Probably a dumb question about rigid conduit

[theoldwizard1]

Can rigid metal conduit be bent by hand ? If so, up to want size ?

 

[sberry]

How frisky do you feel? 3/4 can be bent fairly easily.

 

[LXCam]

1/2 and 3/4 is easy with a hicky bender but I highly suggest you get an extra stick to practice on, it's tricky. 1" takes some lead in your *** plus a good strong back if it's too turn out good. If you're only bending 1/2" I'd suggest just using a 3/4" emt bender.

 

[James-W]

I have seen used ones at garage sales for as little as $20. Not saying you shouldn't bend it by hand, just saying that it might be a good idea to look around and see if you can't pick up a used one for a good price. When you don't need it anymore you could always sell it and recoup part of, if not all of, the initial cost.

 

[teamextreme]

Use a standard bender one size larger. 3/4" bender for 1/2" rigid, 1" bender for 3/4", etc. I've hand-bent 1" rigid with a 1-1/4" bender, but it's a mofo. You need some serious lead in your *** to pull it off. 45 deg or less isn't bad but a 90 is about impossible.

 

[Stuart in MN]

To be clear, you're talking about rigid galvanized (thick wall) conduit and not EMT, correct? A hydraulic bender would be better for larger sizes, but as mentioned a standard hickey should work for the smaller diameter stuff.

 

[05wrangler]

Yes it can be bent by hand. Up to 1 inch. Use the next size up hand bender (1/2 rigid= 3/4 EMT bender. 3/4 rigid= 1 inch EMT bender. 1 rigid= 1 1/4 emt bender, you better pack a lunch and bring a friend for that one.) Just remember your 90s won't be a tight as if it where done with a hydro bender.