How to Bend Conduit With a Hand Bender

Quickly learn The important basics of this commercial electrical skill that you use everyday on the job.

Created byFranck Benedetti

Last updated 7/2012

English

What you'll learn

By the end of this course, the student will have learned how to make the basic conduit bends that a commercial electrician uses on the job regularly.

Course content

2 sections • 28 lectures • 2h 12m total length

Introduction and Bender Basics1:55
This is the introduction to the lesson How to Bend Conduit With a Hand Bender. It covers the basic features an markings on a conduit bender that you will need to know to bend conduit well.
90 Degree Bend2:39
This lecture teaches the basic calculations and techniques for making a 90 degree bend, one of the most common bends used by a commercial electrician.
Deducts3:53
Knowing the proper Deduct for your conduit size and bender is important for making accurate and precise bends.
Back to Back 90 Degree Bend4:38
This simple variation on the 90 degree bend is not difficult. However, you must measure and set up your bend carefully.
Back to Back Technique on a Straight Stick of Conduit2:53
This is actually easier than the standard Back to Back 90 Degree Bend. Surprisingly, many are not familiar with this trick and how to apply it in the right situation.
Offsets4:20
This video clip shows how to make an Offset, a bend needed when you conduit has to change from one level to another.
22 Degree Offsets4:13
Offsets can be made with different angles. There are many situations where a 22 degree angle is better. The main reason to use it is that it makes pulling wire in that conduit easier.
Offsets With Shrinkage5:01
In a tight situation, especially on remodel work, you have to calculate for when the conduit shrinks after it is bent. This clip teaches you where and how to do it when measuring for your bend.
Some More Information on Shrinkage1:24
Different angles of bend have different shrinkage values. This video clip shows you the most commonly used values.
Field Offset or Mean Rise Offset5:38
This specialized type of offset bend is very helpful when you have to work extremely quickly and getting all of your measurements is difficult. It is best used where the work will be concealed.
4 Point Saddle5:34
This bend is used to change levels to go over an obstruction, and then to return to the original level again. You will learn the proper sequence of calculations, markings and bending in this clip.
4 Point Saddle With Shrinkage8:39
This is an advanced form of the 4 Point Saddle because Shrinkage must be calculated. This video shows how to add this calculation to a standard 4 Point Saddle.
3 Point Saddle8:44
This bend is usually used to get around smaller pipes like fire sprinkler pipes.
Half Angle 3 Point Saddle6:26
This variation of the 3 Point Saddle should be used whenever possible. It is much easier to pull wire through this type of a bend than a normal 3 Point Saddle.
Kicks4:46
This type of bend is used when the conduit has to change both level and direction - usually a 90 degree turn. This video shows how to make this simple bend, and also shows you when you need to be aware of the times you have to calculate shrinkage for your Kick.
Box Offset3:03
This bend is essential for making your work look neat and professional.
Shepherd's Bend2:39
This bend is rarely used but has specific applications in which it is useful. It allows you to make a 90 degree transition in a somewhat limited space.
Planning the Sequence of Your Work and Section 1 Review2:37
All of the techniques you have learned lose their effectiveness if you don't use them properly in the right order. This is more of a philosophical subject, but still highly important.
Some Advanced Measuring Techniques6:25
After you have mastered the basics of conduit bending, these simple tricks can take your skill to the next level. This video shows some techniques for getting your measurements and calculations for your bends very quickly.
The Wire Trick1:55
This very simple trick shows you how to orient your conduit properly every time so you don't make a bend in the wrong direction - which wastes time, material and money.
Using a Protractor4:11
When you find yourself in a situation where you have to make a bend using a non standard angle, you must use a protractor to make it accurately. This video is a simple demonstration on how to do that.
Anderson Bend6:04
This video is a variation on the 3 Point Saddle that is very useful when you need to make the bend close to the end of your conduit. When you see the end result you think it is hard to do, but when you know how it is done, you'll be amazed at how simple it really is.
Pythagorean Theorem2:15
This is simply a review of your school mathematics on how to use the Pythagorean Theorem. It will be necessary for the Rolling Offset bend taught in the next video.
Rolling Offset6:06
With an Offset, the conduit changes levels. With a Rolling Offset, it must also reposition itself to the side of the original path. This video incorporates the Pythagorean Theorem from the previous video into making this bend. Follow the simple steps and it is not that hard to do.
Concentric Bends11:05
This type is bend is rarely used, but it is good to know how to do it. Instead of using a typical 90 degree bend, the conduits must gradually fan out. This is mostly done for aesthetic reasons. It takes some special but simple calculations to do. This video break it down in a very simple manner.
Using the Trigonometric Table3:32
This is some supplementary material that is rarely used. The Trigonometric Table is used mostly with machine bending, but using a hand bender skillfully is an important first step. If you need this information for hand bending conduits, you will have it.
Finding Angles Without a Protractor1:46
This is another supplementary video based somewhat on the Trigonometric Table. If for no other reason, it is good to know that you have this option available to you.
Final Measuring Tricks and Section 2 Review10:14
These are some more helpful measuring tricks to save you time. After you have mastered the basic calculations and bends, these tricks make a lot of sense.

Requirements

There are no requirements or prerequisites for this course.

Description

This instructional video describes the basic techniques and calculations an electrician needs to know for bending EMT conduit. The video clip titles show you all of the skills you will learn. This course is designed to help a beginner learn this material rapidly. On screen graphics easily explain the calculations and highlight important concepts. It is over 2 and half hours in length. Conduit bending is an essential element of any electrician training program. This electric video is great for the apprentice electrician, and even as a review for a journeyman.

Who this course is for:

This course is intended to teach a complete beginner, and may also be helpful as a review for some of the more advanced bends.