stunthanger.com

General control line discussion => Open Forum => Topic started by: Jim Hoffman on February 24, 2025, 05:41:27 PM

Title: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: Jim Hoffman on February 24, 2025, 05:41:27 PM
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.
Title: Re: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: Dan McEntee on February 24, 2025, 05:54:29 PM
  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
Title: Re: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: realSteveSmith on February 24, 2025, 06:03:34 PM
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.
Title: Re: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: Paul Wescott on February 26, 2025, 12:57:05 AM
Bends 5/16 dia. rod and more for $86 from Digi-Key
Title: Re: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: Paul Wescott on February 26, 2025, 01:01:04 AM
Bends 3/8” dia. mild steel (I’m not sure I believe that claim) or 1/4” stainless $52 from JB Tools
Title: Re: K & S Wire Bender Replacement
Post by: Paul Wescott on February 26, 2025, 01:04:45 AM
Bends 5/8” dia. rod (I’d like to see THAT landing gear!!) $120 from Horrible Fate (Larry Renger’s term for Harbor Freight)