In short
Conduit bending with a hand bender uses a few fixed numbers. For a 90, subtract the bender's take-up (commonly 5 inches for 1/2 inch EMT, 6 for 3/4 inch, 8 for 1 inch) from the stub height. For an offset, multiply the offset depth by the angle's multiplier to space the two bends, and add shrink. Saddles use a center bend and two smaller bends. Always check the numbers stamped on your bender.
Stub-up 90s
Measure the stub height you want, subtract the take-up, and mark the pipe. Line the mark up with the arrow on the bender and bend to 90.
| EMT size | Common take-up |
|---|---|
| 1/2 inch | 5 inches |
| 3/4 inch | 6 inches |
| 1 inch | 8 inches |
Offsets
| Angle | Multiplier (distance between bends) | Shrink per inch of offset |
|---|---|---|
| 10° | 6.0 | 1/16 inch |
| 22.5° | 2.6 | 3/16 inch |
| 30° | 2.0 | 1/4 inch |
| 45° | 1.414 | 3/8 inch |
| 60° | 1.2 | 1/2 inch |
Example: a 6 inch offset with 30 degree bends: marks 6 x 2 = 12 inches apart, and the pipe shrinks about 6 x 1/4 = 1.5 inches, so add that to the first mark's measurement.
Three-point saddles
To cross a small pipe, make a 45 degree center bend and two 22.5 degree outer bends. A common rule: move the center mark forward about 3/16 inch for each inch of saddle depth, and place the outer marks about 2.5 times the depth from the center.
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Straight answers
What is take-up in conduit bending?
The amount the bender adds to a 90 degree stub. You subtract it from the stub height when marking.
What is shrink in conduit bending?
The length the pipe loses when you make an offset. Add it to your measurement so the offset lands where you want.
What angle is easiest for offsets?
Many electricians use 30 degrees because the multiplier is 2, which makes the math simple.