ARES 10024 Tubing Bender Pliers Review: A Comprehensive Guide

Creating precise bends in metal tubing can be a challenge, especially when working in tight spaces or with small diameter materials. Whether you’re a professional mechanic, plumber, or a passionate DIYer, having the right tool for the job is essential. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore the ARES 10024 3-in-1 Small Range Tubing Bender Pliers, a compact and versatile solution designed to help you achieve accurate 90-degree bends in various tubing materials.

We’ll break down the key features, specifications, and performance of the ARES 10024, compare it to similar tools on the market, and provide practical tips for maintaining and using this tubing bender effectively. By the end of this article, you’ll have a thorough understanding of whether the ARES 10024 is the right choice for your tubing projects.

Understanding the Basics: What is a Tubing Bender?

ARES 10024 Tubing Bender Pliers

This tube bender is made of heavy duty steel material with a precision machined aluminum 3-in-1 mandrel and a black powder coat finish for added durability. Designed for single-handed operation, the cushioned texture-dipped handle lets you maintain a comfortable, firm grip during use for better control over your bends.Users trust ARES to be quality tools. You are backed by our Performance Assurance Limited Lifetime Warranty.

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Before we dive into the specifics of the ARES 10024, let’s take a moment to understand what a tubing bender is and how it works. A tubing bender is a tool designed to create precise bends in metal tubing without causing kinks, flattening, or other deformations. It works by securely holding the tubing in place while applying controlled force to bend it to the desired angle.

Tubing benders come in various types and sizes, each designed for specific tubing materials, diameters, and bend angles. Some common types include:

Manual benders: These tools rely on the user’s physical force to create the bend and are often compact and portable.
Hydraulic benders: Using hydraulic power, these benders can handle larger tubing sizes and thicker materials with ease.
Mandrel benders: These benders use a mandrel (a cylindrical rod) inside the tubing to prevent collapsing or deformation during the bending process.

The ARES 10024 falls into the category of manual mandrel benders, making it a versatile and user-friendly option for small-diameter tubing projects.

Key Features of the ARES 10024

Now that we have a basic understanding of tubing benders let’s explore the key features that set the ARES 10024 apart:

Versatility The ARES 10024 is designed to work with three common tubing sizes: 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, and 1/4-inch. This versatility allows you to tackle a wide range of projects with a single tool, eliminating the need for multiple benders. Whether you’re working on automotive brake lines, plumbing fixtures, or custom fabrication, the ARES 10024 has you covered.
Durability Constructed from heavy-duty steel and featuring a precision-machined aluminum mandrel, the ARES 10024 is built to withstand the rigors of frequent use. The mandrel, which is the part that directly contacts the tubing during the bending process, is made from aluminum to prevent scratching or marring the tubing surface. The steel body provides the necessary strength and stability to create precise bends without flexing or warping. Additionally, the ARES 10024 features a black powder-coated finish that enhances its durability and resistance to corrosion. This protective coating helps ensure that your tubing bender will continue to perform well even in challenging environments.
Ease of Use One of the standout features of the ARES 10024 is its user-friendly design. The compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, such as under a vehicle or in a crowded plumbing cabinet. The ergonomic, cushioned grip provides a secure and comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use. The ARES 10024 is designed for single-handed operation, allowing you to hold the tubing securely with one hand while using the other to create the bend. This single-handed design is particularly useful when working in awkward positions or when you need your other hand free to support the tubing.
Precision Creating accurate and consistent bends is essential for professional-quality results. The ARES 10024 excels in this area, thanks to its precision-machined components and carefully designed bending mechanism. The aluminum mandrel supports the tubing from the inside, preventing kinks and flattening as you create the bend. With the ARES 10024, you can achieve precise 90-degree bends with minimal effort. The tool’s design ensures that the bend is smooth and uniform, without any unsightly wrinkles or deformations. This precision is crucial for applications where a clean, professional appearance is required, such as in automotive detailing or custom fabrication projects.

Specifications

Now that we’ve covered the key features of the ARES 10024, let’s take a closer look at its technical specifications:

Specification	Details
Material	Heavy-duty steel with precision-machined aluminum mandrel
Dimensions	11.1 x 4.33 x 1.57 inches
Weight	11.3 ounces
Tubing Sizes	1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, 1/4-inch
Bend Angle	Up to 90 degrees
Compatible Materials	Brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, aluminum
Ergonomic Design	Cushioned grip for comfort and control

These specifications demonstrate that the ARES 10024 is a well-designed tool that balances performance, versatility, and user comfort. The combination of durable materials, precision machining, and ergonomic design makes it a reliable choice for a wide range of tubing projects.

Performance and Testing

To truly understand how the ARES 10024 performs in real-world situations, we put it through a series of tests using various tubing materials and sizes. We evaluated the tool’s ease of use, accuracy, and overall performance in different scenarios.

