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An Electric Conduit Bender Guide

6 June 2023 by Dan Adams

The heavy construction industry operates at a fast pace, requiring reliable, efficient tools to keep up. One such crucial tool is the electric conduit bender. In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the essentials of selecting and skillfully operating this critical heavy construction tool.

Determine Your Needs

Determining your requirements is your first step. Larger projects dealing with substantial conduit diameters necessitate a potent bender capable of handling conduits up to several inches. For smaller tasks, a less powerful model will suffice. While it's important to select a bender capable of doing the job, it will save you money if you do not overbuy.

Select Essential Features

All electric conduit benders aren't identical. Some offer digital programmable settings, while others maintain a more manual approach. For higher precision, consider models with bend-back capabilities to correct over-bends and those with built-in levels for exact bends.

Examine Before Buying

Before purchasing, perform a thorough inspection of the electric conduit bender. Check for seamless operation, robust construction, and a high-performance electric motor. Top-tier benders will display sturdy wheels, a resilient frame, and trustworthy controls.

Digital vs. Manual Models

Technological advancement has led to the improvement of electric conduit benders. Digitally advanced models, equipped with programmable controls, provide exceptional precision. Inputting specific bending angles becomes a breeze with these models, especially for intricate projects requiring a range of exact bends. In contrast, manual models often come at a lower cost and are suitable for more straightforward tasks.

Check for Robust Construction

Examine the chassis and frame during your assessment, as superior models often feature an all-steel construction. The all-steel construction ensures resilience and stability during operation. Also, models with rugged, heavy-duty wheels facilitate easy transportation across your worksite.

Bend-Back Feature and Built-In Levels

Advanced models have a bend-back feature, a handy tool for correcting over-bends and reducing conduit waste. A built-in level is another invaluable asset, offering visual confirmation of conduit alignment and improving your work's accuracy and consistency.

Putting the Bender to Work

Once you've chosen the right bender, it's time to harness its power. Begin by attaching your conduit to the bender's hook. Activate the bending process using the footswitch. Monitor the built-in level to ensure your conduit remains correctly aligned as it bends.

Safety Measures and Maintenance

Finally, safety always comes first. Use personal protective equipment and avoid loose clothing or jewelry. Unplug the bender when idle. To prolong the lifespan of your electric conduit bender, stick to a regular maintenance schedule, including lubricating moving parts, ensuring cleanliness, and proper storage.

For more information on electric conduit benders, contact a professional near you.

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