Southwire aluminum hand bender: radius, deduct and gain
The Southwire aluminum hand bender is a hand bender for EMT and rigid (RMC), 1/2" to 3/4". These are the numbers BendMate uses for each of its shoes.
Part numbers: MCB1/2 (58281340), MCB3/4 (58281240)
Specs by shoe
| Size | Centerline radius | Deduct | Gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" EMT | 4 1/2" | 5" | 2 5/8" | Gain worked out from the radius. MCB1/2. Radius 4.5 is Southwire's answer on its product page; stub 5 is cast on the head (Southwire product photo). No gain published. |
| 3/4" EMT | 4 1/2" | 6" | 2 7/8" | Centerline radius: NEC minimum radius; check against your bender Gain worked out from the radius. MCB3/4. Stub 6 is cast on the head (Southwire product photo). Southwire publishes no radius or gain for it; radius is the NEC minimum, so gain and shrink are estimates. Measure your bender. |
| 1/2" RMC | 4 1/2" | 6" | 2 3/4" | Centerline radius: NEC minimum radius; check against your bender Gain worked out from the radius. MCB3/4 head (3/4 EMT groove). Radius is the NEC minimum for the head's 3/4 size, not measured. |
Marks on the shoe
- 1ArrowLine your marks up here. This is the arrow the app’s marks are for.Printed as “Arrow”
- 245° center notchThe center of a 45° bend: line up a mark placed on a bend’s center, like a three-point saddle’s middle bend.
- 3StarThe back of a 90: for a 90 measured to its back, like the second of two back-to-back 90s.
- 4Angle linesThe conduit lines up with each one as the bend reaches that angle, bending in the air.
The angle is read on the lines and marks on the head.
Where the numbers come from
Bend with the Southwire aluminum hand bender in BendMate
Choose it in the app and every mark comes from these numbers. Edit any of them to match your own bender.
Common questions
What is the deduct for 1/2" EMT on the Southwire aluminum hand bender?
5". Subtract it from the stub length to find where to mark a 90. The shoe’s centerline radius is 4 1/2" and its back-of-90 gain is 2 5/8".
What is the deduct for 3/4" EMT on the Southwire aluminum hand bender?
6". Subtract it from the stub length to find where to mark a 90. The shoe’s centerline radius is 4 1/2" and its back-of-90 gain is 2 7/8".
What is the deduct for 1/2" RMC on the Southwire aluminum hand bender?
6". Subtract it from the stub length to find where to mark a 90. The shoe’s centerline radius is 4 1/2" and its back-of-90 gain is 2 3/4".
Brand and model names only identify the bender. BendMate isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by Southwire. Check the numbers against the markings on your own bender.