Plate benders for bone plates

A bone plate includes first and second longitudinal sides, a plurality of through holes longitudinally displaced in the bone plate between the first and second longitudinal sides, and a plurality of tubular guide elements coupled relative to the plurality of through holes. Plate bending tools are provided. Each includes a handle having a first end, a second end, and a longitudinal axis, and an end effector coupled to the first end of the handle. The end effector includes a retaining arm that is provided with a bore having a bore axis extending transverse relative to the longitudinal axis and a fulcrum. The bore is sized to received a portion of a tubular guide element coupled to the bone plate such that the retaining arm can stably engage the tubular guide element. The fulcrum is adapted to bear against one of longitudinal sides of the bone plate.