Which tool is used to bend copper tubing to precise radii?

Which tool is used to bend copper tubing to precise radii?

• A. A pipe cutter
• B. A tube bender
• C. A tubing flaring tool
• D. A hacksaw

Answer: (B)

Bending copper tubing to a precise radius requires a tool that guides the tubing along a controlled curve without kinking or collapsing the wall. A tube bender provides dies or formers that match the desired bend radius, allowing you to adjust the radius and bend smoothly around the chosen guide. This keeps the tubing’s outer surface and wall thickness consistent, which is essential for a proper fitting and leak-free connection. The other tools have different jobs: a pipe cutter or hacksaw simply cuts the tube, not shapes it; and a tubing flaring tool changes the end of the tube to create a flare for fittings, which is a different operation from bending. Therefore, the tube bender is the best choice for bending copper tubing to precise radii.

Bending copper tubing to a precise radius requires a tool that guides the tubing along a controlled curve without kinking or collapsing the wall. A tube bender provides dies or formers that match the desired bend radius, allowing you to adjust the radius and bend smoothly around the chosen guide. This keeps the tubing’s outer surface and wall thickness consistent, which is essential for a proper fitting and leak-free connection. The other tools have different jobs: a pipe cutter or hacksaw simply cuts the tube, not shapes it; and a tubing flaring tool changes the end of the tube to create a flare for fittings, which is a different operation from bending. Therefore, the tube bender is the best choice for bending copper tubing to precise radii.