K & S Wire Bender Replacement

[Jim Hoffman]

Looking for a recommendation for a better wire bending tool.  I want to be able to bend 1/8" music wire and perhaps something larger (5/16)

I’ve killed my 2nd K&S wire bender.  This time the 3/16 dowel pin broke.  I was bending1/16” music wire!!

I thought I could easily repair it by replacing the dowel pin, but the old pin would not budge, even with an arbor press and some heat.

[Dan McEntee]

  You will likely have to heat the handle bright red or orange to get it hot enough to let the old pin go. If you have to do that, let it cool slowly and  you will likely anneal the pin, then it can be drilled out if it doesn't fall out or knocked out. Drill a hole 1/8" in diameter on the back side cn=entered as best you can on the pin first and try a pin punch or short length of 3/32" music wire as a punch and drive it out.
  Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[realSteveSmith]

Looking for a recommendation for a better wire bending tool.  I want to be able to bend 1/8" music wire and perhaps something larger (5/16)

I’ve killed my 2nd K&S wire bender.  This time the 3/16 dowel pin broke.  I was bending1/16” music wire!!

I thought I could easily repair it by replacing the dowel pin, but the old pin would not budge, even with an arbor press and some heat.

I bought one from Jim Lee.  Seems to handle 1/8" nicely.  Not sure how it would respond to larger sizes.  You should call him...he'll undoubtedly know.

[Paul Wescott]

Bends 5/16 dia. rod and more for $86 from Digi-Key

[Paul Wescott]

Bends 3/8” dia. mild steel (I’m not sure I believe that claim) or 1/4” stainless $52 from JB Tools

[Paul Wescott]

Bends 5/8” dia. rod (I’d like to see THAT landing gear!!) $120 from Horrible Fate (Larry Renger’s term for Harbor Freight)