Mandrel Tube Benders

Achieve Tight-Radius, Crease-Free Bends with a Mandrel Tube Bender

A mandrel tube bender runs a mandrel insert inside the tube as it bends, supporting the wall so it can't crease or collapse. That lets you pull tight-radius bends in thin-wall material while keeping the tube round through the bend — minimal flattening, minimal loss of diameter, and a smooth bore.

That makes mandrel bending the method of choice for thin-wall work where a reduction in size isn't acceptable — exhaust and header fabrication especially, where the smooth, full-diameter bore from a crease-free bend keeps flow up.

STM carries Baileigh mandrel tube benders: the MB-350 and the larger-capacity MB-4x2. Both are built in the USA. These are production machines for shops where bend quality on thin wall is non-negotiable — call us on 855 605 4599 and we'll help you match one to your tube sizes and volume.

Searching for a "mandrel bender" but doing general fabrication? It's worth knowing the difference. Mandrel bending exists for tight-radius, thin-wall work where the tube can't be allowed to flatten — exhaust and headers above all. For roll cages, chassis, handrail, and larger-radius bends, a standard rotary-draw bender does the job without the cost of mandrel tooling. The Eastwood 22199 and Pro-Tools 105 HD suit most shops; the full tube benders range has the rest. If you're not sure which you need, call us on 855 605 4599.