Electrician how-to
How to Bend a 90-Degree Stub-Up in EMT Conduit
Bending conduit cleanly is a core apprentice skill. This uses a standard hand bender.
Bending conduit cleanly is a core apprentice skill. This uses a standard hand bender. In short: measure; subtract; place, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Measure the desired stub-up height from the end of the conduit.
Subtract the bender’s take-up (marked on the bender, for example 5 inches for 1/2-inch EMT) and mark the conduit.
Place the conduit on a flat, firm surface and align the mark with the bender’s arrow.
Hold the conduit steady with your foot on the bender’s foot pedal.
Pull the handle smoothly until the conduit reaches 90 degrees, checking with a level.
Measure the stub height and adjust if needed.
Safety reminders for electricians
- Always verify absence of voltage before touching conductors
- Follow lockout/tagout and NFPA 70E arc-flash requirements
- Use ladders and fall protection correctly
- Wear arc-rated PPE, safety glasses and insulated gloves as required
Key terms
Voltage (V) · Current (A) · Resistance (Ω) · Ohm’s law · NEC · GFCI: see the full electrician glossary.