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Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: Nelson on July 23, 2004, 05:26:26 PM

Title: Bending Hard Plastic Tubing
Post by: Nelson on July 23, 2004, 05:26:26 PM
Hello "All Knowing(s)"...back for more advice.  I need to bend some rigid filter pipe. In this case it's Eheim return pipe that doesn't quite have the curvature I need.  Any suggestions on how I can bend the pipe without destroying this expensive stuff??
Title: Bending Hard Plastic Tubing
Post by: Nelson on July 23, 2004, 07:32:41 PM
Jumped the gun on this one folks...it occurred to me that perhaps a hair dryer might work  :idea: .  With a little care to heat all the surfaces at the point I wanted the elbow, and some gentle bending to preserve the inside diameter, it worked out perfectly. :lol:
Title: Bending Hard Plastic Tubing
Post by: Ron on July 24, 2004, 03:06:19 PM
Hi Nelson,

I've done the same thing, but with a paint stripping gun; you just have to be careful that you don't get it too hot (don't ask me how I know...)

To help heat the tubing slowly and evenly, and keep it from kinking or collapsing when you bend it, I've found that it helps to pack the pipe full of dry sand before you start heating and bending.

Cheers,  Ron
Title: Bending Hard Plastic Tubing
Post by: Nelson on July 24, 2004, 04:22:49 PM
Thanks Ron..what a great idea about the sand!!  I'll remember that one.