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Get Perfect Bends Every Time: The Ultimate Guide to Tube Benders for Roll Cages
Have you ever tried to roll a tube without a bender? It’s hard! And if you don’t have the right tool for the job, it can be a nightmare.
But thankfully, there’s a solution. Tube benders are essential tools for all sorts of DIY projects, and for anyone who works on cars. They allow you to bend tubes without damaging them. The problem is, there are a lot of different types out there, and finding the right one can be tricky.
I’ve been using these for years now and I’m finally ready to share my favorite ones with you. So if you’re looking to do some DIY, then read our guide and get your hands on one of these tube benders. These are the best tube benders for roll cages.
Quick Comparison of 5 Best Pipe Benders for Roll Cages
| tube bender | Key Specifications | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 Happybuy Tubing Bender | Dead Load: 12 Ton Bending: 180-Degree Bending Dia.: 1.3 - 5.1 mm Material: Steel Weight: 71 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Mophorn Tube Bender | Type: Manual Bending: 90-Degree Bending Dia.: 10 - 25 mm Material: 40CR steel Weight: 50.7 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 KAKA Industrial Tube Bender | Dead Load: 8 Ton Bending: 90-Degree Bending Dia.: 3/4" - 1-3/4" Material: Metal Weight: 99 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 BIG RED T31202 Hydraulic | Dead Load: 12 Ton Bending: 180-Degree Bending Dia.: 1.5 - 2 inch Material: Cast Iron Weight: 74.1 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
 Affordable ab103 Hydraulic | Dead Load: 8 Ton Bending: 110-Degree Bending Dia.: 1 - 1.5 inch Material: Steel Weight: 50 lbs. | PriceDetail review |
The Fundamentals of a Tube Bender
A tube bender is a tool used in metalworking and other manufacturing industries for bending tubes and pipes. It consists of a frame containing a central cylinder, usually made of steel, with an opening for receiving the pipe to be bent. A screwdriver or other mechanism is provided for tightening the cylinder. An electric motor, mounted at the side of the frame, is used to rotate the cylinder rapidly, thus providing the force required to bend the pipe. A machine of this kind may be called a horizontal or upright machine, according to whether the pipe is placed on a flat surface and moved into position horizontally, or on a vertical surface and lowered into the center of the machine.
Types of Tube Benders?
There are three types of tube benders: manual, hydraulic, and electric. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and it will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
Manual tube bender
Manual tube benders are the cheapest, simplest, and easiest types of tube benders. They are operated by hand, using a lever or a crank. Manual tube benders are the best choice for small and medium-sized tubing projects, and they are not recommended for larger and heavier-duty projects. Tube benders are also limited in the degree of bend that they can achieve.
Hydraulic tube bender
Hydraulic tube benders are more expensive than manual benders, but they can do things that manual benders cannot. They are operated by a hydraulic system that applies force to the tubing, bending it to the desired angle or curve. These are the perfect tool for larger and heavier-duty projects, and they can handle a wide range of tube sizes and materials. They are also capable of achieving a greater degree of a bend than manual benders.
Electric tube bender
The electric tube bender is an automated machine used to bend tubes and pipes. It is a machine that is more commonly used for larger-scale industrial projects, while hand benders are used for smaller-scale applications and personal projects. While electric tube benders are generally more expensive than hand benders, they provide the highest degree of precision and bend quality.
Top-Rated 5 Tube Bender Reviews
We evaluated a wide range of products to make this review section. These power tools provide the necessary power so that you can accomplish a job with minimal time, labor, and effort.
1Happybuy Exhaust Tubing Bender with 6 Dies
- Dead Load: 12-Inch
- Bending: 180-Degree
- Weight: 71 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Suitable for all kinds of tubes
- Adjust height
- Can bend pipes up to 180 degree
- Can be used in many places
- Heavy-duty, stable, durable, high quality
- Small size, lightweight, portable, and easy to operate
- Durable and strong frame
- Suitable for work that requires continuous bending.
The Happybuy 12 Ton Exhaust Tubing Bender is a good quality tool that’s ideal for bending steel pipe. It’s easy to use and very effective, so it’s perfect for people who need to bend a lot of pipes in their daily jobs.
