Compare Tube Benders
Tube bender types compared
What actually changes between the main kinds of bender. Capacities are typical for the class — always check the specific machine.
| Type | Best for | Typical capacity | Thin-wall bend quality | Repeatability | Power & space | Relative cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lever hand bender | Brake, fuel and instrument lines | Small OD, thin wall | Good within its rating | Angle marks on the form | None; portable | Lowest |
| Manual rotary-draw | Cages, chassis, bumpers, frames | Up to about 2"–2.5" OD depending on wall | Good at about 3× OD CLR and up; thin wall at tighter radii needs a mandrel | Good with a degree ring or stops | Solid floor mount; no power | Moderate, plus dies |
| Hydraulic rotary-draw | Heavy wall, frequent bending | Similar OD range; heavier walls | As manual rotary-draw | Good to very good with stops | Hand, air or electric pump | Moderate to high |
| Hydraulic ram ("pipe") | Schedule pipe for gates and rails | About 1/2"–2" NPS schedule 40/80 | Poor — tends to flatten or kink thin wall | Low | Hand pump; portable | Low |
| Mandrel bender | Exhaust, intake, thin-wall tube | Thin wall at about 1–1.5× OD CLR | Best — tube stays round | Very good | Power and dedicated space | High |
| CNC / electric | Batch production | Machine-specific | Depends on tooling (mandrel options) | Highest — programmed | Industrial power, floor space, training | Capital equipment |
Published specifications: popular benders
Copied from each manufacturer's own pages (checked October 2026). Where a manufacturer's pages disagree we show the conflict. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying.
| Model | Drive | Round tube / pipe | Wall capacity notes | Max bend angle | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JD Squared (JD2) Model 32 | Manual ratchet; optional hydraulic adapter (10-ton cylinder recommended) | 1/2"–2-1/2" OD round | Manual: over 2" × .120" round needs hydraulics. Hydraulic: rated to 2" × .250" DOM. | Not stated on the pages reviewed (180° die sets sold) | Manufacturer Manual / chart |
| Pro-Tools 105HD | Manual ratchet; hydraulic package available | 1/2"–2" OD round; NPS 1/4–1-1/2 pipe | Round tube to .134" wall; 2" × .134" 4130 with the extension handle | 180° | Manufacturer |
| Rogue Fabrication M605 | Vertical rotary draw; manual hydraulic, air-over-hydraulic or electric | 2.00" OD | Manufacturer pages disagree: .188" (catalogue) vs .250" DOM (FAQ) — confirm with Rogue Fab | About 94° per stroke; continues past 180° | Manufacturer Manual / chart |
| Rogue Fabrication M625 | As M605 (same dies), heavier frame | 2.00" OD | 2.00" × .250" DOM | As M605 | Manufacturer Manual / chart |
| Baileigh RDB-050 | Manual, 3-speed ratchet; anti-springback mechanism | 3/4"–2.5" OD mild steel | 2" OD × .120" 4130 | Manufacturer page states both 190° and 200° | Manufacturer |
| Central Machinery 12-ton hydraulic pipe bender (Harbor Freight #32888) | Bottle-jack hydraulic ram (press bender) | 1/2"–2" Schedule 40/80 pipe | Manual says it is not intended for thin-wall pipe such as conduit or exhaust | Up to 90° | Manufacturer Manual / chart |