When fitting or repairing a vehicle’s brakes, the most common tools you will need are brake line benders and brake line flare tools. During this process, you will probably need to bend a brake pipe or tube, so you will need specialized brake line tools. A brake pipe bender helps a mechanic to bend a brake line to its desired angle. The bender forms joints while maintaining a continuous flow of gas or fluid through the pipe. Therefore, finding the best brake line bender is a prime concern for any automotive Mechanic.
Bending a brake pipe or tube without using the right tool may be risky or cause damage to the pipe. The pipe can also be folded in a way that hinders the purpose of bending. The brake line bender helps you to make perfect bends every time. There are various types of benders, each with different uses. Below is a guide and a list of the best brake line benders for auto mechanics.
01. ABN Brake Line Tubing Bender Tool Pliers
This ABN bender tool plier allows 90-degree and /or 180-degree bends. This brake bender is great for auto mechanics working with thin tubing, such as brake lines. It is crafted from precision-machined aluminum alloy for durability, strength, and long-term use.
This bending tool is easy and quick to use because the bending information is etched directly onto the tool. The cleat identification enables you to bend to the exact angle without guessing. The ABN 180-degree tube bending tool is versatile. It is designed to bend tubing materials such as aluminum, brass, and copper without crimping.
They come in a variety of sizes, which include 6mm, 8mm, and 10 mm. To use this brake line bender, line up the metal on the forming pliers and use the O R L mark to curve to your desired angle. The pliers feature a comfortable grip to reduce tension and make the work easier for you.
- Designed to bend aluminum, brass, copper, and other steel tubing with thin walls
- Three-channel design
- Brake Bender is easy to use
- Made from a precision aluminized machine
- Has a comfort grip to minimize tension
02. Eastwood Brake Line Forming Tool
This easy-to-install brake line forming tool is made in China. This Eastwood brake line is used to adjust, bend, or align ¼ and 3/16 brake and fuel lines with just a twist of the wrist. This braking tool cannot be compared to any other when it comes to decreasing the bend radius or fitting new hard lines.
Eastwood brake line benders feature jaws that form bends in ¼- and 3/16-inch tubing without damage or distortion. This 9-inch-long forged tool features vinyl grips that help reduce hand fatigue. They are used to add compound curves and adjust angles for a proper fit without risking kinking the wall, which could lead to a dangerous restriction.
- Adjust, bend, and align brake lines
- Works for ¼ and 3/16 brake and fuel lines
- Have shaped jaws
- The forged brake line tool has vinyl grips
- Used to add compound or alter angles
03. ABN Brass Brake Line Bending Pliers
ABN brass brake line bending pliers are a must-have tool for every professional mechanic or DIYer working on brake lines. This brake line tool is made from heavy-duty forged steel for durability. The make also enables the pliers to adjust, align, or bend brake and fuel lines without damaging or kinking. These pliers are designed for use on ¼- and 3/16-inch A/C, brake, and fuel lines. It is also used to fit new hard lines and change the bends of an existing brake line.
ABN 3200 brass bending pliers feature rubber grips that provide secure, comfortable holding during use. The grip reduces fatigue for the user when they use the pliers for a long time. It also features a strong, shaped jaw that enables the user to bend tubes without distorting or damaging them.
- To use on ¼ and 3/16 fuel, brake, and AC lines
- Rubber handles for a comfortable and firm hold
- Used to adjust the bend and align brake and fuel lines
- Made of heavy-duty forged steel
- Have strong and shaped jaws
- Easy to bend tubes without distorting
04. Lisle 44150 3/16″ Tubing Bender Pliers
Lisle 44150 tubing bender pliers are ideal for bending all tubing with an outer diameter of 3/16. It has a unique head design that enables it to bend without collapsing. The pliers can also be used as a tight-radius tubing bender, bending tubes in tight spots without flattening or kinking.
The handles are more than 3 ¼ inches apart, providing proper leverage even when handling steel tubing. Another great advantage of these pliers is that they do not leave any marks on the tube’s surface.
- It bends 3/16 brake lines
- Handles are 3 ¼ inches apart
- Easy to access tight spots
- Have a unique head design
05. Gino Development Brake Line Pliers and Bender
Gino Development TruePower benders are custom fit. The tube-bending pliers are suitable for mechanics or anyone else working on a brake line. The pliers are made from 9-inch-long drop-forged steel. Due to their make, these pliers can easily align, adjust, and bend brake tubing. Some people may use this tool to straighten the brake line, but it requires more effort than bending. It would be more prudent to use tubing straighteners for straightening brake tubing.
