may well occur. In addition, the geometric size and clearance change, which can affect the throughput under certain conditions.
Therefore, we offer various methods that will help you bend the pipe carefully and gently.
Sand filling
To prevent kinks and reduction in diameter during the bending process, dry sifted sand must be poured into the pipe. To prevent it from spilling out, each end must be closed with a cap.
After this, you can bend as necessary and not be afraid of fractures and a reduction in cross-section.
If soft metal is processed, the process is easy to carry out without the use of auxiliary devices. If you have to work with a denser or thick-walled material, you can use an additional piece of pipe fixed in a convenient place. The work will be carried out using the lever principle.
In winter, instead of sand, you can use ordinary water, which is also poured into the product. In this case, you can start working after it freezes. After bending, heating with a blowtorch, remove its remains.
Heating
The essence of this technology is as follows:
- The tube is filled with sand and clamped in a vice or convenient place.
- In the place of the intended bend, heating is carried out (burner, blowtorch) until the steel turns red.
- After this, it can be bent in the required direction with the desired radius.
Heating has a negative impact on the strength of the product. Therefore, it is not recommended to overheat the flexion point. The method is not suitable for galvanized pipelines.
Notching and welding
This method is suitable for square profile pipe, which is not intended to be used as a pipeline. It is often used to create shapes for elements that are used in frame structures (canopy, greenhouse, greenhouse) or decorative elements (arches).
The point is this:
- Markings are applied to the surface at the points at which it will bend.
- Using an angle grinder, cuts are made to the walls at a certain distance.
- Bend is carried out at the incision sites.
- The cut areas are welded and polished.
Naturally, the strength is significantly reduced and is incommensurate with the original one.
Using a Mallet
This option can be used when you need to bend the metal pipe only a little. To get the desired result, it should be clamped in a vice and hit the desired point a couple of times with a mallet. Due to the wooden or rubber coating of the tool, there will be no damage, and the goal will be achieved.
Homemade template
The method is suitable for processing rolled products with a diameter of no more than 20 millimeters. For example, it is unlikely that it will be possible to process a round water pipe DN 40 in this way.
- The required number of holes must be drilled on a solid surface. They must be placed in accordance with the contour of the future fold. Usually the quantity is from 4.
- Reinforcing sections are placed in the holes.
- Using segments in the form of a support, bending is carried out along the required radius.
You can also create a wooden template with the required radius.
Method of bending copper and aluminum pipe
These metals are quite soft. Therefore, it is easier to carry out such operations with them. Bending can be done by hand. However, there is a high risk of tearing the walls. Therefore, you should control the applied force and monitor the condition of the surface.
If you need to bend a large diameter, then you can proceed similarly to the situation with steel products, that is, filling with sand and heating. Just don't overheat. After warming up, you can smoothly change the shape.
We hope that the recommendations were useful and the installation of the planned structure will be successful.
Source: https://oxmetall.ru/gibka/metallicheskoj-truby-v-domashnih-usloviyah
How to bend a metal pipe?
When doing heating yourself or carrying out plumbing work, a home craftsman may be faced with the need to bend pipes.
If you don’t have professional tools, but you need to do this, the methods below will help.
Let's figure it out: how to bend a pipe at home from plastics and metals. What is needed for this and what types of pipe benders are there.
How to bend a metal-plastic pipe
This is especially often encountered when installing heated floors at home. Metal-plastic can be easily bent by hand, you just need to take into account the following principles:
- You need to work smoothly, without rushing.
- The bend should be Ø 15 cm or more (or for every two centimeters of the pipe there should be a 15° bend). If you bend it too much, the part will break.
If you cannot make an even bend, you can use a blank (blank) Ø 15 cm. By bending metal-plastic along it, you can achieve identical, smooth turns.
To bend metal-plastic pipes, you can purchase a special spring that will prevent the product from cracking. They are external and internal. The spring is put on the place of deformation, then the segment is bent manually. To remove the spring, you need to unscrew it clockwise.
Another way to prevent the pipe from being flattened is to insert many long pieces of thin wire into it.
Bending polypropylene pipes at home
Polypropylene (reinforced or not) is connected using a special soldering iron, and fittings are used for all kinds of turns and structural elements. They are produced in a variety of shapes and directions, even when you need to smoothly go around some object, there are special “edges”, so most often when installing PP water pipes you can do without bending.
