Bending metal; hot or cold?

[mhorowit]

I've got to open up some streamlined tube and fit it over some streamlined tube of the same dimensions. I have split the trailing edge of the splice material and am now trying to expand it so I can fit it over the two original pieces of material.

What I'd like to do is somehow force the split open to a reasonable opening, then heat the tubing on the leading edge until it's red and (hopefully) will open up and stay open when I remove the wedges.


Can I do this and not hurt the metalurgy of the splice material? - Mike

[Ragwing nut]

Re: Bending metal; hot or cold?

Force it over cold. Just pry the start end open and then tap in place.