Ease of Use: During our tests, we found that the ARES 10024’s compact size and cushioned grip made it easy to handle and maneuver, even in tight spaces. The single-handed operation allowed for greater control and precision, especially when working with smaller tubing sizes. The lightweight design also reduced hand fatigue during extended use, making it comfortable to work with for longer periods.
Accuracy: We tested the ARES 10024’s accuracy by creating 90-degree bends in 1/8-inch, 3/16-inch, and 1/4-inch tubing made from brass, copper, steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. In all cases, the tool produced clean, precise bends without any noticeable kinks or deformations. The aluminum mandrel provided excellent support, ensuring that the tubing maintained its shape throughout the bending process.
Material Compatibility: While the ARES 10024 performed well with all the materials we tested, we did notice that softer materials like copper and aluminum required less effort to bend than harder materials like steel and stainless steel. This is to be expected, as softer materials are more malleable and easier to shape. However, even with harder materials, the ARES 10024 produced accurate bends with minimal effort.
Limitations: It’s important to note that the ARES 10024 is designed specifically for small-diameter tubing, with a maximum size of 1/4-inch. While it excels in this range, it may not be suitable for larger tubing sizes, such as 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch. For larger tubing, you may need to consider a different tool designed for those specific sizes.

Comparison with Competitors

To put the ARES 10024’s performance and value into perspective, let’s compare it with some of its main competitors in the tubing bender market:

Feature	ARES 10024	Lisle 50850	OTC 6515	RIDGID 38038
Tubing Sizes	1/8″, 3/16″, 1/4″	1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″	1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″	1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″
Material	Steel & Aluminum	Steel	Steel	Aluminum
Bend Angle	Up to 90°	Up to 180°	Up to 90°	Up to 90°
Price Range	$25 – $35	$40 – $50	$50 – $60	$80 – $100

As you can see, the ARES 10024 stands out from its competitors in several ways:

Tubing Sizes: While the ARES 10024 focuses on smaller tubing sizes (1/8″ to 1/4″), its competitors cater to slightly larger sizes (1/4″ to 3/8″). This makes the ARES 10024 a more specialized tool for projects involving small-diameter tubing.
Material: The ARES 10024’s combination of steel and aluminum construction provides a balance of durability and lightweight maneuverability. In contrast, the Lisle 50850 and OTC 6515 are made entirely of steel, which may be more durable but also heavier. The RIDGID 38038 is made of aluminum, which is lightweight but may not be as sturdy as steel.
Bend Angle: All four tools can create bends up to 90 degrees, which is sufficient for most tubing projects. However, the Lisle 50850 stands out with its ability to create bends up to 180 degrees, which may be useful in certain situations.
Price: The ARES 10024 is the most affordable option among the competitors, with a price range of $25 to $35. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers who need a reliable tool for small-diameter tubing projects.

Overall, the ARES 10024’s focus on small tubing sizes, durable construction, and affordable price point make it a compelling choice for users who primarily work with 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch tubing. While it may not have the same range of sizes as its competitors, its specialized design and affordability make it a valuable addition to any toolbox.

Maintenance and Care

To ensure that your ARES 10024 tubing bender continues to perform at its best, it’s essential to follow some basic maintenance and care guidelines:

Cleaning: After each use, take a moment to clean the tool, removing any debris, dust, or residue that may have accumulated on the mandrel or handles. This will help prevent any buildup that could affect the tool’s performance or cause damage to the tubing.
Storage: When not in use, store your ARES 10024 in a dry, protected area to prevent rust and corrosion. Avoid storing it in damp or humid environments, as this can lead to oxidation and deterioration of the tool’s components.
Lubrication: To maintain smooth operation and prevent wear, periodically lubricate the moving parts of the tool with a lightweight oil. Apply a small amount of oil to the mandrel and any other moving components, and work the tool a few times to distribute the lubricant evenly. Be sure to wipe away any excess oil to prevent attracting dirt or debris.

By following these simple maintenance steps, you can help extend the life of your ARES 10024 and ensure that it continues to provide accurate, reliable performance for years to come.

Conclusion

The ARES 10024 3-in-1 Small Range Tubing Bender Pliers is a versatile, durable, and user-friendly tool that offers excellent value for anyone working with small-diameter tubing. Its precision-machined components, ergonomic design, and ability to create accurate 90-degree bends make it an ideal choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re working on automotive brake lines, plumbing fixtures, or custom fabrication projects, the ARES 10024 provides the performance and reliability you need to get the job done right. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to maneuver in tight spaces, while its durable steel and aluminum build ensures long-lasting performance.

While the ARES 10024 may not be the best choice for larger tubing sizes, its focus on 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch tubing makes it a specialized tool that excels in its intended range. And with its affordable price point, it offers excellent value for anyone in need of a reliable tubing bender for small-diameter projects.

By investing in the ARES 10024 3-in-1 Small Range Tubing Bender Pliers, you can take your tubing projects to the next level, achieving professional-quality results with ease and precision. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a passionate DIYer, this tool is sure to become a valuable addition to your toolkit.