If, at your own peril and risk, you decide to bend the PP:
- Fix the bend and press very slowly on the ends. The radius of the “cold” bend should not exceed eight Ø of the pipe itself.
- When a larger angle is needed, a special spring is placed inside, then the segment must be heated with a hair dryer to 150°C and then bent smoothly. When the pipe has cooled, you need to carefully check the deformed area - there should be no cracks or dents.
When polypropylene is heated, it becomes very pliable and elastic. Bend it is half the battle; you also need to fix the segment in this position until it cools completely. After the material becomes solid again, the spring is removed from it.
Bend a metal pipe at home
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The main thing to strive for when bending a metal pipe is not to flatten it or break it. When a pipe is bent, it can change in diameter, which will negatively affect any pipeline system.
For any metal pipes, you must first perform a proven procedure:
- The section is filled to capacity with fine sand.
- The ends of the pipe need to be plugged; for this purpose, 2 wooden choppers are made (you need to be careful not to drive the choppers too deep, otherwise it will be difficult to pull them out later and you will have to burn out the plugs).
- Now the pipe can be bent without fear of it becoming deformed.
In winter, you can use ordinary water rather than sand. The cap is driven in, the pipe is filled with water, and time passes until the water freezes into ice. The bending is carried out, and only then the pipe is defrosted and the water is drained.
Steel and aluminum products
After pouring sand, one end of the pipe is fixed, and the place of the planned bend is evenly heated.
For these purposes you can use:
- gas welding;
- blowtorch;
- propane torch.
How to know if the pipe is hot enough:
- Steel: will turn deep red.
- Aluminum: bring paper to the heating area. If it smokes or catches fire, the desired t has been achieved.
You need to bend the pipe slowly. You can only work with gloves!
Notch method
With the hot method, a protruding fold appears at the bend. There is another method - more labor-intensive, but sometimes justified. This is the cut method.
Several cuts are made up to half of the pipe.
The distance between cuts will depend on the Ø of the pipe and how much bending is required.
- For small diameters, the thickness of the cut will be sufficient to obtain a smooth bend (the more cuts, the more accurate the bend will be).
- For pipes with a large diameter, you can cut several small wedges.
This method is mainly used in decorative structures.
In order to bend the pipe through which the liquid will move in this way, you need to carefully weld all the cuts, and clean and polish the weld seam with a grinder. After painting, the product takes on a decorative appearance without traces of deformation.
After bending by cutting, the inner surface of the pipe remains rough, with sharp protrusions, which means that debris will be retained in this place, rust will settle, etc. This is a clear disadvantage for heating and plumbing!
How to bend a stainless and galvanized pipe at home
It must be said right away that stainless steel, and especially galvanized steel, cannot be heated. These materials are deformed only in a cold way.
As with other metal pipes, an internal stop is used - i.e. Sand is poured in and plugs are installed.
After which it is better to use a crossbow-type pipe bender.
If it is not there, part of the product is clamped in a vice, and pressure is applied to the other part. The downside of this method is that it can be difficult to get the pipe to bend in the right place and be exactly the shape you need.
At home, you can bend stainless steel with a diameter of up to 4 cm and a wall thickness of up to 3 mm. If these indicators are higher, professional equipment should be used.
How to bend a profile pipe at home
Let's figure out how to bend a square pipe at home. Pipes with a rectangular cross-section can be given the desired shape by cutting.
Using a grinder, several cuts are made to the opposite side of the product, then bending occurs (for this, one end is fixed), and then the cuts are welded.
Hot method. Insert a bundle of thin wire one at a time inside. After that, secure the ends of the pipe and heat the desired area with a blowtorch or other method. Now you can work with the product.
But the specificity of a square section is that it resists to the last, and then sharply bends at an acute angle in one place. It is extremely difficult to obtain a smooth bend. Therefore, it is necessary to make a special template (blank) and bend it according to it.
When bending profile products, only the outer side needs to be heated so that it stretches. Otherwise, folds will form on the inside, which will greatly narrow the lumen. For the same reasons, a segment-type pipe bender is used.
Types of pipe benders
There are special devices - pipe benders, which exist so that you don’t have to work “on your knees”. And if the amount of work is not small, you should think about purchasing this tool.
