Milwaukee Pipe Benders Aim for Long-Lasting Performance
Milwaukee Tool has developed a line of electrician’s conduit benders that offer improved functionality, durability, and visibility for bending tasks. These enhancements are incredibly beneficial, and users can choose between iron and aluminum options.
Key Improvements
The Milwaukee conduit benders prioritize durability by incorporating reinforcements that extend the tool’s lifespan. The two-bolt handle eliminates any wobbling or looseness, ensuring stability during operation. Additionally, Milwaukee has reinforced critical components like the hitch and pedals to prevent failure while you work.
Furthermore, these benders enhance visibility, leading to more accurate results and easier work. Milwaukee utilizes scuff-resistant high-contrast markers, allowing for easy identification of key reference angles and offset multipliers on the shoe’s side. Moreover, the inclusion of a 90° bend indicator on the back and a wear reference chart further enhances visibility.
We appreciate the measurement markings provided by Milwaukee, but what truly stands out is the high contrast white text on black. It’s crucial to be able to see the angle clearly while working, and these markers make it effortless, even if you have limited vision.
For the aluminum models, the markings transition to black and silver. While they still stand out, they are not as bold as the markings on the ironhead.
Choosing Between Aluminum and Iron
Milwaukee offers six different bender options: 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ lightweight aluminum, as well as 1/2″, 3/4″, and 1″ heavy-duty iron models.
Deciding between aluminum and iron is not merely a choice of weight versus durability. Many experienced electricians claim they have never encountered durability issues with aluminum (unless it has been mistreated), while others swear by iron.
Around half of our group prefers iron for its long-term durability, especially those who purchase their own equipment and desire longevity. On the other hand, electricians whose pipe benders are provided by their employers tend to favor aluminum due to its lighter weight.
In reality, there isn’t a wrong choice between the two. If you plan on using the same bender 20 years from now, iron is the way to go. However, if you anticipate the possibility of losing or having your bender stolen before then, aluminum is a lighter and more affordable alternative.
Another factor to consider is the quality of the plumbing used. Some professionals suggest that cheaper conduit is more susceptible to bending issues when employing aluminum conduit benders. If possible, test both types of benders on the actual conduit used in the field to determine which one works best for you.
So, do you prefer aluminum or iron? Let the discussion begin!
Milwaukee Tube Bender Models
Milwaukee Iron Pipe Benders
- 1/2″ iron pipe bender (48-22-4080): $64.99
- 3/4″ iron pipe bender (48-22-4081): $79.99
- 1″ iron pipe bender (48-22-4082): $99.99
Milwaukee Aluminum Tube Benders
- 1/2″ Aluminum Tube Bender (48-22-4070): $44.99
- 3/4″ Aluminum Pipe Bender (48-22-4071): $54.99
- 1″ Aluminum Pipe Bender (48-22-4072): $94.99