Dusterbd13-michael
Dusterbd13-michael MegaDork
12/2/19 9:32 a.m.

Specifically these. I need to rebend them to meet a new compressor location. Like 90 degrees in one case, etc.

Whats the best way with least chance of kinking/crushing? I was thinking apply heat from propane torch and move slowly

NOHOME
NOHOME MegaDork
12/2/19 9:42 a.m.

Other than the burden of cleaning the sand out, sand filling and bending would work. I have to think that the proper tool to do this would look like a big brake line bender?

 

TurnerX19
TurnerX19 Dork
12/2/19 9:47 a.m.

You need the appropriately sized "hickey" conduit bender. Do not bend it warm. You can anneal it before and after bending, but bend it cold. They bend pretty easily.

Knurled.
Knurled. GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/2/19 10:34 a.m.

They bend extremely easily.

 

I would not get fire anywhere near lines that have held refrigerant long term.  Refrigerants (any of 'em) plus fire makes some pretty nasty chemicals.  Aluminum is porous enough that they'll have some refrigerant embedded in them.

Dusterbd13-michael
Dusterbd13-michael MegaDork
12/2/19 10:40 a.m.

In reply to Knurled. :

Oooh. Never knew that about chemicals. 

If they bend easy, do they kink easy? 

Knurled.
Knurled. GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
12/2/19 10:50 a.m.

Oh yes, they do that too.  Be gentle and gradual with your bending.  The conduit bender idea is a good one if you can find one small enough, but I have reformed Miata low-side hardlines with patience and gradual work no problem.  They are VERY soft grade of aluminum.

 

They also twist easy, if you have something like a bend in the right place but the wrong direction, you can usually just gently twist it into the right orientation.

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