Tube Bender Suggestions

I'm thinking of buying the following Ridgid tube bender for some brake line repairs. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. Looks like the best online price that I could find is around $50.
http://www.ridgid.com/Tools/400-Series-Lever-Benders/index.htm

 

That particular bender is meant for soft copper, not steel tubing. I'm not sure how it would work. I'd go this route, but I'm biased, as I sell this particular one myself.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1340&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

I will second the snap on one for quality ( it is what i have). But if you want to go cheap and are only using it for a few bends Harbor Freight has them cheap.

 

Thanks Ledge. The Snapon tool looks just like the #456 Tri-Bender made by Ridgid. They possibly make them for Snapon. I'm still leaning in the direction of the Ridgid #403. It seems a little heavier duty and can make 180 degree bends.

 

No offense to anyone that buys tools from Harbor Freight but I just can't bring myself to buy there.

 

I use both these benders regularly the 180 degree benders are real slick and will work on thin wall tube I use them on soft copper and they are easy to use

 

Steve, I got a cheapy from harbor freight. Similar to that you posted was about $7. Your welcome to borrow if you like.

 

Thanks Joel but I talked myself into purchasing one online yesterday. BTW, how did you make out on that welding cart from HF?

 

Steve,

The welding cart was excellent. Very sturdy, I'm quite pleased.



I couldn't have built it for what I paid. Be careful though as they offer two and the other style is very flimsy.

 

Where's the bottle in that picture?

 

D'oh. I'm still at work.

 

Good goin' Joel. The cart looks much better than the one I saw in the store.

 

About the benders from HFT. They look exactly like the one Ridgid sells and identical to the one in Snap-on link, down to the paint colors on the various parts, unfinished bolts and lettering. Spot on identical. Throw all three in a bag and shake them up I doubt you could tell the difference. Probably all made in the same factory you know where.

 

I didn't see the one at HF but others on eBay that probably sell for about the same price, $8, look exactly the same. I don't know if they're made out of the same material but it's hard spotting any difference if any. Regardless, the Snap-on/HF 3-way bender only does up to 90 degree bends and supposedly will only go down to 1/4" tubing. I needed one for 3/16" tubing and up to 180 degree bends. That's why I selected the Model 403 lever bender from Ridgid. I'll probably have to scratch my thinking on HF in general based on what is currently available by other tool suppliers but they do have a lot of junk. Wouldn't you agree?

 

FWIW, we have a tube bender that looks a lot like the one in the first link, we use it on 1/4" stainless steel Swagelock tubing, works great.

 

i BOUGHT A 12 TON PIPE BENDER WITH 1/2 INCH DIES TO 2INCH FOR UNDER A HUNDRED BUCKS ON EBAY. WORKS GREAT.CLIFSTER