It comes with a 12-ton capacity, which is a lot more than most other options on the market.
The hydraulic system is also very reliable, and the piston rod is well-designed with an extra thick head to ensure that it won’t be damaged when you’re using it.
It has a nice sturdy build too and comes with a heavy-duty metal frame that makes it very durable. The hydraulic hose is also high quality and will withstand the toughest conditions.
The hydraulic tubing bender can bend steel pipe within 90-180 degrees, and the die is easy to remove for cleaning. It’s perfect for people who bend pipes in a variety of conditions, from building to plumbing to mining. It’s also great for people who need to do a lot of pipe bending every day.
This tubing bender is ideal for all types of applications, and it’s a must-have tool for anyone who bends a lot of tubes.
2Mophorn Manual Heavy Duty Tube Bender with 7 Dies
- Material: 40CR steel
- Bending: 90-Degree
- Weight: 50.7 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Great capacity and compact size
- Durable material
- Ergonomic handle
- Lightweight and portable design
- Can make a variety of bends.
A reliable product from Mophorn, one of the most reputable manufacturers in the industry. This pipe bender is a heavy-duty product with excellent performance. It has 7 dies inside, which is perfect for customizing brackets and supporting other parts on the working field.
This pipe bender is made of 40CR steel and 45# steel with rigorous craftsmanship. This product is in possession of great comprehensive performance, strength, and corrosion resistance.
The bender has a long handle with a rubber cover that makes it easier to bend large-diameter pipes. The pressure you apply to the metal will be increased with this feature, and it’s great for creating tighter bends. Compact design allows versatility, can make a variety of bends on square or solid round stock, lightweight enough.
This is one of the best manual pipe benders for roll cages you can get, and it’ll be a great addition to your shop.
3KAKA Industrial HB-8 Heavy-Duty Roll Cage Tube Bender
- Dead Load: 8-Inch
- Bending: 90-Degree
- Weight: 99 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Durable, long-lasting, and easy to use
- Simple in operation, easy to maintain
- Lightweight, compact, and convenient
- High precision, high reliability
- Can work for 3/4” to 1-3/4” tubing
- Bend almost all kinds of metal tubing
- Sturdy frame and high-quality cast followers.
KAKA Industrial 8-ton tubing bender is a heavy-duty model that’s designed to bend metal tubes in a range from 3/4” to 1-3/4”, and it’s built with high precision, and quality construction, so you can bend them with ease.
It has a sturdy steel frame and an 8-ton forming jack, so you can ensure the safety of your bending process. It’s also a high-precision bending machine, with the support of steel dies and cast followers, so you can bend the material without flattening or deforming the edges. This quality construction tubing bender will be a smart purchase for anyone who wants to customize the tubing process.
The hydraulic backed and hand-operated system allows an easy bending process. Overall, it is a great quality metal bending machine you will not want to miss! The maximum bending angles can be up to 90 degrees. Five different dies allow quick change and increase flexibility. It would be a great tool for people who want to customize the tube components.
4BIG RED T31202 Torin Hydraulic Pipe/Tube Bender
- Dead Load: 8-Inch
- Bending: 180-degree
- Weight: 74.1 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Best used with a 1/2″ to 2″ diameter pipe
- Top rollers make bending easier
- 6 precision cast-iron dies
- Heavy-duty design with a load capacity of 12 tons
- powder-coated finish for rust resistance
- Steel frame and aluminum alloy body
- Comes with an extra 2-way ratchet.
It’s a 12 Ton pipe bender that’s perfect for bending 1/2″-2″ diameter pipes. This is a must-have for pool contractors. It can bend almost all types of pipes except conduit. The Torin Jack Pipe Bender is a great tool for contractors who want to bend pipes. The hydraulic system and pull-back spring mechanism help you get the job done efficiently.
It has a 12-ton (24,000 lb) load capacity, and it’s built with heavy-duty premium steel, providing long-term durability with an industrial luster. This tool is equipped with 6 precision cast-iron dies in 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/4″, 1-1/2″, and 2″ sizes.
