What types of metal pipes are flexible

Question

I'm looking for some kind of hollow metal tubing that I can bend into different shapes. What kinds of metal piping have that property? Where can I find this kind of tubing, and how much can I expect to pay for it?

Answer 1

copper.....take a blow torch to it..........

good luck...........and wear gloves...that sh*t burns like h**l.........

Answer 2

Oh my, Most stainless steel tubing can be bent if you have the right equipment and tooling, but if you want something you can "bend" by hand, you're looking for somthing called flex-tube or bellows.  It's made out of stainless steel, comes in various sizes and is not cheap.

This flexible tubing is something that is used in the semiconductor, solar/flat panel and LED industries, amongst others.

I'll include a link to a vendor my company uses as an illustration; I really don't think this is something you want to try to buy for a casual purchase.

Answer 3

i would say tin.

Answer 4

Metals are pricey now but I'd try brass

Answer 5

Copper

:)

Answer 6

Well.... you didnt say what diameter of tubing you want.

You can find flexible copper tubing on a roll, in 1/4" to 3/4" diameters at most hardware, or building supply stores.  Some stores sell it by the roll, and some will allow you to purchase just the number of feet you need, in length.

You can find smaller diameter tubing at an auto parts store.  This is usually a 'soft steel', and is often used for brake lines, fuel lines, etc.

Stiff copper, and conduit can be bent with a pipe bender, fairly easily.

To keep the pipe from kinking during the bending process, you can use spring inserts made for that purpose... or an 'old time' trick, is to pour sand into the bend, hehe.

There is also quite a variety in flexible tubing available.. anything from clear, to reinforced, to metal jacketed.  

Which type would be better, would really depend on what purpose it is for.

Vinyl tubing - http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...

Copper tubing - http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=pr...

Have Fun

Answer 7

Your choices are copper pipe (like used for houses) and thin wall conduit (aluminum is easier, but you can also get galvanized and stainless steel) or any tubing, if the diameter works out for your purpose. If you go with conduit, they make the equipment and mandrells to bend it for electricians that you can use. I would suspect you can also rent these items.

Answer 8

Steel!

Answer 9

No mater the alloy you need a pipe bender. They all bend like a 1018 but some stronger alloys you may need heat it

Answer 10

Copper tubing bends very easily, and is available in any hardware store,  like Lowes or Home Depot. Yo have to be careful bending it to tightly or it'll kink. It's mostly only available in small sizes.