When fitting or repairing the brakes of a vehicle, 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 a tube, and thus you need specialized brake line tools for the process. A brake pipe bender helps a mechanic to bend a brake line to its desired angle. The bender makes joints and still maintains 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. Brake line bender helps you to make perfect bends every time. There are various types of benders available, and they have different uses. Below are a guide and 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 degrees and /or 180-degree bends. This brake bender is great for auto mechanics working with thin tubing-like brake lines. It is crafted with precision machined aluminum alloy for durability, strength, and long use life.
This bending tool is easy and quick to use since the bending information is etched onto the tool directly. 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 different 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 with O R L mark to curve to your desired angle. The pliers are made with 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 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 have shaped jaws that form bend ¼ and 3/16 tubing without damages or distortion. This 9 inches long forged tool is made with vinyl grips which assist in reducing hand fatigue. They are used to add compound curves and alter angles for proper fit without fearing kinking the wall, which may result in 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 is a much 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 to be used on ¼ and 3/16 A/C lines, brake lines, 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 have rubber grips that give you secure and comfortable holding during use. The grip reduces fatigue for the user when they use the pliers for a long time. It is also made with a strong and shaped jaw which enables the user to bend tubes without distorting or damaging the tubing.
- To use on ¼ and 3/16 fuel, brake, and AC lines
- Rubber handles for comfortable and firm hold
- Used to adjust 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 since it is able to bend tubes in tight spots without flattening or kinking.
The handles are more than 3 ¼ inches apart, which gives you proper leverage even when handling steel tubing. Another great advantage of these pliers is that they do not leave any mark on the surface of the tube.
- 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 with 9 inches-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 needs significant effort compared to 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 brake tubing without distorting or kinking the tube. The benders feature strong and shaped jaws, which enable them to bend brake tubes without distortion. They are also made with comfortable vinyl gripping handles which not only reduce user fatigue but also give 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 degrees angle bends on steel, aluminum, brass, and copper tubing.
OTC Heavy Duty Tubing Bender is not only suitable for brake lines but also for fuel pipelines, water lines, gas lines, and general tubing. The bending tool is not only easy to use and without interfering with the tubing.
The OTC is a light bender, and thus it is not too good for heavy steel pipes. It is also easy to use, affordable, and of high quality. The pipe is a 100% no-frills affair. It is simple, effective, and compatible with several 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 that you can use to fit new hard lines or decrease the bend radius, which is 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 inches and ¼ inches brake and fuel lines. These pliers are made with comfortable grip vinyl handles, which reduces fatigue for the user. The forged steel brake line bending pliers is designed with strong and 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 give you high-quality results at quite an 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 in the market, not only for their good quality but also for 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 made to bend ¼ and 3/16 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 with drop-forged steel which not only makes them strong to serve the 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 to make their desired bends and angles simply and fast.
- 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, which include 3/8 inches, 5/18 inches, ¼ inches, and 3/16 inches tubes. 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 quality material which makes the line bender quite durable.
- Non-slip rubber handle
- Durable quality and 100% new
- Suitable for 4 different sizes
- Use for fuel or 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 when dealing with the brake system. At times you will come around a brake line that needs to bend, and this is the perfect tool for that purpose. Here are some of the benefits you will get from using brake line benders:
Cost
One benefit you get from using brake bending tools is cost savings. When you buy the bending tools, you will not have to go to a mechanic for brake bending. This is an investment you will have made for your car tools. Once you have the tool, you will use it in all the other instances where you will need to bend a tub, a pipe, or a brake line. It will save you costs you would have used in welding.
Convenient Operation
The other major benefit of using brake line benders is for convenience purposes. When you use unprofessional ways to bend your brake lines, it may result in damages, thus preventing liquids and gasses from flowing as expected. The tool is made specifically for tube bending, and thus, it gives a perfect and professional bend without many hustles. It also offers precision which you cannot get from the basic benders.
Quality and Consistency
Brake line benders do not only offer high-quality bends but also helps the user to offer high-quality results consistently. A bend can be designed to fit given specifications, and the brake bender will offer the 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 that are not made for tube bending, brake line benders are quite safe to use. They are not only safe to the user but also to the brake lines. The brake line benders enable you to make bends on a brake tube, pile, or line without breaking or damaging them.
Easy Portability
Most brake benders are of small size and thus you can carry them conveniently in your vehicle. Brake lines benders are not heavy and also do not consume a lot of space. You can, therefore, carry them around, and thus 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 will be able to use then to bend other pipes as well. They will offer you a high-quality bend compared to other unprofessional ways of tube bending. They are safe to use, and they will save you a lot of money for 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 tiresome. 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 have your desired bends on a brake line.
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Brake Line Benders Buying Guide
There are several types of brake lines in the market, and they are used for different purposes. The shapes and costs are different, but they satisfy different needs. It is, therefore, important to have a guide on how to get 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 the bender. There are different benders in the market, and they may confuse you about the 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 have different roles, and they give 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 is the other thing you need to consider. Remember that this bender is supposed to make it easy to bend brake lines that need accuracy. If you are working in an automotive shop, you might be needed to work on different brake lines, and thus you need a tool that will bend brake lines with speed.
Air/Hydraulic benders are powered by shop air and hydraulic combined. 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 the repeatability and accuracy vary on the care of the operator.
Bender Capacity and Material Strength
For you to get the best quality bend, you should ensure that the brake line bender you but will handle the strength of the brake lines you want to bend. The brake line benders come in different sizes, and they handle different sizes of the brake line. The user is supposed to know the size or radius of the brake line they intend to bend for then to be the correct bender. 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 they are made to handle distinctive materials. Some are only meant to bend lighter materials, while some are mended for heavy-duty uses.
For better results, check the thickness of the material, the outside diameter, and the size, as well as the type of material making 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 that bender that they will use for a long time without getting spoiled. The durability of the brake line bender will depend on the materials they have been made with. 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 also handle the bender with care to prevent it from getting spoilt.
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 make you hurt your hand after using it for a long time. Consider brake line benders made with rubber grip handles. The handles are not only comfortable, but they also make it less tedious even after working for long periods.
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 see the best bender within your budget that still fulfills your needs. Consider the quality and its functionality fast and then lower down to 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. The copper-nickel brake tubing is mainly 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 because of its resistance to corrosion which may be caused by road salt, reliability, and safety characteristics, trouble-free installation, and is also long-lasting. It, therefore, reduces your costs of coating the brake system and also 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 for it to be 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, it is very easy for you to 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 be making several bends in a single tube; thus, you need to have reference points and bend directions to get the desired results. After a light and inset the tubing in 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-resistant, rust-resistant, and also very neat both on the inside and outside. Copper is also good to use on brake lines since it is simple to install and also long-lasting. Copper tubing has safety and reliability characteristics.
Since it is corrosion-free, you will not need to take it for coating now and then. This will reduce the cost of coating. Copper tubing offers superior reliability and makes sure that both the car owner and the manufacturer have improved durability and effective functioning of the 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 on an area you want to bend makes the process simple. Use a blow torch to heat the tube. Concentrate the heat all-round the area you want to bend. Have the area marked so that you cannot go past what you desired.
Bend the Tube
Clamp one of the tubes ends to the vice and make sure it will not move. Ensure that there is enough space on the side you want to bend so that you can have 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, get rid of 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 when you would have used 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 crucial to also go through the reviews given by past customers about the tools so that you can make an informed choice.
Brake line benders are not only for mechanics, but 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, look for the correct tool to do so.
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