[IC]Tool for bending diode legs

[Melvang]

I have had an idea for another tool to help us geekhackers build boards.  I have an idea for a tool that would be able to bend both diode legs at a 90° angle and at the proper width.  I realize that different boards have different distances between diode pads but this shouldn't be a problem.  It will also be able to do 10" with of diodes that are on a roll at the same time as well.  This distance is of course subject to change.  These will be all carbon steel with no paint or powder coat because I feel that any sort of applied surface finish would throw off the tolerances and I don't feel like trying to account for paint thickness.  If this works they could be milled from stainless or possibly carbon steel and then apply a blued steel finish.  I don't want to do aluminum as I feel the surface hardness isn't up to snuff for the this task. 

The milling would also be done by myself as well to keep the actual cost down.

If someone would be willing to get me some numbers for center to center on diode pads for some of the more commonly modded boards that would be great if this takes off.  For the time being I am going to build a prototype that will be set to the distance for in switch diodes as that will be the distance for my single switch pcbs. 

So at this point how much interest would there be in this.

[SpAmRaY]

Needs illustrated for us visual learners.

[Melvang]

Quick and dirty hand drawn but still gets the idea across.  Basically just set the diodes in the lower die, and slide the upper die over the top and bend all the diodes at once.  This drawing is only an end view.  I am thinking to make this either 6" or 12" long so a bunch of diodes can be done at once.

[SpAmRaY]

Working with older Cherry boards I'd love something to bend regular wire to use as in switch jumpers.

[mkawa]

these are called lead formers. they're little plastic jobbies straight lengths followed by a 90o angle. get two if you want to do both sides at once. they are very inexpensive, being extremely simple non-precision tools.

[Melvang]

I didn't realize these existed.  But with my idea you could bend 10" is so of diodes on a strip/roll with one motion instead of one at a shot.

[esoomenona]

Why not get a piece of wood, crudely cut it the width and length you need, and manually bend the legs around it? You could do a strip of 10" as you want.

[boost]

hole to hole distance on cherry and phantom boards are different(if it matters). I got a Popsicle stick that is shaved down and can bend cherry and phantom pcb. I'm pretty sure you can just 3d print them.

[SpAmRaY]

these are called lead formers. they're little plastic jobbies straight lengths followed by a 90o angle. get two if you want to do both sides at once. they are very inexpensive, being extremely simple non-precision tools.

this?

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=106884

[swill]

I have seen a couple different designs for these. They do exist.

[mkawa]

these are called lead formers. they're little plastic jobbies straight lengths followed by a 90o angle. get two if you want to do both sides at once. they are very inexpensive, being extremely simple non-precision tools.

this?

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=106884

yep!

[quochung1989]

Why do you not use long nose pliers to bend diode
http://www.stanleytools.com/default.asp?TYPE=CATEGORY&CATEGORY=Stanley+Pliers

[CPTBadAss]

A tool would be faster than pliers imo.

[quochung1989]

Just faster? Is there other reason?

[boost]

these are called lead formers. they're little plastic jobbies straight lengths followed by a 90o angle. get two if you want to do both sides at once. they are very inexpensive, being extremely simple non-precision tools.

this?

http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10001&productId=106884

better pics

http://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/partsmenu/68-bender

[mkawa]

Just faster? Is there other reason?

pliers can damage the leads. i just use my hands to be honest, but lead formers are really cheap so i should probably get one XD

[quochung1989]

Just faster? Is there other reason?

pliers can damage the leads. i just use my hands to be honest, but lead formers are really cheap so i should probably get one XD

Oh thanks ur info. So, i 'll get one if i can

[esoomenona]

I'm not one to really complain about things being done nicely, but must everything be overdone? Like I suggested, and then boost confirmed, literally a popsicle stick will do this job...

[Findecanor]

I have bent diodes for Cherry switches, Phantom and ErgoDox with my fingers. I don't see how a tool would make it easier or more efficient. Only if the hole distance is unusual would I need one. Otherwise the bending points are the natural bending points for the legs on each side of the diode.

[jdcarpe]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161253327236

[mkawa]

bwahahhaa

[quochung1989]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161253327236

[esoomenona]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161253327236

There we go. GB and tour it.

[SpAmRaY]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/161253327236

There we go. GB and tour it.

Might as well go hakko for that

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hakko-153-2-Axial-Lead-Former-/191121168456

[esoomenona]

Why get your hands dirty and arms tired?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GPD-Precision-Axial-Component-Lead-Former-CF-8-/180964221717

[mashby]

Learn something new everyday. Had no idea such a thing actually existed.

Although, I do like the idea of bending them a strip at a time and not just one-at-a-time.

[Melvang]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

[mashby]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

[quochung1989]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

Same you

[exitfire401]

I'd be down for one just to have it if the need arises.

[SpAmRaY]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

^^ what he said

[quochung1989]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

^^ what he said

Where? Ray

[SpAmRaY]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

^^ what he said

Where? Ray

I was agreeing that depending on price if melvang comes up with some solution for bending diode legs I would be interested.

[dorkvader]

After looking at some of the links I am still going to at least make one for myself.  Though I won't be including the top half.  Just the bottom half and bend them over with my fingers.  Would anyone be interested in this?

I would. Depending on price of course. 

I would absolutely be down for one.