Grizzly Manual Tube Bender T30860

The Grizzly Manual Tube Bender T30860 is a robust, hand-operated tool designed for bending various types of metal tubing and pipe. It features a durable cast iron frame, multiple form blocks for different bend radii, a bending handle with leverage advantage, and a follow bar for consistent bends. Suitable for automotive, fabrication, plumbing, and hobbyist applications. Below are key sections for safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. First-Time Use 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Components 6. Bending Procedures 7. Form Block Selection 8. Safety Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Warranty Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Cast Iron Frame, Bending Handle, Form Blocks, Follow Bar, Tube Stop, Degree Indicator.

Feature	Description
Cast Iron Frame	Provides stability and rigidity during bending operations
Bending Handle	Long handle for increased leverage and smooth operation
Form Blocks	Interchangeable blocks for different tube diameters and bend radii
Follow Bar	Ensures tube follows form block to prevent kinking
Tube Stop	Adjustable stop for consistent bend starting points
Degree Indicator	Scale for measuring bend angle accurately
Mounting Holes	For securing bender to a workbench
Hardened Pins	For securing form blocks and follow bar
Instruction Plate	Quick-reference guide for common bends
Carrying Handle	Integrated handle for portability

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect all components. Mount on a stable work surface.

Select mounting location: Choose a sturdy workbench or stand.
Secure bender: Use provided bolts through mounting holes; ensure it is level and immobile.
Install form block: Select appropriate block for your tube size; secure with pins.
Attach follow bar: Insert follow bar and secure with pin.
Adjust tube stop: Set stop position based on desired bend start location.

WARNING! Bender is heavy; use proper lifting techniques. Ensure mounting surface can support weight and operational forces.

First-Time Use

Before first bend, perform a test on scrap material.

Lubricate: Apply light machine oil to pivot points and pins.
Select tube: Use tube type and size compatible with form block.
Mark bend point: Clearly mark where bend should start on tube.
Position tube: Insert tube against stop and under follow bar.
Make test bend: Slowly pull handle to make a small bend; check alignment and result.
Check angle: Use degree indicator to verify bend accuracy.

CAUTION! Wear safety glasses and gloves. Keep hands clear of pinch points.

Specifications

Model: T30860
Capacity: Bends up to 3/4" OD (19mm) mild steel tubing (check block capacity).
Construction: Heavy-duty cast iron.
Bend Radius: Varies by form block (typically 2x to 5x tube diameter).
Handle Length: Provides mechanical advantage for easier bending.
Mounting: Bolt-down design.
Weight: Approximately 45 lbs (20.4 kg).
Included Blocks: Set of form blocks for common tube sizes.
Warranty: 1-year limited warranty against defects.

Controls and Components

Primary operational parts: Handle, Form Block, Follow Bar, Tube Stop, Degree Scale.

Handle: Pull smoothly and steadily to rotate form block and bend tube.

Form Block: Determines bend radius; must match tube outer diameter.

Follow Bar:Applies pressure to tube, forcing it to conform to block.

Tube Stop: Adjustable via bolts; sets insertion depth for consistent bends.

Degree Scale: Reference marks for 0°, 45°, 90°, 180° bends.

Bending Procedures

Follow these steps for accurate, kink-free bends.

Select correct form block and follow bar for tube OD.

Mark the exact point on the tube where the bend should start.

Insert tube fully against the adjustable stop, under the follow bar.

Ensure follow bar is snug against tube but not overtightened.

Pull handle steadily toward you until the degree indicator shows desired angle.

For over 90° bends, you may need to reposition the follow bar.

To release, slightly reverse handle to relieve pressure, then remove tube.

Tip: Bend slightly past desired angle to account for springback, especially with steel.

Form Block Selection

Using the wrong block can damage the tube or tool.

Tube Material Recommended Block Notes

Mild Steel Standard block matching OD May require significant force

Aluminum Block matching OD Easier to bend; less springback

Copper Block matching OD Bends easily; support tube to prevent collapse

Stainless Steel Heavy-duty block (if applicable) Requires high force; check tool capacity

WARNING! Do not exceed the maximum tube OD rating for the selected form block.

Safety Features

Sturdy Construction: Prevents flexing and failure during use. Follow Bar: Distributes force to prevent kinking and tube failure. Positive Stops: Handle has natural stops at common angles.

Safety Guidelines: Always wear eye protection. Keep hands clear of moving parts. Ensure workpiece is secure before bending. Use tool only on materials within its rated capacity.

Care & Maintenance

Keep tool clean and lubricated for optimal performance and longevity.

After each use, wipe down with a dry cloth to remove metal dust and debris.

Periodically apply light oil to all pivot points, pins, and threads.

Inspect form blocks and follow bar for wear, cracks, or damage.

Store in a dry location to prevent rust.

Check mounting bolts periodically for tightness.

CAUTION! Do not use solvents or water for cleaning. Never lubricate the tube bending surface of the form blocks.

Warranty Information

Grizzly Industrial, Inc. warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty covers repair or replacement of defective parts. It does not cover damage from misuse, abuse, normal wear, improper maintenance, or unauthorized modification. For warranty service, contact Grizzly Customer Service with your proof of purchase. For support, visit www.grizzly.com or contact 1-800-523-4777.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Tube kinks during bend Wrong follow bar, bent too fast Use correct follow bar; bend slowly and steadily.

Bend angle is inaccurate Springback, incorrect mark Bend slightly past desired angle; re-check tube mark.

Handle is very hard to pull Tube too thick/hard, needs lubrication Verify tube is within capacity; lubricate pivot points.

Tube slips in bender Loose follow bar, worn block Tighten follow bar; inspect block for excessive wear.

Bend starts in wrong place Tube stop not set correctly Adjust tube stop position; re-measure tube.

Service: For parts or technical assistance: 1-800-523-4777; www.grizzly.com.

Grizzly Manual Tube Bender T30860 User Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Tube Material	Recommended Block	Notes
Mild Steel	Standard block matching OD	May require significant force
Aluminum	Block matching OD	Easier to bend; less springback
Copper	Block matching OD	Bends easily; support tube to prevent collapse
Stainless Steel	Heavy-duty block (if applicable)	Requires high force; check tool capacity

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Tube kinks during bend	Wrong follow bar, bent too fast	Use correct follow bar; bend slowly and steadily.
Bend angle is inaccurate	Springback, incorrect mark	Bend slightly past desired angle; re-check tube mark.
Handle is very hard to pull	Tube too thick/hard, needs lubrication	Verify tube is within capacity; lubricate pivot points.
Tube slips in bender	Loose follow bar, worn block	Tighten follow bar; inspect block for excessive wear.
Bend starts in wrong place	Tube stop not set correctly	Adjust tube stop position; re-measure tube.