So I get a new power steering pressure line, but the OEM bends don't seem to fit quite right. After looking online at possible hoses, I found one that comes really close, but needs to be bent just a few degrees to fit. Problem is, I don't have a tubing bender, and I don't know anyone that does (and I can't justify buying something that I'll probably only use once).

So I got to thinking, and thought I could make one out of a 2x4. I created a 3D drawing of my design. Do you think it will work? (And by "work" I mean bend my tubing without kinking it.)

 

To put it short...."nope"...I don't think it'll work. While you have the curvature down, the tool won't cradle the line. So, in essence, you're going to be applying all the pressure of the bend along the line of contact of the tube with the tool. This will most likely produce a kink as the pressure isn't distributed over the surface area of the tube.

If you know the precise bends you're wanting, why not just go to a hose/pump repair shop, and ask them to make the bends? Shouldn't cost you more than a few bucks, I'd think. As for myself, I bought a number of tubing benders, and most of them suck to be quite honest. For brake lines, I've found my 1/8" tubing pliers to be my favorite. For larger line, I have a couple tool, but I haven't settled on a favorite for various reasons.

My opinion is that you could always run into a need for a tool, so why not have the tool? I just buy the stupid thing, and hope i'll need it later. Now I understand why my dad, and grandfather always has so many tools hanging around....pre-emptive purchasing.

 

Harbor freight sells tubing benders for under ten bucks.

 

Or you can somewhat easily bend it by hand usually.

 

x2 harbor freight. buy it. you'll prolly need it later.

my .02

kurt

 

Just bought the Harbor Freight job for $5.99 to reroute a fuel line. Worked like a champ.

 

Do a gentle bend over a pulley. There's at least 3 different sized ones on the front of any motor.

 

I bought a 2$ screen door spring. Thread it on and the coils of the spring keep enough tension on it to allow you to bend almost anything insanely tight! I 've also bought the harbor freight bender, but the spring works better for me.