They differ in the way they bend:
- Spring - used for metal-plastic products.
- Segment - a segment blank is used, which pulls the tube around itself.
- Crossbow - The product is placed in a special mold and pressed in the middle of the segment.
- Drone - for thin-walled pipes of small Ø.
- Roll benders are another option designed to work with products of square and rectangular cross-section.
When using a pipe bender, do not forget to lubricate the area of expected deformation with machine oil.
Depending on the force from which the tool operates, it can be:
- Manual.
- Hydraulic.
- Electric.
The last two options are used in production. For home needs, manual pipe benders are purchased.
So, you can make an angle, turn or give other shapes to pipes at home. You just need to remember to protect the bend area with limiters.
on the topic
Source: https://tepliysezon.com/kak-sognut-metallicheskuyu-trubu/
How to bend a pipe without a pipe bender - proven options for different types of pipes
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When renovating a private home or other home, curved pipes may be required. In this regard, the question of how to bend a pipe at home without a pipe bender becomes relevant. Once you learn the intricacies of this process, it can be done very simply.
Methods for bending pipes at right angles
Metal products are particularly durable, but a special impact on this material allows it to be given the required shape.
You can bend a metal pipe yourself in several ways:
- Using pegs . With this bending method, the risk of pipe defects or pipe breakage increases. Filling the internal cavity with dry fine sand helps solve the problem. You can prevent it from spilling out by using plugs at both ends of the pipe. After this, you can begin to directly bend the tubular product. The workpiece is dug into the ground and using the lever method they try to bend it. To test your strength, you can practice on unsuitable building materials of a similar composition. This method becomes a solution to the problem of how to bend a thin pipe, for example, with a diameter of 16-20 mm. It is possible to use this technique for thicker structures, but it is worth remembering that it will be more difficult. It is especially important to remember that not all materials can be bent using this method. Galvanized products require the use of other methods.
- By heating method . You can change the shape of aluminum or steel pipelines by heating. The structure is filled with sand and secured in a vice. Using a gas burner, the section of pipe where it is planned to bend is heated. You can determine the heating temperature limit of aluminum pipes as follows: a piece of paper brought to the heated area should begin to smoke (read also: “How to bend an aluminum pipe at home - choosing a method and equipment”). When the steel product is heated sufficiently, a pronounced redness appears. Gloves are required for safe work.
- Using a plane-parallel plate . To perform the technology, the pipe is fixed in a clamp, then it is bent along the plate. This method is simple and economical, but the unchanged shape of the plate does not make it popular. A high-quality result can be obtained by using a large number of plates with different curvatures. In this case, the pipe should only be steel and of a sufficiently large size.
- Using a metal spring . Using this method helps in solving the question of how to bend a copper pipe without a pipe bender (for more details: “How to bend a copper pipe - proven and reliable methods”). The spring prevents possible deformation of the pipe during bending. A good result can only be achieved by taking into account the size of the spring. Since it is inserted directly into the cavity of the pipe, it must have a size corresponding to the internal diameter of the product being bent. The pipe with the spring inside is carefully bent. To avoid problems with removing the spring, a wire is tied to one end.
- Using water as a filler . The cavity of the pipe can be filled with ordinary water instead of sand, the main thing is that it does not contain impurities. Water is poured into the pipe, plugs are inserted at both ends and frozen. After this, the pipe must be heated. This method is not recommended for galvanized products.
How to bend a profile pipe
Greenhouses of various sizes and purposes, gazebos and other structures on the site are built using profile pipes. Such metal structures have one distinctive feature: bending the pipe with or without a pipe bender leads to deformation of the workpiece (flattening or cracks may occur). It doesn’t hurt to know how to bend a profile pipe at home correctly so as not to damage the material.
The solution to this problem is quite simple: it is also filled with sand or water, which is subsequently frozen. Following these simple steps reduces the risk of pipe damage and allows you to achieve the desired result. The same method can be used when deciding how to bend an aluminum or brass pipe without a pipe bender (read also: “How to bend a pipe without a pipe bender - methods for different materials”).
Options for bending a pipe with a square profile
Quite often the problem arises of how to bend a metal pipe with a square profile. A square pipe with a small cross-section can be bent without heating, but after filling the cavity with sand or water. The only difference from a round workpiece is the required presence of a rubber mallet.
