What is the take-up distance for 1/2 inch EMT when bending with a hand bender?

What is the take-up distance for 1/2 inch EMT when bending with a hand bender?

• A. 5 inches
• B. 4 inches
• C. 6 inches
• D. 7 inches

Answer: (A)

When bending EMT with a hand bender, you have to account for take-up distance—the portion of the conduit that disappears into the bend and bender during the bend. For 1/2 inch EMT, the standard take-up is five inches. That means you plan your layout by marking five inches back from the point where the bend will be completed, or you align that five-inch mark with the bender’s reference point and bend to 90 degrees. After the bend, the straight portion will be shorter by about five inches, which lets you end up at the correct location. If you used a smaller take-up (like four inches) the final length would be too long after bending; with a larger take-up (six or seven inches) it would be too short. The five-inch take-up is the typical value for 1/2 inch EMT with a standard hand bender.

When bending EMT with a hand bender, you have to account for take-up distance—the portion of the conduit that disappears into the bend and bender during the bend. For 1/2 inch EMT, the standard take-up is five inches. That means you plan your layout by marking five inches back from the point where the bend will be completed, or you align that five-inch mark with the bender’s reference point and bend to 90 degrees. After the bend, the straight portion will be shorter by about five inches, which lets you end up at the correct location.

If you used a smaller take-up (like four inches) the final length would be too long after bending; with a larger take-up (six or seven inches) it would be too short. The five-inch take-up is the typical value for 1/2 inch EMT with a standard hand bender.