Easy to make Wire Bender
10-20-2018, 01:43 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Easy to make Wire Bender
I saw this on a UK model site. I liked it so I made one from an old bolt and nut. I have a nice bender I made but this one is easy to store and easy to use for those quick bends that pop up. Use a wrench to make the bend. In my case a 15/16”. I’m making mine for a 5/32” wire. With a spacer or two you can bend 1/16 and 3/32” wire. Mine is not as nice as in the video but if it works it is good. Video to follow if I can get the link.
10-31-2018, 02:48 PM
#4
they show it bending the shank of a nail,....nails are made with garbage mild steel wire. I would like to see how it handles some 1/8 inch piano wire. I have a feeling piano wire might sheer the ears off the bolt that wire sits in.
10-31-2018, 05:09 PM
#5
Thread Starter
I left it like that so that piece is stronger. You can angle that cut so it goes a bit over 90* to allow for spring back of the wire. I made this rather quick to see how it works. I haven’t tested it in an actual application.
10-31-2018, 05:18 PM
#6
Thread Starter
I haven’t tested it yet on piano wire. I couldn’t find a scrap piece. Will do a test. The bolt I used is a grade 5 so stronger than a plain bolt. I made a better bender that I use. This one would be for those quick bend jobs that appear. Easy to store n set up. Will post on test.
11-03-2018, 02:23 PM
#7
Thread Starter
Well the test is done. It handled ⅛” music wire easily. The bend didn’t quite make it to 90*. You do have to have your vice anchored pretty good. I made 2 of the small hooks out of 3/32” music wire. See my next post.
I’m sure this bender will handle 5/32” wire. My plan is to make another, better quality, for 5/32” wire. Then with spacers I can use it for ⅛”, 3/32” and 1/16” wire.
You do have to make your triangle piece so it provides a bend beyond 90*. Also, you need to soften the right angle point so you have gentle bend radius.
I’m sure this bender will handle 5/32” wire. My plan is to make another, better quality, for 5/32” wire. Then with spacers I can use it for ⅛”, 3/32” and 1/16” wire.
You do have to make your triangle piece so it provides a bend beyond 90*. Also, you need to soften the right angle point so you have gentle bend radius.
11-03-2018, 02:27 PM
#8
Thread Starter
The passenger door mirror on my Jeep broke off and was hanging by the power cable. The 2 springs and steel rod had rusted away. I couldn’t find the replacement springs. So I use a long spring from Tractor Supply. I cut it to make 2 springs. I used ⅛” music wire for the holding rod and the 3/32” hook to make the connection. Mirror good as new now.
11-05-2018, 06:43 AM
#9
awesome,.... I am happy to see that it handled the piano wire well !. ( I was not being a "Doubting Thomas", I just know that 1/8 inch piano wire is tough and it is used quite a lot in our hobby) I can see where it would be better to radius ( or maybe just chamfer) that inside corner on the bolt. it will also make a nicer looking bend when that sharp point is gone..
11-05-2018, 02:11 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Yes, piano wire is super tough. But the bender handled it easily. I may have a larger bolt for the next one. It is easy to set up and use. So it may be worth it to make one.
11-08-2018, 06:10 AM
#11
i'll agree with that,....quick and easy to make a decent looking bend or two when you need it on some small piece. if you can get a decent looking bend on 1/8 piano wire, you're doing good !. so many times one side of the bend looks good and the other is a rounded looking affair that screams "bent with pliers".