The pipe is installed on two strong supports and the part is bent using a mallet. To prevent possible damage, actions must be smooth and careful. A sufficiently large bending angle can be obtained by additionally heating the profile pipe in the bending area.
Bending metal-plastic
Quite often, metal-plastic pipes are used when installing a heated floor system. The efficiency of this system is ensured by the parallel operation of the pipeline and heating system.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuRtRa_p-Ko
The heated floor system involves an unlimited number of bends of the metal-plastic pipe. Unfortunately, such designs cannot be purchased in retail chains. Therefore, it is important to know how to bend a metal-plastic pipe at home (more details: “Types of pipe benders for metal-plastic pipes, characteristics, advantages of use”). For a high-quality result, it is necessary to study all the features of the material and the direct bending process.
Similar to metal blanks, the required turning of metal-plastic elements can be obtained in several ways:
- The simplest and least expensive way is to bend the pipe yourself. Without using improvised means. To perform this action, the workpiece is clamped in the hands and smoothly begins to bend, while it is important to avoid strong bending. A normal bend allows 150 for every two centimeters of pipe.
- Another method involves using additional pieces of wire to fill the pipe cavity. Using this method, you can quickly and evenly bend a metal-plastic workpiece.
- You can bend a metal-plastic pipe using sand, performing actions similar to those carried out with a metal pipe. One end of the prepared product is firmly fixed and smoothly bent, heating the bend area with a gas burner or blowtorch. You can check the readiness of the metal structure for the bending process using a paper sheet.
Features of bending polypropylene blanks without a pipe bender
The need to bend a polypropylene pipe occurs very rarely, since it is not recommended to perform such actions with the material.
However, if you cannot do without this process, you can use the following methods:
- Heating the bend . To achieve the desired result, it is best to use a hair dryer, heating should be brought to a temperature of 1500C. Then you can bend the product to give it the desired shape. All actions must be performed with gloves that are resistant to high temperatures. It is important to remember one rule: the bend is made towards a less thick wall, that is, the thickened wall of the polypropylene blank should be placed on the outside of the bend. After the product has completely cooled, you should carefully inspect it. There should be no dents or cracks on the surface.
- The second method is cold bending . A polypropylene pipe can be bent by hand, but the bend must have a radius not exceeding 8 diameters of the workpiece. Otherwise, the material will simply break.
Efficient bending of plastic elements
PVC pipes can be easily bent using specific instructions. By following its steps, you can easily and simply give the plastic pipeline the desired shape at home, without resorting to outside help.
To bend a plastic pipe, perform the following steps:
- In any hardware store you need to buy fibreboard, which is necessary for the construction of a special frame. Using this frame, a plastic blank is bent until the product takes the desired shape.
- Having bent the slab to the desired radius, you should sand its surface. In this case, you can use fine sandpaper.
- At the next stage, a shell for the bendable element is formed from silicone. It must match the shape and size of the pipe. Using a shell, the PVC blank is fixed to a fiberboard frame. In addition, the shell serves as a kind of protection for the surface of the plastic pipe, preventing the formation of various defects, including scratches, chips and other mechanical damage.
- Next, the metal-plastic blank is placed directly into the shell.
- Now you can start heating the pipe element. Under the influence of high temperature, the material becomes softer and begins to take the shape of the frame. The result of the process is a product of the desired shape.
- The formed product must be cooled for 10-15 minutes. After this time, the modified polyvinyl chloride pipe can be removed from the frame. After this, it is recommended to leave the finished structural element for some more time so that it cools completely.
Despite the many ways to bend a metal pipe or a product made of another material, it is almost impossible to get an ideal result at home. However, studying theoretical materials and repeated experimentation on unsuitable pieces of pipe made of similar materials will help you understand how to bend a pipe without having a pipe bender.
The main thing is that after this you can engage in the process of bending pipe elements at any free time.
Source: https://trubaspec.com/montazh-i-remont/kak-sognut-trubu-bez-trubogiba-proverennye-varianty-dlya-raznykh-vidov-trub.html
-recommendations: how to bend a metal-plastic pipe by hand
Prepare the necessary tools and get to work. Be brave, the one who walks will master the road.
Source: https://steelfactoryrus.com/kak-sognut-stalnuyu-trubu-v-domashnih-usloviyah/