OFFSET TUBING FOR HOT WATER HEATERS

[kingrudy 238]

Does anyone still make the offset tubes that extend out of the back of a hot water heater and connect to the radiator. I have been searching, but have not had any luck. Any help would sure be appreciated. 

Thank you.

[JFranklin 538]

Most tubing materials can be bent to suit the application.

[michealbernal 90]

Usually, if you pack sand tightly into the piece you want to bend you can bend it without collapsing it.  Also tubing benders are available at most of the larger auto suppliers like NAPA.

[kingrudy 238]

Problem is the tubing is 1/2" ID. I worked as a pipe fitter and bent a lot of tubing, but when you get to 1/2" especially with tight bends the bender would have to be mounted on a bench. I was hoping that there was a company that sold the offset tubes. Thanks, Mike 

[JFranklin 538]

I can't picture why the bender would have to be mounted on a bench. How about a conduit bender electricians use?

[kingrudy 238]

If you are using a soft material such as copper, the bender would not have to be anchored to a bench. I worked for a year on a paper mill in Wisconsin Rapids and bent a ton of stainless steel tubing that was used for lubrication of huge rollers. Trust me many of the pipe fitters that I worked laughed at the instructions that stated the 1/2" bender could be mounted on a work bench. Holding the bender, you could not even slightly bend the stainless tubing. I have also used an electricians bender to bend 1/2" soft copper, but in order to make neat bends that are close together, this tool will not work. So it depends on the material and how close the bends need to be.

[kingrudy 238]

https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/400-series-instrument-benders

 

Instrument benders that could do the job. Might have to see if these are available to rent in my area.