These handy pliers from Gino Development TruePower work on ¼- and 3/16-inch brake tubing without distorting or kinking the tubing. The benders feature strong, shaped jaws that enable them to bend brake tubes without distortion. They are also equipped with comfortable vinyl gripping handles that not only reduce user fatigue but also provide a firm hold.
- Made with 9 inches-long forged steel
- Comfortable vinyl gripping handles
- Bend ¼ inches and 3/16 inches brake lines
- Strong and shaped jaws
- Used to adjust, bend, and align brake tubes
06. OTC 6515 3-in-1 Heavy Duty Bender
This OTC bender is a well-made hand-tubing bender that works perfectly on non-ferrous metal and light steel brake pipes. This tube bender is ideal for anyone looking for 3/8, 5/16, and ¼ tube sizes. It is the perfect bender for making 180-degree angle bends on steel, aluminum, brass, and copper tubing.
The OTC Heavy Duty Tubing Bender is suitable not only for brake lines but also for fuel pipelines, water lines, gas lines, and general tubing. The bending tool is not only easy to use but also does not interfere with the tubing.
The OTC is a light bender, so it is not well-suited for heavy steel pipes. It is also easy to use, affordable, and high-quality. The pipe is a 100% no-frills affair. It is simple, effective, and compatible with a range of tube sizes.
- Ideal for non-ferrous metal and light steel pipes
- Makes 180 degrees bend
- Ideal for bending steel, aluminum, brass, and copper tubing
- Works on 3/8 inches, 5/16 inches, and ¼ inches tubing
- Easy to use
- Can be used to bend other tubing and lines
- Bender is affordable
07. Eastwood Brake Line Bending Tool
This Eastwood bender is an ideal alternative for anyone looking for a high-quality brake line bending tool. They are indispensable pliers for fitting new hard lines or reducing the bend radius near the fitting end. These pliers are made with high-quality materials that enable them to bend fuel, brake, and transmission lines by hand without distorting or kinking.
The 180-degree tubing bender is used to easily adjust, align, and bend 3/16-inch and ¼-inch brake and fuel lines. These pliers feature comfortable vinyl handles that reduce fatigue. The forged steel brake line bending pliers feature strong, shaped jaws.
Its strong make makes it easy for them to add compound curves or alter angles on lines for proper fitting without kinking the line. Distorting the brake line may result in a dangerous restriction of gas and fluid flow. The pliers deliver high-quality results at a very affordable price.
- Align, adjust, and bend brake and fuel lines
- Have comfortable grip vinyl handles
- Works on ¼ inches and 3/16 inches line
08. Brake Line Tube Bending Pliers
Brake Line Tube Bending Pliers are among the best-bending pliers on the market, not only for their high quality but also for their affordability. This tube bender is suitable for working with AC refrigerant, brake, and fuel brake lines, among other lines. It is crafted with comfortable grip handles, which minimize user fatigue.
These brake line benders are made with drop-forged steel. This makes them strong and rustproof. It also makes them more durable. The dual-headed tool works with ¼ and 3/16 tubing. These pliers will bend brake line tubing without kinking.
- It has a dual head
- Drop forged steel
- Works on ¼ and 3/16 tubing
- Ideal for AC, brake, and fuel refrigerant lines
- Bend brake tubes without kinking
09. Automotive Brake Line Pliers
Automotive brake line pliers are designed to bend ¼- and 3/16-inch brake line tubing. This great tool can also be used to cut in tight places. The tube cutter will cut sizes anywhere from 1/8 inches to 1 1/8 inches. It is suitable for cutting regular steel, copper-nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Automotive Brake Line benders are made from drop-forged steel, which not only makes them strong enough to serve their purpose but also durable. The bender is rust and corrosion-resistant. This great hand bender offers functionality at a lower price. The strength helps the user achieve their desired bends and angles quickly and easily.
- Pliers are for ¼ and 3/16 brake line tubing
- Tube cutter for sizes 3mm to 28mm
- Tube cutter for regular steel, copper-nickel, aluminum, and stainless steel
10. Brake Pipe Bender Tool 4 IN 1
If you are looking for a tool for fuel and brake line repair or tubing, then Brake Pipe Bender is the best option. This 4-in-1 tool is 100% new and ideal for automotive mechanics. It provides professional and neat bends for brake lines. This tool makes it easy to bend brake lines and pipes, and is also suitable for close metric sizes.
