[OrganizedChaos]

I have seen in multiple places online that I'm not the first person to come across the problem (link to build log) of having a bending insert that is smaller than the ideal size for their rigid tubing.

I have 12mm/10mm Bitspower tubing and have bought 3 inserts thinking that surely one if them would fit, however none of them fit snugly. Has anyone ever had to come up with a workaround for this? I've seen silicone fuel lines suggested but am having trouble finding one around town that is the correct size (trying to keep from waiting on shipping yet again if possible). There is a local shop that deals with specialized tubing but they aren't open until Monday. Thought I would post here for other possible suggestions in the interim.

 

[Revan654]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrganizedChaos

I have seen in multiple places online that I'm not the first person to come across the problem (link to build log) of having a bending insert that is smaller than the ideal size for their rigid tubing.

I have 12mm/10mm Bitspower tubing and have bought 3 inserts thinking that surely one if them would fit, however none of them fit snugly. Has anyone ever had to come up with a workaround for this? I've seen silicone fuel lines suggested but am having trouble finding one around town that is the correct size (trying to keep from waiting on shipping yet again if possible). There is a local shop that deals with specialized tubing but they aren't open until Monday. Thought I would post here for other possible suggestions in the interim.

There needs be some room around the bending tool, Just not allot. Don't forget Bending insert will expand a bit once heat is applied to it.

I've used Darkside bending insert with Bitspower Acrylic and works without any issues(16mm).

 

[Revan654]

The Bending insert in the picture is from AlphaCool with Bitspower Tubing.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Out of the 3 I bought, the alphacool and ek inserts fit the best but they weren't nearly what I would call snug. Lubrication wasn't even remotely necessary to get them inserted. Have been trying the one from ek the most because the alphacool insert was so severely curved from it's package, it was hard to keep it from affecting the bend. I also might have to break down and buy some kind of bending tool rather than freehanding it with the help of a straight edge.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Would something like this be worth it? Some of the reviews I've seen of these kinds of tools have been mixed.

 

[Revan654]

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrganizedChaos

Out of the 3 I bought, the alphacool and ek inserts fit the best but they weren't nearly what I would call snug. Lubrication wasn't even remotely necessary to get them inserted. Have been trying the one from ek the most because the alphacool insert was so severely curved from it's package, it was hard to keep it from affecting the bend. I also might have to break down and buy some kind of bending tool rather than freehanding it with the help of a straight edge.

You have to be very careful when ordering bending inserts. Reading the description on bending tool, Some will say for 12 OD tubing. Where others will say for 10 ID. The ID is the important one here when picking a bending Insert.

With all the bending inserts I have DarkSide & Barrow are the best.

Any of the following should work for your Tubing.

Barrow: https://modmymods.com/barrow-10mm-silicon-bending-cord-for-10mm-id-hardtube-1m-length-10mm.html
AlphaCool: https://modmymods.com/alphacool-silicon-bending-insert-100cm-for-id-3-8-10mm-hardtube-blue-29117.html
DarkSide: https://dazmode.com/store/product/10mm-cord-for-12mm-od-hard-tube-bending/

Bitspower(10mm ID): http://www.performance-pcs.com/bitspower-silicon-bending-cord-10mm-clear-1m.html

When you heat your tubing make sure it's very soft before bending. If it still a bit rough it will cause some issues when you make the bend. The bending insert should expand as well, When you first put it in it might be slightly loose.

If I recall correctly Bitspower tubing was a bit thicker/thinner then other companies. That might play a role in the issue. For tubing for the most part I use AlphaCool or Barrow, I havn't had any issues with those brands.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

I have the alphacool, ek, and Bitspower inserts for 10mm ID tubing. The alphacool and ek inserts fit best. I'll try and heat the tube a little more to see if that helps. Perhaps it's getting hot enough for the tube to flex easily but not enough for the insert to expand.

 

[battlenut]

If this is the same process as bending copper tubing, with the exception of heating the tubing. the outer corner is going to pull inside as you bend, you are essentially stretching the outer corner and it will pull to the inside some. if this happens you will probably not get you tight fitting insert out. yup just looked at the picture again the elbow is slightly narrower at least from my view. sorry for butting in, never used hard tubing before. Just my

 

[OrganizedChaos]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Revan654

You have to be very careful when ordering bending inserts. Reading the description on bending tool, Some will say for 12 OD tubing. Where others will say for 10 ID. The ID is the important one here when picking a bending Insert.

With all the bending inserts I have DarkSide & Barrow are the best.

Any of the following should work for your Tubing.

Barrow: https://modmymods.com/barrow-10mm-silicon-bending-cord-for-10mm-id-hardtube-1m-length-10mm.html
AlphaCool: https://modmymods.com/alphacool-silicon-bending-insert-100cm-for-id-3-8-10mm-hardtube-blue-29117.html
DarkSide: https://dazmode.com/store/product/10mm-cord-for-12mm-od-hard-tube-bending/

Bitspower(10mm ID): http://www.performance-pcs.com/bitspower-silicon-bending-cord-10mm-clear-1m.html

When you heat your tubing make sure it's very soft before bending. If it still a bit rough it will cause some issues when you make the bend. The bending insert should expand as well, When you first put it in it might be slightly loose.

If I recall correctly Bitspower tubing was a bit thicker/thinner then other companies. That might play a role in the issue. For tubing for the most part I use AlphaCool or Barrow, I havn't had any issues with those brands.

Happily I think the problem is solved now. I was playing with it a bit more tonight and I believe the problem on actuality was not getting all sides of the tube heated evenly...

I turned the heat gun down 40 degrees and took a much longer approach to both heating and bending the tube and came out with a perfect bend.

Appreciate the input!