Are you working on a decorative project that requires well-bent copper pipe for the right look? Or do you use copper pipes for plumbing work in your home?
Bending copper pipe works well for both visual appeal and practical plumbing applications, but you must use a proper method and provide adequate support to achieve the desired bend.
Read on as we explain everything you need to know about bending copper pipe safely, neatly and efficiently, whatever your intended application.
Useful tools for bending copper pipes
A blowtorch is your best friend for bending copper tubing. While there are some methods that work without using one, most benefit from the heat and make it much easier to get the curves you need smoothly.
You need something like a oxyacetylene torch, which runs hotter and is usually safer than a propane torch. It is more expensive, but works well for getting copper pipe hot and ready to bend.
Other general plumbing tools and supplies to have on hand include:
- pipe cutters (or a suitable saw)
- A bucket of cold water
- Additional copper pipe
- Safety equipment (eg goggles and gloves)
You may want to try a few different methods for bending copper tubing, so make sure you have everything you need on hand.
Safety measures when bending copper pipe
We recommend wearing protective gloves and goggles when bending the copper pipe.
Safety glasses should be at least shade 4 to protect your eyes from the bright flame from an acetylene flame. Even if you don’t use heat, the glasses protect your eyes from potential shrapnel depending on the bending method.
Gloves offer the best protection when using heat, but they also work to protect your hands if you’re bending by hand.
If you use heat, make sure there are no flammable objects nearby. Be sure to have a bucket of cold water handy for cooling the copper pipe or dealing with stray flames. A fire extinguisher is a great backup plan.
Tips before you start
- Be sure to provide adequate support for the sides of the pipe throughout the length of the elbow, either inside or outside the pipe. Proper support is what helps the copper hold its shape, preventing it from collapsing inward or warping.
- Work slowly to prevent curling or curling. It also allows you to make easy changes as needed if a problem starts to arise.
- Understand the cost of bending copper pipe before you begin. Because the material is so expensive, you may not be able to afford a short training session to get what you want. Plan for the future.
Methods of bending copper pipe
There are many methods and tools for bending copper pipes, including:
- Dry sand and funnel method
- A pipe arch
- Pipe bending tools
Whichever method you choose, allow yourself enough time and materials to practice beforehand. While bending the copper pipe it seems easy, it is quite difficult to reach the doubt where you want and at the desired angle.
If possible, try a few different methods to see what works best for you.
1. Dry sand + Funnel
Packing fine dry sand inside of copper pipe provides the support you need to keep it from collapsing. This distributes any bending force you apply, but you need to make sure it’s dense (no air pockets) and moisture free.
Block the bottom of the copper pipe with duct tape or electrical tape to prevent sand from escaping, then use a funnel to fill it. Stop periodically to hit the pipe with a rod or drop it on a hard surface to pack the sand.
When it is completely full, block the other side to prevent sand from escaping.
You might be able to bend smaller, more malleable pipes with just force, but heat makes the process easier. Bend it to the desired curve, then let it cool in a bucket of cold water (if heated).
Although sand is not expensive (you can even use beach sand or salt), it is time consuming and tedious. It is also difficult to get the angle right with this manual bending process.
2. Pipe bending springs
Pipe bending springs come in a variety of sizes to fit copper pipe of various diameters (typically ¼ inch to ⅝ inch). They fit around the copper pipe and provide the support needed to make the bend, and the springs work well for bends up to 180 degrees.
You can purchase a tube spring kit or a single tube bend spring to suit your needs. They are quite cheap and easy to carry, but they are also difficult to use carefully.
Mark your elbow on the copper pipe, starting from the outermost point of the curve. Be sure to clean the pipe before bending it, paying particular attention to any burrs from cutting.
The springs can fit inside or outside the copper pipe. For those that fit inside, make sure you can easily retrieve them after folding. If it is shorter than the length of the pipe, attach the wire to the spring to prevent loss.
Bending the pipes works easiest if you heat the copper until it turns red, but smaller pipes can be bent without it. Use gloves in any case and work slowly while bending. Remove the bow when you’re done and rate your work.
3. Bending pipes
Pipe bending tools are undoubtedly the easiest method of bending copper pipe, but they are more of an investment than other methods. It also works at a set radius that might not work for your project.
For those willing to invest, offer bent pipes greater accuracy and saves you from heat dependence.
To use one:
- Open the bender so that you can insert the pipe in a straight line
- Determine the bending angle
- Pull the handles together until the angle is formed
- Remove the pipe
Authorized Institute of Sanitary and Thermal Engineering (Cihei) recommends following McKeown’s table for efficient transmission through copper piping. A pipe bender is the best tool to achieve these angles with precision.
| 90° | 60° | 45° | 30° | |
| 15 mm | 70 mm | 46 mm | 35 mm | 23 mm |
| 22 mm | 100 mm | 66 mm | 50 mm | 33 mm |
To use the chart, determine your copper pipe size and angle. Measure back the dictated amount from the body of the table, then mark it with an arrow. Line up the arrow with the edge of the pipe bender shape, then bend as usual.
Why do you bend copper pipe?
Bending copper pipe may seem unnecessary, but it is often preferred for:
- Aesthetic appeal
- Uniform flow of material
- Fewer fittings and less room for error
This assumes success in copper bending, but is often worth the risk.
1. Aesthetics
Aesthetic appeal is not a final reason for certain methods, but it makes a lot of sense with copper pipe. Exposed copper pipes are beautiful, and if you can capitalize on that by bending rather than throwing away a mess of fittings, why not?
Copper bending keeps things neat and fuels certain design choices. This is especially important when using copper tubing for design over function.
2. Uniform flow
Keeping the material flow even is a more practical reason for bending copper. Other pipe materials, such as PVC, require fittings that force the material to change direction quickly.
In these cases, the material must hit the side, then bounce to travel down the pipe. Although it doesn’t happen often, it can cause air bubbles with the potential to block and damage the system.
Bending the copper pipe allows the material to flow freely through its length.
3. Fewer fittings
Pipes are more likely to fail at joints and fittings. While proper installation plays a major role in this, eliminate the risk by avoiding fittings when possible.
Reducing the number of fittings used also affects the budget. This is not a big deal on a small scale, but those who regularly install copper pipes will see the savings accrue.
Often the investment in the oxyacetylene gun and a few pipe benders is well worth the reduction in fitting purchases.
The importance of using the right method to bend copper pipe
Make sure you choose a method that:
- It allows you to get the right angle for your curve
- Provides adequate support for the copper pipe
- You are comfortable doing
Bending copper pipe requires patience and dedication for clean results. Bends, creases and creases in your elbow reduce the diameter of the pipe and interfere with the flow of materials.
Although forgivable in artistic applications, crimped or crimped copper pipe used for plumbing is more likely to break due to uneven pressure. Perfection, as well as practice, pays off in the end.
Conclusion
Although there are several ways to easily bend copper pipe, patience and persistence are essential to achieve a neat and effective bend. Remember to:
- Gather all the necessary materials before you begin
- Provide sufficient support for the pipe walls
- Work slowly
Keep an extra copper pipe on hand in case something goes wrong with your bending, and comment with any questions or concerns you have with copper pipe bending.
