plumbers?

[carlos]

i am trying to buy a set of copper pipe benders, in ireland the pipe sizes are imperial ie 1/2" and 3/4"

and all of the pipe benders i have seen on the net (ireland included) are metric 15mm and 22mm.

will these metric ones bend my imperial pipe?

thanks carl

[Daniël Bos]

I'm pretty sure y'r pipe sizes aren't actually 1/2" (12.7mm) od, but something like 14.5mm od, so a 15mm bender would be fine.

Similarly, 3/4" (19.1mm) is actually quite nearer 21 od, so should be just fine in a 22mm.

 

[Peasgood]

Never actually tested my theory but always assumed the imperial is the inside diameter and the metric is the outside diameter, basically they are the same.

[difflock]

I find it seriously weird that with the UK metric system here in NI, with 15/22/28mm pipe since whenever,

and with Ireland always being more "European" than we are, what with your road distances and speed limits in Kilometers,

that you still bloody use Imperial plumbing sizes?

[sandy2210]

think you will find that they are metric sizes its just "Old school" to call them by imperial sizes 1/2 inch and 13mm are the same 3/4 and 22mm ae almost the same 22mm olive on a 3/4 copper pipe needs a bit extra grunt when tightening or you can get a 3/4 olive and use n a 22mm fitting

[carlos]

thanks for the replies,  having googled in i think you are right about the inside/ diameter thing, so they are pretty similar so i will chance the metric benders.

i have never worked with copper pipe before but as im going to try and put in a basic central heating system i will have to use a bit of it.

thanks again.

carl

[Peasgood]

Don't forget to anneal (heat) the pipes before bending them.

Google/Youtube it if you haven't already.

[topchippyles]

3 hours ago, Peasgood said:

Don't forget to anneal (heat) the pipes before bending them.

Google/Youtube it if you haven't already.

Dont be so daft, No need to heat pipes before bending them at all

[Stubby]

8 hours ago, Peasgood said:

Don't forget to anneal (heat) the pipes before bending them.

Google/Youtube it if you haven't already.

New strait pipe is already anealed  ( heat and cool slowly ) so first bend will be fine done cold .

[Peasgood]

Fair enough, it's been a while.