Learn how to use a bending tool for shaping metal parts like snare locks, tension wrenches, hooks, and small tools. Full beginner guide.

Bending Tools

A bending tool is one of the simplest and most valuable tools in an EDC kit, or trap-making setup. It allows you to bend small pieces of metal with precision — something that’s nearly impossible to do cleanly with fingers alone in some cases.

Your Grim Workshop bending tool is flat, durable, and designed with multiple slots that grip thin metals firmly. These slots give massive leverage, letting you form clean, repeatable bends for:

Snare locks
Tension wrenches
Lock pick rakes
Small hooks
Fishing lures
Trigger components
Wire loops
Tiny repair parts
Gear reinforcement
Camp tool fabrication

This guide teaches exactly how to use the bending tool like a pro — with full detail, safety, and control.

What a Bending Tool Is

A bending tool is a flat metal tool with cut-out slots. Each slot is sized to grip a thin strip or wire so you can use leverage to bend it cleanly.

Think of it as:

Mini pliers
Mini vise
Precision metal former
Trapmaking tool
EDC shaping tool

The tool provides three important functions:

1. Grip

Slots hold thin metal securely so it doesn’t slip.

2. Leverage

The long flat body acts like a lever to force metal into clean angles.

3. Precision

You can control the angle of the bend exactly (90°, 45°, hook-shaped, etc.)

How to Use the Bending Tool

Below is the step-by-step breakdown that makes this tool intuitive for beginners and precise for experts.

Step 1: Choose the Correct Slot

Thin metal bends best when held in a slot just slightly larger than the material.

Use:

Narrow slots for picks, wrenches, wires
Medium slots for snare locks
Wide slots for thicker flat tools

If the metal wiggles too much → use a narrower slot.
If it won’t slide in → use a wider one.

Step 2: Insert the Metal Fully

Slide the metal strip or wire into the slot until it bottoms out or reaches your desired bend location.

For 90° bends:

Insert the metal only up to the point where you want the bend.

For tight-radius bends:

Insert deeper to get more support.

For curves:

Insert shallow and bend gradually.

Step 3: Brace the Tool

You need stability before applying force.

Use one of these positions:

Flat-on-surface method

Place the bending tool flat on a rock or log.
Apply downward pressure.
Bend the metal upward or sideways.

Pinch-and-bend method

Hold both sides with fingertips for small parts (hooks, tiny locks).

Step 4: Begin the Bend Smoothly

Start with gentle pressure.

Technique:

Pull the exposed metal sharply to create the initial bend.
Keep your force steady — no jerking.
Watch the angle forming.

Avoid twisting — metal weakens if torqued sideways.

Step 5: Continue the Bend for Strength

Once the bend starts, apply leverage:

Use the length of the bending tool as a lever arm.
Keep the metal aligned with the slot.
Bend in a single, smooth direction.

For a 90° bend:

Start at 45°.
Check alignment.
Continue to 90° using slow, controlled force.

For a curve:

Bend incrementally in small angles.
Rotate the piece through the slot slightly between bends.

Step 6: Straighten or Tune the Bend

One of the biggest advantages of this tool is adjustability.

To straighten metal:

Use two slots at once — one to hold, one to twist gently.

To tighten a radius:

Move to a narrower slot and repeat the bend.

To widen a radius:

Move to a wider slot and reduce angle.

To “lock in” strength:

Press the bend firmly against the slot edge to compress fibers.

What You Can Bend Using This Tool

1. Snare Locks

Some of the most important field bends.

Sharp 90° bends create locking mechanisms
Curved bends create smooth release locks
Slight crimps tune lock sensitivity

Pairs with:
→ How to Use a Spool

2. Tension Wrenches

Essential for lock picking.

You can shape:

L-bend wrenches
Z-bend wrenches
Twist-tension wrenches
Offset wrenches for deep keyways
Double-ended wrenches

Pairs with:
→ Using Your Rake Lock Picks
→ Using Your hook Lock Picks

3. Fishing Gear

You can bend:

Jig heads
Hook barbs
Lure connectors
Split ring substitutes
Inline hook eyes

4. Trapping Components

Especially:

Tripwire connectors
Trigger pieces
Latches
Rotating links

5. Field Repairs

Bend to fix:

Broken buckles
Clothing hooks
Gear loops
Tent hardware
Backpack connector pieces

How to Improvise a Bending Tool

1. Two Rocks

Pinch metal between them and bend with your fingers.

2. Knife Spine (Strong, Not Sharp Edge)

Use the spine as a brace.

3. Wrench or Multitool Slot

Some tools have openings that work like a bending jig.

4. Tree Fork or Y-Branch

Insert metal and bend against the branch.

5. Two Coins or Washers

Squeeze metal between them for small bends.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using the wrong slot
Too loose = sloppy bends
Too tight = scratched or warped metal

Mistake 2: Twisting instead of bending
Metal weakens dramatically if torqued sideways.

Mistake 3: Bending too fast
Leads to cracking or uneven shape.

Mistake 4: Over-bending
It’s harder to unbend than bend — go slow.

Mistake 5: Bending without bracing the tool
You lose leverage and accuracy.

Expert Tips for Perfect Bends

Always start with small bends — add more gradually
Always check alignment during bending
Move up or down slot sizes to refine precision
If metal squeaks, reduce friction or lighten pressure
Warm metal slightly in cold temperatures for smoother bends
Always bend in one fluid motion
Practice on scrap metal before bending critical tools

FAQ

Q: Can the bending tool weaken the metal?
A: Not when used correctly. Precision bends are stronger than hand-bent ones.

Q: What’s the strongest bending angle?
A: A single, smooth 90° bend with no twist.

Q: Can it bend snare wire?
A: Absolutely. It makes clean, reliable locking loops.

Q: Does it bend stainless steel?
A: Yes — especially thin stock like survival card tools or flat pick material.