How to Use a Bar & Rod Bender

Calculate the length of the metal piece, which can be a pipe, rod or tubing, required for a bend. To do so, multiply the radius of the bend by 6.28. Multiply this sum by the degree of bend. Divide the sum by 360. This is the length required to make the bend, and only the bend. The length required for the metal piece, in addition to the bend, must be added separately.

Measure the metal piece. Mark the center line of the intended bend which is the middle of the bend if you were to measure from the beginning of the bend to the end. Place the metal piece in the bender.

Select a die. Your die selection depends on the radius of the bend required for your project. Dies are marked with radial measurements. Adjust the center line mark on the metal piece so it is aligned with the center line indicator on the bender die.

Attach the die to the bender pivot. Some bender dies have C-clamps that wrap around the pivot and tighten with an Allen wrench. Some pivots slide out of the bender, similar to removing a cotter pin, the pivot slides into the eyelet of the die and is then reattached to the bender. Fasten the metal piece in the bender using the set screw on the die.

Crank the mechanical arm on the bender until the correct degree of bend is indicated by the marks on the die. For a hydraulic bender, press the foot pedal or pull the hydraulic lever until the correct degree of bend occurs. Release the arm, lever or pedal and remove the metal piece.