Mercedes Mullins
Bending a 3/8 poly armour steel fuel line can be a tricky task. While it is possible to bend the line by hand, it is important to have the right tools to avoid kinking or damaging the line. Poly-Armour® lines are made of low-carbon steel and coated with Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF), a plastic coating that protects the line from corrosion and other damage. This coating also makes the line more flexible and easier to bend. There are a variety of tools available on the market, from simple radius tools to lever-action benders, and it is important to choose a quality tool to avoid damaging the line. Some people have had success bending the line by hand, but this can be difficult and time-consuming. When bending the line, it is important to work slowly and in small increments to avoid kinking.
How to bend 3/8 poly armour steel fuel line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Material | Poly-Armour® soft steel |
| Coating | Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF) |
| Coating Properties | Plastic coating that is baked and cured to the steel line |
| Coating Benefits | 30% better protection against rust than galvanizing, no flaking or chipping |
| Bending | Can be bent by hand or with bending tools |
| Bending Tools | Simple benders, custom benders, bending springs, tubing benders, etc. |
| Bending Challenges | Kinking, collapsing, flattening |
| Bending Tips | Use a quality bender, use a spring around the tubing, fill the pipe with sand, round the forward edge of the 'shoe', lightly grease the tubing |
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What You'll Learn
Bending by hand
Bending 3/8" Poly-Armour steel fuel lines by hand is possible, but it is a challenging task. Poly-Armour is a type of brake line that has become the new standard in brake line replacement. It is known for its superior bendability and resistance to kinking. However, bending it by hand can still be tricky, especially when trying to achieve tight 90-degree bends.
When bending by hand, it is recommended to work in small increments. Bending a little bit at a time and gradually working down the tube can help achieve the desired shape. This method can be time-consuming and may require multiple attempts to get it right. It is also important to note that bending by hand increases the risk of kinks and crushes in the tubing, so caution and patience are crucial.
Some people have shared their experiences of bending 3/8" fuel lines by hand. One person suggested using a supplemental spring around the tubing to maintain its shape and prevent kinking. Another individual mentioned using a small socket to attempt a tight bend but ended up kinking the line. Filling the pipe with sand and plugging the ends before bending it around a socket is a traditional technique to prevent the tube from collapsing. However, this method may not always yield satisfactory results.
While bending by hand is possible, it is generally recommended to use bending tools or pre-bent lines to achieve more accurate and consistent results. Bending tools, such as a quality tubing bender or a professional brake tubing flaring tool, can make the task much easier and reduce the chances of kinking or damaging the tubing. Pre-bent lines are readily available in different materials and can save time and frustration, especially for complex bends.
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Using a bending tool
Poly-Armour® is a type of brake line commonly sold at parts stores. It is made of low-carbon steel, making it easier to bend than regular steel lines. When bending Poly-Armour® steel fuel lines, it is important to use a quality bending tool to prevent kinking the line. While Poly-Armour® lines are resistant to kinking, it is still possible.
There are several types of bending tools available, from simple radius tools to more accurate lever-action benders. Simple benders are single-piece tools that use a hook-type latch to lock the tubing in place. However, they are not very secure and have a high chance of ruining the tubing. More accurate lever-action benders are a better option for more complex bends.
When using a bending tool, it is important to hold the line and tool together with one hand while bending the line with the other. This will help prevent the line from kinking. It is also a good idea to lightly grease the tubing to make the bending process smoother, being careful to avoid the area where the tubing is clamped into the bender.
Additionally, using a supplemental spring around the tubing can help keep it in the correct shape. This is especially useful for more complex bends or when straightening and rerouting a gas line. For larger diameter bends, a spring-type manual bending method can be used to prevent kinking.
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Filling the line with sand
Firstly, you need to fill the line with sand or another suitable small-grain medium. You can use beach sand or finer, and fill the line an inch or two at a time, tamping it down as you go. This will prevent the line from deforming. Next, you need to cap the ends of the line to prevent the sand from pouring out when you start to bend it. You can then try bending it around a socket or a nice round edge. The sand will provide support and prevent the line from collapsing.
