Which tool for the job?

by **simbad** » Wed Dec 26, 2007 8:27 pm

Hi, silly question but can someone please tell me which tool i need to be able to bend Chrome plated copper connector tube. 1/2" x 1/2"

I heard about springs and another pipe bending tool! but not sure, i am not looking for something heavyduty.

Thanks

by **Chelsea Cruiser** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 7:32 am

Copper is flexible but the chromium plating is not. Unless the bend is very long and gentle the chrome will crack and peel off.

by **roger196** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 1:57 pm

If you are unable to use chrome compression elbows to get the desired fit, you have two choices.
First is to bend copper pipe in the normal way and then paint it. The second is to take the copper pipe to a chrome plating firm. There are plenty who cater for the car restoration trade. Look in the yellow pages or some of the car restoration mags.

by **htg engineer** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 12:23 pm

I have bent 15mm chrome plated copper many times, and have had no bother with the chrome plating. Get a scissor/pipe bender (as used by plumbers) and this will do the job.

What angle(s) are you wanting to bend ? I have used this for 45 & 90 degree bends on chrome plated copper tube.

hope this helps

by **simbad** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:22 pm

Many thanks guys for the tips and advice.

Will try out the pipe bender and see how it goes.