Pitot Tube Bending

[Dave Reid]

How do I bend 1/4" alloy pitot tube? It has to route along the wing and at some stage bend through 90 deg on entry into the cockpit, with more to follow around to the instrument. I assume I can't just bend it without kinking it. I guess dry sand is an answer - then a strong vacuum cleaner to get it out? Ideas please!
Dave

[ian herdis]

Hi. David

You need a tube bender.

Something like this.

http://www.averytools.com/prodinfo.asp?number=370-FM

Ian.

[Dave Reid]

Thanks Ian. I don't think I'll be able to use a tube bender, as space in the cockpit it limited. I think I can manage to bend it with finger power, but am looking for other advice. Dave

[Ian Law]

One of these simple spring type benders might be small enough? Easily available.

http://www.derbyshire-refrigeration.co. ... uct_id=302

Ian

[Basil]

Whether a tube can be easily bent without kinking depends on its diameter to thickness ratio and its Youngs modulus. 1/4inch alloy, unless it has a very thin wall is likely to bend easily, especially if it isn't too hard. Try hand bending a sample over a 1inch bar (4D) to see if it will hand bend without kinking.

[mikeblyth]

Seems to me one of those questions that has a secret agenda. I would say very easily. You can bend
small alloy tube around a shape by hand. Normally pitot into wing and then flexible
polyurethane tube up to instrument.
Mike

[Dave Reid]

Thanks for the advice!

[Rob Swain]

You need a tube bender.

or this:
http://www.lasaero.com/site/products/ar ... =R042SD1CL
or this:
http://www.lasaero.com/site/products/ar ... =R03RDJXXX

[rogcal]

Fill the tube with soft sand, tap the tube to ensure sand is compacted well, make sure it is capped of at each end to ensure the sand remains firm (tape should do) and carefully bend.

[Dave Reid]

Thanks for all the advice. It's like many of those problems - get on and do it and it's not that difficult. A mate happened to call round to view and brought over a small Clarke pipe bender which he had. There's enough space to pull lots of excess tube - bending it round things - through into the cockpit and hey presto! The 90 deg bit is done and the majority of the rest is possible with finger power. It's nice to get the backup support here - TVM

[Bill McCarthy]

Dave - as a matter of interest, and if you don't mind, why are you fitting aluminium tubing throughout ?

[Dave Reid]

BIll, I have got plastic tube in the wing, but don't like the look of plastic in the cockpit, so it turns metal through the centre section and into the cockpit. Dave

[ColinC]

Hi Dave,

good to see your Chilton in the magazine, you are progressing quickly, keep up the good work!

Colin

[mikeblyth]

Just been to A shop beginning with A, selling a pipe bender, 6,8, and 10mm ideal for soft tube £9.99.
Looked good

[Rob Swain]

Didn't know Asda did pipe benders. You live and learn!