Monument Tools Masters XV 15mm Compact Pipe Bender

In-Depth Look

The Monument Masters XV is a lever-type bender for 15mm copper. It has two handles and is used with both hands, and the bend forms in the same plane as the handles. It is less bulky than a combination bender, which makes it easier to carry and set up on site.

Build and Design

The former is aluminium and the handles are steel. The former is shaped to support 15mm tube through the bend, which helps avoid flattening the pipe. Angle markings at 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees let you gauge the bend as you work.

In Practice

Using a lever bender takes a little practice. Set the pipe in the former, close the handles with steady, even pressure and watch the angle marks. Jerking the bend makes kinking more likely. Leave room to swing both handles, as the tool needs space either side of the pipe.

Summary

The Monument Masters XV is a two-handed lever bender for 15mm copper with an aluminium former, steel handles and angle markings at 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees.

How It Compares

The Monument Masters XV is a lever-type bender for 15mm copper. It has two handles and is used with both hands. The bend forms in the same plane as the arms, and the former is marked for bend angles of 30, 45, 60 and 90 degrees. The former is aluminium and the handles are steel. An integrated hook and a nylon guide hold the pipe in place, and extension handles can be added for more leverage.

Other ways of changing the direction of a pipe run include the following.

For cutting the pipe before you bend it, see the Rothenberger Pipeslice 15mm copper pipe cutter. For protecting surfaces when soldering, see the Rothenberger soldering mat. Our guides on copper versus plastic pipe and tools for plumbers give more background.

Check the tube type in the instructions before you bend. Always follow the maker’s guidance and use a competent person where required.

Common Questions

How do I bend 15mm copper without kinking it? Mark the pipe, place it in the 15mm former, and pull the lever steadily. Support the tube in the former, because a tube that is not supported can kink.

Why does the pipe spring back? Copper is elastic, so it springs back slightly after the bend. Take the bend a little past the angle you want and then check it.

When is a fitting better than a bend? A fitting is better where the radius is too tight for the bender, or where the position is awkward. Bend radius limits apply to 15mm tube, so check the maker’s instructions.

Can I bend 22mm pipe with it? No. This is a 15mm former. Separate tools exist for 22mm pipe.

Should I cut the pipe before or after bending? Leave extra length and trim to size after the bend.

Is there anything to avoid? Do not bend pipe that is under pressure, and do not bend a pipe that has just been soldered nearby until it has cooled. Follow the maker’s instructions.

What does the former do? The former is the curved part that the pipe sits against. The 30, 45, 60 and 90 degree angles are marked on it, so you can see how far the bend has gone as you pull the lever. The bend forms in the same plane as the arms.

Can I add more leverage? Extension handles can be added, according to Screwfix. Check the maker’s instructions before you fit them.