The adjustable smooth-groove top rollers allow you to adjust the degree of the bend, up to 180 degrees. This pipe bender has a powder-coated finish for rust resistance. It’s great for contractors who work with concrete because it can be used for pipe installation. It’s also perfect for contractors who work on commercial pools, as it’s easy to use and won’t break the bank.
I recommend this tool to people who are looking for a tool that can do a variety of different things. It’s very versatile, and I’ve used it for everything from plumbing to heating, and I’ve even used it to make furniture. It’s very easy to use, and it’s great for people who don’t have much experience with tools.
5Affordable Bender ab103 Hydraulic Tube Bender
- Dead Load: 8-Inch
- Bending: 110-degree
- Weight: 50 lbs.
Highlight Features:
- Affordable
- Simple to use
- Produces nice clean bends that pass NHRA, SCCA, and SCORE technical inspections
- Easy to assemble and disassemble
- Does not have to be mounted to a surface
- Work on any tubing, not just a certain type of tubing
- Portable.
If you’re looking for a bender that can do the job for an affordable price, then this is it. The bender comes with everything you need to start making bends right away.
You can choose from a wide variety of wall thicknesses to suit your needs, and it’s easy to adjust the depth of the bend.
The bender itself has a maximum capacity of 8 tons, which means you can bend up to 110 degrees. The tube is durable enough to hold up against harsh environments, and it can also withstand temperatures up to 140°F. The bender comes with a 1-year warranty, so if anything goes wrong, it will come back to you covered.
To help make your bender last longer, it’s made with a Chromoly alloy. Chromoly steel is much stronger than regular steel, which makes it much more durable. You can expect your bender to last for many years.
If you’re not sure about how much bending your bender can do, you can always take it out of its packaging and try it out. The bender comes with two die sets, so you can experiment with different wall thicknesses and bend styles to see what works best for you.
If you’re looking for a bender that can be used in a variety of ways, this is it. It’s perfect for creating custom workbenches, roll cages, chopper frames, greenhouses, and boat rails. It’s a great tool for anyone who wants to get into the DIY world.
What to Look for in a Quality Tube Bender for Roll Cage
There are many types of tube benders available, so it can be difficult to determine what’s best for your needs. You may already have one at home, but it may be outdated, or you may need to get one new. Here are some things to consider when buying a tube bender:
Material Type
If you’re looking for a simple, sturdy tube bender that will last you for years, then you’ll want something made from steel. It’s important to know that different metals have different qualities and properties. For example, some materials are easier to bend than others, and some have higher strength and durability than others.
Load Capacity
The load capacity refers to the amount of weight the tube bender can handle. There are two main types of load capacities: heavy and light. Heavy load capacity means the tube bender can hold more weight than a lighter model. If you have a vehicle with a roll cage in it, you may need a heavier-capacity tube bender.
Shape
Depending on your needs, you may want a tube bender that has a specific shape. Some of the most common shapes include round, U-shape, I-shape, and square. If you need a round tube bender, then you’ll need a material that is easy to bend and won’t break easily. If you’re working with a U-shape or I-shape tube bender, then you’ll need to ensure the material is strong enough to support the shape you’re trying to create.
Degree of Bend
The degree of bend is the angle at which the tube is bent. Different tube benders can achieve different degrees of bend, and it is important to choose a bender that can achieve the degree of bend you need for your project. The degree of bend is usually measured in degrees, and some tube benders have a digital display that shows the degree of bend.
Size
When choosing a tube bender, it’s important to know what size you need. Most tube benders are sold in 1″ increments. So, if you want a 2.5″ tube bender, you’ll need a 3.5″ tube bender. Tube benders are also available in different dimensions, so you’ll need to know how many inches you need to buy.
Dimensions
Tube benders come in different lengths and diameters. The length is how long the tube bender is, while the diameter is the diameter of the bendable tube. Diameter refers to the size of the opening on the tube bender, while the diameter of the bendable tube refers to the size of the tube itself.
Bender Type
There are a lot of different types of tube benders available on the market today. Some tube benders are made for specific applications, while others are used for general purposes. It’s important to know which type you’re looking for so you can get the right one.