Brake Pipe Benders are compatible with four different sizes, including 3/8 inches, 5/16 inches, ¼ inches, and 3/16 inches. The handle is made with a comfortable non-slip rubber grip, which minimizes user fatigue. It is suitable for bending steel, brass, copper, and aluminum pipes or tubes. It is also made of high-quality materials, making the line bender quite durable.
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Durable quality and 100% new
- Suitable for 4 different sizes
- Use for fuel, brake line repair, or tubing
- Ideal for bending steel, brass, copper, and aluminum pipes
Benefits of Using Brake Lining Bender
A brake lining bender is one of the most important tools for any professional mechanic or DIYer working on the brake system. At times, you will come across a brake line that needs to be bent, and this is the perfect tool for the job. Here are some of the benefits you will get from using brake line benders:
Cost
One benefit of using brake bending tools is cost savings. When you buy the bending tools, you won’t need to take your car to a mechanic for brake bending. This is an investment you will have made in your car tools. Once you have the tool, use it in all other instances where you need to bend a tub, a pipe, or a brake line. It will save you the costs you would have incurred in welding.
Convenient Operation
The other major benefit of using brake line benders is convenience. Using unprofessional methods to bend your brake lines can cause damage, preventing liquids and gases from flowing as expected. The tool is specifically designed for tube bending, so it delivers a perfect, professional bend with minimal hassle. It also offers precision that you cannot get from the basic benders.
Quality and Consistency
Brake line benders not only offer high-quality bends but also help users achieve consistently high-quality results. A bend can be designed to fit given specifications, and the brake bender will offer an accurate bend every time you take a brake line through it. The brake line benders also reduce the chances of having defects in the final product.
Safe Use
Unlike other tools not designed for tube bending, brake line benders are quite safe to use. They are not only safe for the user but also for the brake lines. The brake line benders enable you to make bends in brake tubes, pipes, or lines without breaking or damaging them.
Easy Portability
Most brake benders are small, so you can carry them conveniently in your vehicle. Brake line benders are not heavy and do not take up much space. You can therefore carry them around, so you will always have them when you need them. A good brake line bender is portable and easy to carry. Look for a bender that is lightweight, consumes less space, and is easily portable.
Multi-Purpose
This is a great benefit of buying brake line benders. Most of the brake line benders are not only used for brake lines but can also be used for other tubes and pipes. With this bender, you will have a great advantage, since you can use it to bend other pipes as well. They will offer you a high-quality bend compared to other unprofessional tube-bending methods. They are safe to use, and they will save you a lot of money on the tasks.
Easy to Use
Brake line benders are simple and easy to use. They have been designed to get through tight places. Most of them have rubber grip handles, which makes them easy to use and less tiring. The line benders also make it quite easy to bend lines made of different materials without causing any damage. It also takes you less time to achieve the bends you want in a brake line.
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Brake Line Benders Buying Guide
There are several types of brake lines on the market, each used for different purposes. The shapes and costs differ, but they serve different needs. It is therefore important to have a guide on how to choose the best brake line benders for your needs. Below, we shall mention some of the major things you need to consider before you purchase the best brake line:
Type of Brake Bender
One crucial thing to check before you buy a brake line bender is the type of bender you need. There are different benders in the market, and they may confuse you about which one to pick. First, know your needs, and it will lead you to get the right brake line bender type.
Some of the most common benders in the market are open rotary draw benders, ram-style benders, mandrel benders, and roll benders. All these brake line types serve different roles and produce different results. The best brake line bender is the one that meets your needs.
Evaluation of Accuracy, Speed, and Repeatability
The accuracy and speed of a brake line bender are the other things you need to consider. Remember that this bender is supposed to make it easy to bend brake lines that need accuracy. If you work in an automotive shop, you might need to work on different brake lines, so you need a tool that bends them quickly.
Air/Hydraulic benders are powered by a combination of shop air and hydraulics. These types of benders are faster than manual benders but not as fast as electric/hydraulic benders. Manual brake line benders are more economical, but repeatability and accuracy depend on the operator’s care.
Bender Capacity and Material Strength
For you to get the best quality bend, you should ensure that the brake line bender you buy will handle the strength of the brake lines you want to bend. The brake line benders come in different sizes and handle brake lines of varying sizes. The user is supposed to know the size or radius of the brake line they intend to bend for the bender to be the correct one. Some benders can bend more than one size. It could be better to get one that can bend several tube sizes, since you can still use the latter for other brake lines with different sizes.
The material of the Brake Line
Before you purchase a brake line bender, you should know the material used to make the brake line you intend to bend. Benders are made differently and designed to handle specific materials. Some are meant only to bend lighter materials, while others are made for heavy-duty use.
