I am trying to bend ½ inch rigid – but I am getting kinks.
I have a Harbor Freight style table top hydraulic hand pump bender with spring return.
I need a 90 degree bend using the #15 / ½ or #20 / ¾ bender die.
I am using ½ inch standard black iron pipe off the shelve of home depot – and I also tried ½ inch standard galvanized iron pipe off the shelve too. Both are kinking BAD. Six months ago they worked FINE and did not kink at all – but now I am getting all kinds of kinks and it is just not working. I thought it might be because of the cold – so I tossed some of the pipe in the grill and heated up – still kinks. Then I went back to my old scrap from 6 months ago and they are bending GREAT. Problem is in the pipe. They must have changed the pipe or supplier in the last 6 months.
I WOUNDER:
IS there a difference between 1/2 PIPE and 1/2 RIGID CONDUIT = they look the same? Maybe the Real Rigid Conduit even though it cost a lot more $$$ will bend correctly?
I must use Rigid because I need to thread the pipe for my antique fittings.
Please advise.
Travis E. Towle
Topeka, Kansas
785-357-1004