How many bends do you Need?
If you’re thinking about buying a roll cage for your car, you’ll want to think about the amount of bend that you need in your roll cage. The amount of bend you need is really up to your preferences and your driving habits. But, there are some general guidelines you can follow to make sure that you get the right amount of bend in your cage.
The amount of bend you need will depend on the type of driving you do, as well as how much space you have between your car’s seats.
If you drive in the city, you’ll likely need more bends than if you drive at highway speeds.
If you have a larger amount of space between the seats, you’ll need less bending.
Also, if you drive in the rain or snow, you’ll want to go for a more rigid roll cage, as these cages are designed to protect you from potential damage in such conditions.
Tube Bending and Bend Radius
There are two main types of tube benders: The first is a manual tube bender, which requires the user to push down on the tube with one hand while bending it with the other.
The second is a machine-driven tube bender, which uses a motor and cam system to bend the tube in the desired direction. Both types of tube benders can be used to bend tubes of any diameter, but for a more consistent radius, a narrower tube is usually best. The most common types of bends include S bends, U bends, 90° bends, 45° bends, and square bend.
It’s important to know that the radius of the bend is proportional to the length of the tube. The greater the length of the tube, the less consistent the radius of the bend will be.
FAQs
How do you bend tubing for a roll cage?
You need to cut the tube into two pieces. Then, place one piece on top of the other so they are parallel to each other. Now, fold them over each other and then use tape or glue to hold them together.
What is an EMT bender?
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) are trained to provide emergency care at the scene of an accident or injury. They may be able to stabilize patients until they arrive at the hospital. An EMT bender is when an EMT bends over backward to help someone who needs assistance.
How do I choose a pipe bender?
There are different types of pipe benders available in the market, and it’s important to know which one will suit your needs the best. A common pipe bender consists of two parts, the base, and the grip. The grip has a round or square handle with a screw that holds the base onto it. You can choose from several materials, including aluminum, steel, plastic, and rubber. But in general, a material that is lightweight and strong is preferred, since they require less energy to operate.
In addition to that, you should make sure that the pipe bender is water-proof and won’t corrode if exposed to water. A good bender should have a wide range of torque settings, so you can adjust it according to your preferences. If you want more precise control over the bender, you can also consider a hydraulic-based system.
What is the difference between a pipe bender and a tube bender?
A pipe bender is a specialized tool that’s used to bend pipes of different diameters. It can be used for plumbing and piping. A tube bender, on the other hand, bends tubes of all kinds, from pipes to tubing. Some of these tube benders are specifically designed to bend PVC pipes.
Is there a tube bender I can use with my bike?
Yes, there is! A tube bender can be used for bending metal tubes. However, this tool is not ideal for most purposes. If you’re looking for a more versatile tool, then check out our other recommended products here.
What’s the difference between a tube bender and a tube cutter?
The main difference between a tube bender and a tube cutter is that the former has a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically bends the tubes, whereas the latter requires a hand crank to bend the tubes. In most cases, the spring-loaded tube benders are easier to use, but they are also more expensive. You can buy a tube cutter for around $15, and it will last for a long time. The tube cutter works best for bending PVC or ABS tubing, and may not work with other materials like copper or aluminum.
Does bending a tube on a tube bender really help?
No, bending a tube on a tube bender doesn’t actually help much. If it’s a regular tube, then it’s fine to bend it with the bender. But if you’re using a tube with a large radius, then it won’t work. Hence, you should instead use a tube with a smaller radius, or else, you can always get a special bender that allows you to make bends in larger tubes too.
Final Words
The most important thing to consider when choosing a tube bender is what type of material you want to bend. If you are going to be bending aluminum tubing, then you need to make sure your tube benders are capable of handling that metal. Aluminum tubing is very hard and brittle, so you don’t want to put too much pressure on it.
On the other hand, if you’re going to be bending steel tubing, then you’ll need to make sure your tube benders are capable of working with that material. Steel tubing is softer than aluminum, but still quite strong. It’s also easier to work with since it doesn’t require as much force to bend.
