Craftsman Spring External Mandrel Soft Tube Benders Review

These are still a common tool today, although these older craftsman's seem to be a little over-sized and not as supportive, the idea is the steel spring prevents the copper or aluminum tubing from collapsing when bending it especially tight bends. These is also internal version which I think work a little better and you can use both external and internal at the same time for extra support.
Craftsman #9-55411

[@poodlenz]

So it did exactly what it was meant to do for half the cost of a mechanical pipe bender.

[@HydroMaester]

Thanks for the cool review. I remember seeing these as a kidand never knowing wtf they were for.

[@dpt4402]

The General tools version model number S106 was common in the day. They worked best when using a little assembly oil. Most trade persons used the lager sizes for slight off set bends as the cost of lever type tube benders get pricey with OD sizes above half inch.
You can use the spring type benders on rigid copper as long as you anneal the section that needs an offset.

[@volcwatcher7563]

I'm impressed

[@SurajKumar-ej8wq]

Good work

[@gypsydildopunks7083]

Will when we get the "Who is Catus Maximus" documentary series?

[@colchronic]

With computer petg hard tubing you insert a silicon rubber insert before bending to keep the shape, I wonder if you could use it in metal tubing

[@footlongburrito]

Professionally these aren't really useful, I have hilmor ratchet tubing bender for this and it will bend up to 1 inch copper to about 120 degree bend

[@rbfbrown7207]

😒🤦🏾‍♂️stfu

[@TheBootyWrangler]

These be great for replacing the springs behind me doors so my wife gets made she can’t open the door all they way great video 👍🏼👍🏼