Bending 1" sch 40. I can't get all three pins to drop in w the work in the bender. I tried wiggling, giggling, prying, levering, pounding, lifting, pushing, shoving, etc.

Finally found if I put in the follower pin and strap pin I can bump the bender arms up against the strap pin itself until the pipe bends a few degrees (hydro). Then return the arms and the die hole has been pulled forward enough the die pin will drop in.

I don't like doing this as it doesn't seem great for the bender and it wastes time. Anyone experience anything similar?

Is the hydro conversion not allowing the arm to swing all the way back?