For better results, check the material thickness, outside diameter, and size, as well as the type of material used to make the line, tube, or pipe. You could buy a brake bender that handles a wide variety of materials and sizes for versatility.
Durability
We all want to buy a durable too, which will serve us for a long time. If you are a DIYer, you want a brake line bender that you can use for other instances when you need it. Even an automotive repair shop wants to buy a bender that will last a long time without spoiling. The durability of the brake line bender will depend on the materials it is made of. A bender made with strong materials tends to be more durable. Some of the most durable brake line benders are made with drop-forged solid steel. However, you should handle the bender with care to prevent spoilage.
Type of grip Handle
The handle of a brae line bender is another important aspect to check. This is the place that will be in direct contact with your hand, and it needs to be comfortable. An uncomfortable handle can cause you to hurt your hand after prolonged use. Consider brake line benders made with rubber grip handles. The handles are not only comfortable but also make it less tedious, even after long periods of work.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the brake line bender. With so many benders in the market, there is a lot of competition, and thus, the prices have become fair. Check your budget and find the best bender within it that still meets your needs. Consider the quality and its functionality first, and then look at the price. There are benders with lower prices but still deliver quality. However, be cautious not to sacrifice high quality for a low price.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Best Brake Line Material?
The best brake line material in the market is copper-nickel. Copper-nickel brake tubing is primarily used by vehicle manufacturers such as Porsche, Aston Martin, Lotus, Rolls-Royce, and Audi. Copper-nickel is also used by firefighting, military, and other heavy vehicles. Some of the reasons this material is the best are its resistance to corrosion from road salt, reliability, safety features, trouble-free installation, and long-lasting performance. It therefore reduces your coating costs for the brake system and the number of times you change the brake lines. Copper-nickel also has a better fatigue strength and higher general strength than copper.
How Do You Use a Line Bender?
To use a Brake line bender, sandwich the tube between the roller and the former and pull the handles to force it around the former. The line is then forced to take the shape of the former when pressure is exerted by pulling the handles together. It is crucial for the pipe to retain most of its original shape to remain in good condition. A larger pipe will need a large pipe bender.
How Do You Use a Tubing Bender in Evercraft?
Once you have the right tubing bender, you can easily go through the tube-bending process. Set up the tube bender based on the radius you want to achieve in the tube. Mark the reference points and bend directions. At times, you might make several bends in a single tube; thus, you need reference points and bend directions to achieve the desired results. After a light, insert the tubing into the bender and start the bending process. After acquiring your desired bend, disengage the pipe from the tube bender.
Is Copper Good for Brake Lines?
Copper-nickel tubing has several advantages. They are corrosion- and rust-resistant, and very neat on the inside and outside. Copper is also good for brake lines because it is easy to install and long-lasting. Copper tubing offers safety and reliability.
Since it is corrosion-free, you do not need to coat it now and then. This will reduce coating costs. Copper tubing offers superior reliability, ensuring both the car owner and the manufacturer have a more durable, more effective brake system. However, steel brake lines are also very good at their work.
How Do You Bend Tubing Without a Bender?
It is difficult to bend a tube without a bender, but it is not impossible. So these are the steps to follow:
Pack the Pipe
Start by plugging one side of the tube. You can use a carriage bolt that fits snugly in the end. Fill the tube with sand. The sand you use should be compact and nice to prevent the tube from buckling.
Heat the Area
Having extreme heat in an area you want to bend makes the process simple. Use a blow torch to heat the tube. Concentrate the heat all around the area you want to bend. Have the area marked so that you cannot go past what you desire.
Bend the Tube
Clamp one of the tube ends to the vice and make sure it will not move. Ensure there is enough space on the side you want to bend so you can get a good grip. You can wrap the end you will be holding with material to prevent your hand from getting hurt.
Finish the Process
After bending the tube, you can cut off the deformed end. Also, remove the sand from the tube and clean it. You can use a string with a rag to get all the sand out of the tube. The method may not be as perfect as using a tube bender, but it is okay.
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Final Words
Having gone through the best brake line benders guide, you can now comfortably buy a bender that will fit your needs. The brake line benders we have discussed above are well known for their functionality and affordability. They have different features, and thus choose the one with the right characteristics for you. It is also crucial to review past customer reviews of the tools so you can make an informed choice.
Brake line benders are not just for mechanics; it is advisable to have them in your home. This way, you will not have a hard time the next time you want to fix your brake system, and there are lines that need to be bent. However, brake benders are only for bending brake lines. The benders cannot be used to straighten tubes, pipes, or lines. If you want to straighten a brake line, find the right tool.
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