Hydraulic Conduit Bender Guide
By Andrew ·
Quick answer
A hydraulic conduit bender uses a ram to bend large conduit, typically 2-1/2" to 4" and heavy rigid. Table or cam-track types turn a shoe, and the mark lines up with the shoe’s benchmark. Push-type benders push a shoe into conduit on two supports, and the mark goes on the middle of the shoe. You read the angle on the ram’s gauge.
What a hydraulic bender is for
Past about 2", conduit is too stiff for a hand bender and bigger than most electric benders take. A hydraulic ram does the work instead, and a pump drives it. These benders handle the large sizes of rigid, IMC and EMT. Their shoes are big, so the bends are wide and the take-up is large.
| Kind | How it bends | Where the mark goes |
|---|---|---|
| Table or cam-track | The ram turns a shoe, like a big mechanical bender | The benchmark ahead of the bend, often the front edge of the saddle |
| Push-type (one-shot) | The conduit lies on two supports while the ram pushes a shoe into it | The middle of the shoe, so the bend forms evenly on both sides |
On a push-type bender the hook direction and “flip” make no difference, because the bend forms evenly on both sides of the mark.
Setting up
- Choose the shoe and supports for your trade size and conduit type. Some models have separate settings for EMT and for rigid/IMC.
- Fit the shoe and saddle as the manual shows. Many follow bars have a marked end that goes in first.
- Place the bender on firm, level ground with room at both ends for the conduit.
- Check hoses and fittings, and keep hands and feet clear of the ram and the shoe.
Marking the conduit
mark = stub length − take-up- Centerline radius
- 20"
- Angle
- 90°
- Conduit around the curve
- 31 7/16"
On a push-type bender the mark is the middle of the finished 90, so you line it up with the middle of the shoe and measure everything else from there. On a table bender it lines up with the benchmark, which sits well ahead of the bend.
That is why stubs on large conduit start long. The stub has to be longer than the take-up plus the minimum that sits past the mark.
Bending and reading the angle
- Snug the conduit against the shoe and supports with the mark on the benchmark.
- Zero the angle indicator, such as the ram travel scale, gauge rod or protractor pointer, as the manual says.
- Pump slowly to the angle, watching the indicator.
- Release, take the conduit out, and check the angle with a level or an angle finder.
Some manufacturers build springback into their charts and indicators, and others do not. Bend a scrap first, see how far past you had to go, and allow for it.
Working with big conduit
- Support long lengths on stands so the weight does not drag the conduit out of line.
- Keep a clear space beside the bender. A big sweep swings a long way.
- Mark the bends before you load the conduit. A mistake is expensive in 3" or 4" rigid.
- Do not mix up take-ups. Large shoes differ by size and by conduit type.
Get the marks for your bender
BendMate works this out from your bender’s radius and deduct, flags a bend that won’t work, and shows you every mark.
Common questions
What size conduit needs a hydraulic bender?
Generally 2-1/2" and up, plus heavy rigid. The smaller sizes can be bent with hand, mechanical or electric benders.
What is a push-type or one-shot bender?
A hydraulic bender that lays the conduit across two supports while the ram pushes a shoe into it between them. The bend forms evenly on both sides of the mark.
Where does the mark go on a hydraulic bender?
On a table or cam-track model, on the benchmark the manual names, often the front edge of the saddle. On a push-type model, on the middle of the shoe.
Do hydraulic benders allow for springback?
Some do in their charts and indicators, others do not. Test on a scrap and allow for what you see.