The Most Versatile Tools for Bending PVC Pipe - What You Need to Know

1. The Most Versatile Tools for Bending PVC Pipe: What You Need to Know? Are you working on a commercial or industrial project or a home improvement task using PVC pipe and finding yourself having difficulties bending it to your desired shape? In this article we’ll be introducing several different tools and methods for heating to bend PVC pipe. PVC pipe is used in many different applications including simple electrical and plumbing processes to crafting complex designs. When PVC pipe is heated to approximately 200 degrees Fahrenheit it becomes malleable and can be bent. When it cools it retains its new shape. With the right tool you’ll be bending PVC Pipe you can achieve smooth, clean and accurate bends to enhance the functionality and appearance of the work. Types of PVC Pipe Benders: ● 1. Manual Pipe Bender Spring: Sand and Water– Perhaps the most economical and messiest and time consuming methods. You’ll need to source the sand and heat it in a pan on your stove to above 210 F. Plug one end of your pipe and pour the sand into the pipe. Let the pipe absorb the heat and then create your bend. The sand fills the pipe so bends are normally smooth. Water’s similar. Place a cap on the pipe, boil your water and fill, cap this end and bend. Spring - The spring is inserted into the pipe and then manual force (arms and knee) is applied to achieve your desired bend. They work best on small diameter 1/2” -1” short bends. They may be difficult to get out of the pipe if the bend is to sharp. A heat gun can

2. help. Propane Torch– Using a torch works in outdoor applications with excellent ventilation. Heating the pipe without scorching it can be a challenge. Also getting a smooth bend requires practice. Torches can be expensive but require only propane, no electricity or warm up. Allows pipe to be bent in any outdoors location. Not for use in or around flammable materials. Heat Gun– This inexpensive tool heats the exterior of the pipe moving it around and along the length of your bend. You’ll need electricity for this one. Once the pipe is malleable you can make your bend. You’ll most likely need to reheat the pipe a few times to get the best bend. Heat Blanket– These tools are fairly new to the market. They use resistance wire enclosed in silicon. The blanket is wrapped around the pipe and the pipe is heated. These work quite well and certain blankets are water resistant. The main issue is the price increases based on diameter and length of bend. The longest Blanket we’ve see is 3 foot. Heat Box– Heat Boxes aka Hot Box have been used in the trades for decades and work well but can get very expensive depending on the diameter of pipe and length of bend. Most are around 3‘ in length. An internal heater heats the box inside where pipe is inserted. The element warms the pipe so it can be bent. Like the heat blankets the pipe diameter, bend length require different Hot Box models. PVC Bendit– This tool is inserted into the pipe and heats it from the inside. Because they are designed to slip entirely inside the pipe they are quite versatile. They come as either a Series A or Series B. The Series A will fit inside ½” Schedule 40 and 5/8” PVC Schedule 80 pipe while the Series B units fit inside 1 ¼” ID pipe. Note: Customers have used them to bend up to 8” OD pipes. Ethier Series heats up to approximately 900 degrees Fahrenheit. The bigger diameter the longer it takes to get the pipe to a malleable point. They are available in 1.5‘, 3‘, 6‘, 9‘, 10‘ and 20‘ lengths. Select the length based on the majority of bends you’ll be making. Because the entire PVC Bendit can be inserted fully into the pipe a shorter Bendit can heat a small section of pipe anywhere in the pipe. A longer length such as the 10A/B can heat a full 10 foot there It is important to know when using the PVC Bendit that the pipe your bending needs to be insulated on the outside to keep the heat in the pipe thus heating it more uniformly for achieving faster and the most reliable bend times. PAN (carbonized felt) is included with your order and is to be used to wrap around up to 2” OD pipe. PAN resists igniting up to 1,800 degrees F. The PVC Bendit can lay on this material as it heats up and cools. Coated fiberglass pipe insulation available from HVAC suppliers for larger diameter pipes. A pair of heat resistant gloves and a digital thermometer are also included. is one for 20 foot lengths.

3. Heat times vary depending the the diameter of the pipe. For example it takes a few minutes to heat ½” pipe while 15 -20 minutes may be required for 4” and over an hour is required for 6” - 8” pipe. Time depends on ambient temperatures and insulation. PVC Pipe benders allow users to create beautiful art objects, stage set frames and decor, balloon frames and more. In fact if you can imagine it you can probably use PVC pipe to make it. Make hoops, compound bends, sports equipment, lawn furniture, pool and spa installations, misters, and limitless other It is a good idea to plan your work and create a mold or jig so you can get the same bend each time. These can be simple using pegboard and pegs, plywood and nails, foam core and clamps or the next larger size PVC Pipe cut in half lengthwise and screwed into wood. Visit PVC Bendit’s YouTube channel to see videos by them and their customers. Many photos are available on the company website www.pvcbendit.com that show some of the many uses and answer more questions. One can also download a free book BENDING PVC PIPE for FUN & PROFIT from the website. projects using bent PVC pipe. Recap: Why Use a PVC Pipe Bender? ● Precision is the significant advantage of using a PVC pipe heater/bender. With the help of the Bender, you can achieve accurate and consistent bends and ensure your project turns out as planned. Additionally, it helps to avoid the kinks and any deformations which may occur with other bending methods. This precision is crucial to get the correct shape and fit when it comes to plumbing, framing, and other applications where exact angles and curves matter. ● Pipe heater-benders simplify and speed up the bending process. PVC Pipe heater benders are generally user-friendly, utilizing proven methods that allows you to bend pipes with minimal physical effort. ● Key features of a PVC pipe heater-bender are the flexibility and durability offered to create sharp or intricate bends. Heating the pipe to the right temperature allows you to give shape and curve around jigs or forms without damaging the pipe. These benders are built to handle repeated use which makes them a durable choice for every occasional and frequent professional work. Below is an assortment of company and customer photos. Many may be seen on the PVC Bend website www.pvcbendit.com or the PVC Bendit YouTube Channel. Contact PVC Bendit at 719-645-7156.

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