Need a 3/4" EMT conduit bender for a doing a few projects around the house. Any suggestions on a good one to get? Lowes has Ideal brand and Home Depot carries Klein. I believe Lowes bender has an aluminum head and steel handle. Looking on ebay there are various brands and some have cast iron heads instead on aluminum. I assume the cast iron benders are stronger and better?
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EMT conduit bender
- Thread starter enrare
- Start date
Either one will work just fine, buy the least expensive one. Not brain surgery, just bending emt.
Thanks, that's what I was thinking but once I realized the heads can be either aluminum or iron I was concered about the durability/strength of the aluminum benders. Don't think I will ever need to bend the Rigid conduit, most likely just the EMT.
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'04 Cummins
Well-known member
In the field I always use the cast iron Ideal. They last the longest before the shoe gets worn out, and through years of use, I have come to know where all the many useful take-off points on the bender are (besides the ones that are actually marked).
An aluminum head Ideal would last a lifetime if you aren't using it everyday.
An aluminum head Ideal would last a lifetime if you aren't using it everyday.
rockwithjason
Well-known member
hit craigs list. there are always benders for sale in my area
hit craigs list. there are always benders for sale in my area
Been looking off and on but now that I need one there's none to be found. I noticed the prices where usually about the same as getting a new one at the big box stores so I figured no rush to get one unless a killer deal popped up on Craig's List.
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I've been bending pipe for 30 years and either of the cast iron benders is the way to go. You will save money buying off Craig's. They can usually be had for about 25 bucks around here. The handle they sell with the expanded end will make your life easier. If you'll never use it again, rent or borrow one.
Spudland_Dave
Well-known member
Renting tools is something I hate doing...cause then your "pressed for time" if your anything like me, the day you rent it it will be raining or the wife will have something else planned..etc.. For a tool as cheap as 30 bucks, might as well just buy one. 30-50 bucks gets you one....whats Renting gonna cost...15 bucks a day, plus fuel to get it and return it, AND you'll have to bang everything out in a day.
Yes, I'm the guy who split with my dad and brother on a mini-ex because we all hate renting.
Hi my name is Dave and I'm a tool-a-holic.
Yes, I'm the guy who split with my dad and brother on a mini-ex because we all hate renting.
Hi my name is Dave and I'm a tool-a-holic.
Zeke
Well-known member
If we knew you location, someone might loan you one.
Mickey O
Well-known member
If you haven't found one and you can wait a few days I might have one to get rid of. I'm getting ready to go through my electrical stuff and I'm thinking 2 of each size should be plenty so I'll be getting rid of the rest.
I researched benders a few weeks ago and it seems like you can't go wrong with Ideal. I went with iron for the durability. I bought a 1/2" Ideal ductile iron head bender with handle from Amazon for $39 + $11 shipping (part # 74-026). It was my first time using a bender and I found it very easy to use and the markings very easy to read. My first project turned out great. I need a 3/4" version now so I'm going stick with Ideal iron (part # 74-027).
If you haven't found one and you can wait a few days I might have one to get rid of. I'm getting ready to go through my electrical stuff and I'm thinking 2 of each size should be plenty so I'll be getting rid of the rest.
pm me when you know what you have.