Conduit Bending
Study Guide
The math and the muscle memory, in that order: multipliers, deducts, and shrink, then stubs, offsets, saddles, kicks, and segment bends — with practice drills and an answer key. Read Chapter 1 free.
Get the full guide — $17Bender anatomy & conduit types
A hand bender has four parts you'll actually use: the hook that grabs the conduit, the shoe with the groove the conduit rides in, the handle, and the markings stamped on the shoe. Learn the marks before you learn the bends:
- Arrow — the front of the bend. Stub-ups, first bends of offsets, and back-to-backs start here. Your deduct math keys off this mark.
- Star point — the back of a 90° bend. Used to measure and bend back-to-back 90s without pulling the conduit out.
- Rim notch — the center of a 45° bend. Saddles and some offsets key off this mark.
- Degree scale — read it when the conduit is at the handle angle you're bending to. Know that scale readings lie a little on springy conduit: every conduit springs back a few degrees, EMT least, larger and heavier wall more.
| Raceway | NEC article | What to know as a bender |
|---|---|---|
| EMT | Art. 358 | Thin-wall steel. Hand benders cover 1/2″–1-1/4″. Easiest to learn on. Bend limit: 360° total between pull points (358.26). Secure within 3 ft of boxes, then every 10 ft (358.30). |
| IMC | Art. 342 | Intermediate metal — heavier wall than EMT, lighter than rigid. Threads like rigid; bends with more springback. |
| RMC | Art. 344 | Heavy-wall threaded rigid. Hickeys and mechanical/hydraulic benders above small sizes. Support within 3 ft of boxes and per the 344.30 spacing table. |
| PVC | Art. 352 | No threading, no shoe bending cold — heat with a hot box or heat gun until pliable, bend, hold, cool. Support spacing is tighter (Table 352.30) and expansion fittings matter on long outdoor runs (352.44). |
No run may contain more than the equivalent of four quarter bends (360°) between pull points (EMT 358.26; same rule in the other raceway articles). Bends must not flatten or kink the raceway — the internal diameter has to survive (358.24). Minimum bend radii are in NEC Chapter 9, Table 2. Check the table for the size in your hand.
The complete guide picks up from here: the multiplier/deduct/shrink tables, stubs, offsets, saddles, kicks, segment bending, troubleshooting, and drills with an answer key.
The other 8 chapters are yours for $17
Chapter 1 is free above. The full guide — every table, worked example, and practice drill with answer key, printable, yours to keep — unlocks when you order.
- 🔒 Chapter 2: The math core — multiplier/shrink tables, deducts, gain
- 🔒 Chapter 3: Stub-ups & back-to-back 90s
- 🔒 Chapter 4: Offsets step-by-step + parallel offset math
- 🔒 Chapter 5: Three-point & four-point saddles
- 🔒 Chapter 6: Kicks
- 🔒 Chapter 7: Segment bending & large-radius sweeps
- 🔒 Chapter 8: Common errors & how pros fix them
- 🔒 Chapter 9: Practice drills & answer key
The complete 9-chapter study guide, printable, written from 20+ years in the trade. Secure online checkout — instant access after payment.
Buy now — $17Jason answers directly · Licensed PA HIC #PA166735
Need an electrician? Call JS Power LLC.
I'm Jason Mohoska, owner-operator of JS Power LLC (Licensed · PA HIC #PA166735), serving Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. 20+ years in the trade. When you call, you deal directly with me: I quote the job, I do the work, and it's done to code.
- Panel upgrades & service changes (100–200 amp)
- EV charger installs
- Generator installs
- Lighting, ceiling fans & remodels
- Troubleshooting & safety inspections
- Commercial fit-outs
powerjsllc.com · powerjsllc@gmail.com
Licensed Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor · PA HIC #PA166735
20% off for veterans (DOD ID required) & senior citizensHard-to-find smart & LED gear — supplied & installed.
Most stores don't carry the good stuff — or they sell it without anyone to install it right. I source new-age electrical products (smart switches, dimmers, LED retrofits) and install them to code. One call, one flat price, working before I leave. Have a specific device in mind? Ask — if it's legit and listed, I'll get it.
Unique imports — global smart tech, hard to find in US stores
Innovative gear from established overseas makers (Aqara, Govee, SwitchBot, Lumary, Treatlife, Sonoff) — I stick to UL- or ETL-listed devices, installed to code. Ordered new-in-box for your job.
Unique electrical tools & home essentials
Hard-to-find diagnostic tools and must-have electrical products — pro-grade gear I put to work in your home, or boxed up for you to keep.
Pro tools — the pro-grade lineup
Professional-grade hand tools and test gear from established brands — Klein, Fluke, Amprobe, FLIR, Ideal. The same class of equipment electricians carry on service calls.
Materials ordered new-in-box for your job — never warehoused. 20% off for veterans (DOD ID) & senior citizens. PA HIC #PA166735.