Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

SuperDave Mon Nov 14, 2011 12:35 pm

Among my modeling tools I have Z-bend tool from Great Planes via Tower Hobbies.

It is used to precisely form the ends of pushrods exactly where you want them. This possible by a unique locating pin on the tool. Although Tower offers a less-expensive tool, by only a few dollars, this tool is far superior in actual application.

I've used this tool with great satisfaction on both model aircraft and boats. One would make a great Christmas "stocking stuffer" at less than $20.

PV Pilot Mon Nov 14, 2011 2:17 pm

I was just about to fling mine across the shop this weekend. It bends one corner nice and tight. The outer corner, not so much. Right on Great Planes website you can see what I am posting about.

I still had this in the package and decided to crack it open and give it a try. Much better tool. Perfect bends.
http://hobby.dubro.com/videos/tech-tip-videos/ez-bender-wire-forming-tool_12

SuperDave Mon Nov 14, 2011 3:04 pm

PV:

What diameter wire were you bending with the GP Z-bend tool?

I bent 5/32" with no problem at all but I had to squeeze the pliers using both hands.

PV Pilot Tue Nov 15, 2011 11:07 am

.047 & .062. Was doing the same thing Dave, even squeezing up high near the pinch point with a pair of channel locks to try and finish off that last 90.

I have a idea as to why they designed it that way. So it would make it a bit easier to slip thru the pre drilled hole in a thick servo wheel or arm. The last (Or outer end 90°) more of the shape of a very loose "S". But once you slip it thru the hole in the wheel or arm, it makes for a very tenative loose fit. I didn't want to trust that.

SuperDave Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:31 pm

PV:

In fact the pilers form a "Z-bend" rather than two 45 degree bends.

I was impressed how well the "z" actually works once in place on servo, bellcrank or control-surface horn.

If I were displeased with the GP tool I would return it for credit on account. GP's Dan Anderson is good about that I've found.

PV Pilot Tue Nov 15, 2011 12:44 pm

SuperDave wrote:If I were displeased with the GP tool I would return it for credit on account. GP's Dan Anderson is good about that I've found.

GP is very good about returns. I actually have done that already once. They exhanged it no questions asked,,they just asked for a mailing address.

dankar04 Tue Nov 15, 2011 1:36 pm

Z-bends sure are nice for servos. They will never fail.
Dan

SuperDave Tue Nov 15, 2011 1:46 pm

PV:

On ocassion I have been displesed with several modeling products and vendors. When I return and item I incude a REPECTFUL letter stating my specic complaint(s) concluding with a request for credit on my account.

I've never been denied.

Getting all PO'd and abusive is definitely not the way to go.

PV Pilot Tue Nov 15, 2011 2:05 pm

SuperDave wrote:PV:

On ocassion I have been displesed with several modeling products and vendors. When I return and item I incude a REPECTFUL letter stating my specic complaint(s) concluding with a request for credit on my account.

I've never been denied.

Getting all PO'd and abusive is definitely not the way to go.

Agreed.

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Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

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Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

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Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful

Re: Building tip: Z-bend tool very handly and useful