When faced with a refrigerant line that has collapsed at a bend, what practice is best to prevent this?

Utilizing a lever type tubing bender is the best practice when dealing with a refrigerant line that has collapsed at a bend. This tool provides the necessary leverage to create smooth, gradual bends in the tubing, which reduces the risk of kinking or collapsing. Smooth bends help maintain the integrity of the refrigerant line, ensuring that refrigerant can flow freely without obstruction or restriction.

Using this method also minimizes the stress on the material of the tubing, thus prolonging its life and effectiveness. Proper bending techniques are crucial in HVAC and refrigeration work, as they ensure that systems operate efficiently and reliably.

The other methods, while possibly applicable in different contexts, do not offer the same preventive benefits against collapse at bends. Smaller diameter tubing may not adequately carry the required refrigerant and can lead to performance issues. Applying heat may compromise the structural integrity of the tubing, leading to further damage. Avoiding bends whenever possible is impractical in many systems, where space constraints often necessitate some amount of bending.