Description
4-in-1 Lever Tubing Bender for Copper, Steel, Aluminum, Brass, and Stainless Steel Tubes up to 3/8" O.D.
Overview
Most copper tubing benders handle three sizes. The Reed TB3456 handles four: 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" O.D. in a single tool. It bends soft and annealed tubing in copper, steel, aluminum, brass, and stainless steel up to 180 degrees. Calibrated markings every 15 degrees let you set exact angles without measuring. Weight is 1.9 lbs.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Catalog No. | TB3456 |
| Item Code | 02742 |
| Tube Capacity (O.D.) | 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", 3/8" (5, 6.5, 7.9, 9.5 mm) |
| Nominal Equivalents | 1/4" O.D. = 1/8" nominal; 3/8" O.D. = 1/4" nominal |
| Bend Radius | 15/16" |
| Bend Angle | 0° to 180° (single action) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (0.9 kg) |
| Construction | Die cast alloy, chrome-plated metal parts |
| Handles | Ergonomic, rounded, offset, extra long |
| Angle Markings | Every 15°, with R (right), L (left), and O (normal) gauge marks |
Key Features
- Four-Size Capacity. One copper tubing bender for 3/16", 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8" O.D. tubing. Switching between sizes requires no additional tools or attachments.
- 180-Degree Bend Range. The offset handles produce bends from 0 to 180 degrees in a single action. The form and shoe design maintains a consistent 15/16" bend radius across all four sizes.
- Calibrated Degree Markings. Angle markings appear every 15 degrees on the form handle. Separate gauge marks for right (R), left (L), and normal (O) bends let you match the bend direction to the run layout.
- Chrome-Plated Die Cast Alloy. The body is die-cast alloy with chrome plating on all metal surfaces. This resists rust and corrosion in damp work environments.
- Offset Handle Design. The rounded, extra-long handles provide leverage for bending thicker-wall tubing. The offset angle keeps your hands clear of the workpiece during the bend.
Materials Guide
The TB3456 bends soft or annealed tubing in the following metals:
- Copper: Type K and Type L soft copper tubing. The most common material for this bender.
- Steel: Annealed thin-wall steel tubing.
- Aluminum: Soft aluminum tubing.
- Brass: Annealed brass tubing.
- Stainless Steel: Up to .032" wall (0.8 mm). Requires slow, steady pressure.
Do not use the TB3456 on hard-tempered, hard-drawn, or extremely thin-wall materials. The tubing must be soft or annealed for clean bends without cracking.
How to Use
- Position the tube in the appropriate size groove, under the bar and shoe.
- Pull the shoe handle around the form with a slow, steady motion.
- Align the "0" mark on the shoe with the desired degree on the form indicator.
To bend 1/8" (3.2 mm) O.D. tubing, use the 1/4" groove and read the alternate designations on the bend indicator. Always wear OSHA/ANSI approved eye protection when bending tubing.
Applications
The TB3456 is a copper tubing bender suited for field and shop work across plumbing and HVAC trades:
- Refrigerant line sets in HVAC installations (1/4" and 3/8" O.D. copper)
- Plumbing supply lines in soft copper
- Condensate drain runs
- Fuel lines in aluminum or steel tubing
- Instrument and control tubing in stainless steel
- Hydraulic pilot lines in small-diameter soft tubing
Buy Reed TB3456 Copper Tubing Bender Online from Cleanflow
Cleanflow Utility Supply Company is an authorized Reed dealer serving customers across Canada and the United States. Free shipping on orders over $199, with a 30-day return policy. The Reed TB3456 ships as a complete unit, ready to bend all four tubing sizes.
Browse all Reed pipe tools or see the full general pipe working tools collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reed TB3456 vs 3 in 1 tube bender: what is the difference?
Most lever-style tube benders cover three sizes: 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8". The Reed TB3456 adds a 3/16" groove, giving it four sizes in one tool. If your work involves small-diameter instrumentation tubing alongside standard plumbing and HVAC sizes, the TB3456 replaces multiple single-size Reed tubing benders.
How to bend small copper tubing without kinking?
Use a lever-type copper tubing bender like the TB3456 instead of bending by hand. The formed grooves support the tube wall during the bend and prevent collapse. Apply slow, steady pressure on soft-drawn or annealed copper for the cleanest results.
Best tube bender for 3/8 copper tubing?
For 3/8" O.D. soft copper, a lever-style bender with a formed groove produces consistent bends without kinking. The Reed TB3456 handles 3/8" along with three smaller sizes, so it covers HVAC line sets and supply lines without needing a separate tool for each diameter.
What sizes does the Reed TB3456 tubing bender handle?
The TB3456 bends tubing in four O.D. sizes: 3/16" (5 mm), 1/4" (6.5 mm), 5/16" (7.9 mm), and 3/8" (9.5 mm). To bend 1/8" O.D. tubing, place it in the 1/4" groove and use the alternate bend indicator markings. All four grooves share a 15/16" bend radius.
Can the Reed TB3456 bend stainless steel tubing?
Yes. The TB3456 bends stainless steel tubing up to .032" wall thickness (0.8 mm). Use slow, steady pressure and confirm the tubing is annealed, not hard-tempered. Hard-tempered stainless tubing is not recommended and may not bend cleanly.
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