Once you have achieved the desired shape, you can simply use an air hose to blow out the sand. This method is a simple and cost-effective way to bend a fuel line, but it may not always be successful. It is important to note that while sand can be useful, it is not always a reliable method and there is a chance of failure.
Overall, filling the line with sand is a good option for those who do not have access to specialised tools or who prefer a more hands-on approach to their projects. It is a straightforward process that can be successfully completed with basic DIY skills and easily accessible materials.
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$66.49 $75.99
Using a spring
Bending a 3/8" Poly-Armour steel fuel line can be a challenging task, but it can be done with the right tools and techniques. One effective method is to use a spring to achieve the desired bends without kinking or damaging the tubing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to bend a 3/8" Poly-Armour steel fuel line using a spring:
Choose the Right Spring:
Start by selecting a bending spring designed for fuel lines. These springs are typically available at hardware stores or automotive supply shops. The spring should be sized correctly for your 3/8" fuel line. A bending spring with a diameter slightly larger than the fuel line will provide the necessary support during the bending process.
Prepare the Fuel Line:
Before bending, ensure that your Poly-Armour steel fuel line is cut to the appropriate length. It's crucial to measure and mark the desired bend locations accurately. Clean the fuel line to remove any dirt, grease, or debris that might interfere with the spring's grip.
Install the Spring:
Slide the bending spring over the fuel line at the point where you want to create the bend. Make sure the spring is securely seated and covers the entire section you plan to bend. The spring should fit snugly around the fuel line without any gaps or slippage.
Bend the Fuel Line:
With the spring in place, you can now start bending the fuel line. Hold the fuel line firmly with one hand while using your other hand to guide and apply pressure to bend it gently. It's important to bend the fuel line gradually and carefully to avoid kinking or damaging it. Work slowly and adjust the spring's position as needed to achieve the desired bend radius.
Secure the Bend:
Once you've achieved the desired bend, release the pressure, and the spring will hold the fuel line in its new position. You can now move on to the next bend or adjust the spring to fine-tune the current one. If needed, you can also use a small hammer to tap the fuel line gently and make minor adjustments to the bend.
Remove the Spring:
After you've completed all the necessary bends, carefully remove the spring by sliding it off the fuel line. Inspect the fuel line for any signs of kinking or damage. If needed, you can use a bending tool or a tubing bender to make final adjustments or refine the bends.
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Pre-bent lines
Classic Tube, for example, offers pre-bent lines in stainless steel, with any tube diameter you choose. You can select the diameter that best suits your needs, such as a 3/8-inch line for a return fuel line or a larger diameter like a half-inch line for a feed fuel line. The costs are also relatively minimal.
If you are creating a new line without a reference, you can use bailing wire to make a reference. Bailing wire stays bent and is cheap, making it a great option for this purpose. You can also use a straightened-out wire coat hanger. Using bailing wire is a good way to figure out the correct bends without wasting tubing.
When picking a length of pre-flared brake line, it is advisable to round up so you don't end up short when reaching your connection.
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Frequently asked questions
Poly-Armour® is made of low-carbon steel, making it easier to bend. It can be bent by hand or with bending tools. When bending by hand, bend a little bit at a time and work down the tube. Repeat this until you get the desired shape.
There are several tools available, from simple radius tools to more accurate lever-action benders. A good bender is crucial to achieving the desired shape without kinking the line.
Kinking can occur when the tubing is not held captive in the bender. Ensure that the bender has a rigid groove to hold the tubing securely while the end is pulled or bent. Some people use a supplemental spring around the tubing to maintain its shape.
Yes, it is possible to bend a 3/8 poly armour steel fuel line by hand. However, it may be more challenging and time-consuming than using a bending tool. Bending by hand is more suitable for those with experience or familiarity with the process.
When bending, work slowly to achieve a nice, uncrushed curve. For tight curves, consider filling the line with sand to provide support and prevent collapsing. Additionally, lightly greasing the tubing can help, but avoid greasing the area where the tubing is clamped into the bender.
