EMT Bending: How To Make a 3 Point Saddle Bend Without Charts or Apps

[@SparkyChannel]

Klein Tools RT250 GFCI Outlet Tester with LCD Display, Electric Voltage Tester for Standard 3-Wire 120V Electrical Receptacles: Amazon: amzn.to/3IZrHox See my 38 video series: "EMT Bending by Sparky Channel" here: kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUIT9C0yzPTkqULBCmJXX_goh

[@rumhound5827]

You make this look so easy! Mine came out looking like it got ran over by a dump truck.

[@The96jaime]

Get a level to put at the end of your pipe to help you avoid the dog legs

[@Jason_Van_Stone]

I don't dog leg my Saddles but I definitely over/under bend my 22° bends...in fact, I hardly ever see anyone not having to tweak their offset bends a little bit.

[@bonekollektor1659]

@@Jason_Van_Stone same here but easy enough to tweak it

[@ITIRICI]

Lol. It happens

[@PcGames275]

nah bro for real😭

[@ethanle5077]

3rd Year Apprentice here. Haven't really been shown how to bend pipe that much yet. Life saver. Thank you.

[@SparkyChannel]

You can do it!

[@HypothermicCrab]

I hadn’t bent conduit in years and had bunch of 3 point saddles to do on a long run, I bought a bunch of extra pipes thinking I would waste a lot, but I didn’t need them after this video, every bend was perfect the first time, thanks for the video!!

[@evrlastngcherry7727]

I'm a first term apprentice and bent my first 3 bend saddles today after watching this video. Came out perfect, thanks.

[@SparkyChannel]

Fantastic! That's great to hear!

[@rapskallion]

Thanks Sparky Channel! Decades ago I worked in a building that had barebones fluorescent tube light fixtures on the ceiling. The ballasts on those would fail on a regular basis and since I was an agile young man I ended up being the person to replace the burned out ballasts with new ones. A 10 foot ladder, a wire cutter/stripper, and a few wire nuts were the tools required. Since I oftentimes left the power circuit on while changing these ballasts I acquired the nickname of Sparky. Whenever coworkers saw me up on the ladder they'd say something like, "Uh-oh, lookout. Sparky's at work again". I was rather fond of being called ⚡ Sparky ⚡. Take care!

[@SparkyChannel]

Take care Sparky! ⚡

[@swato59]

Here is a craftsman who takes pride in his work. Great video Sparky. Thanks for sharing.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@benlat784]

Thank you so much for your content! I’ve been working as a carpenter for the past 12 years and recently went back to school to become an electrician. Watching your videos helped me a lot to better understand and improve my emt bending. It also allows me to get ahead of the program on my free time!

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure. Best wishes with the change!

[@matthew798]

This is by far the best saddle bend tutorial i've seen. Proof that experience can't be replaced by studying.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@williammayoral4197]

I really love this guy's energy. Of all the other video's I've watched explaining a 3 point saddle bend this one the most detailed and fool proof. Straight to the point, great attitude, and very practical.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@dontbleedthadalo]

It's important to note that the outer mark measurement was made for a 3 inch obstruction, not a 2 1/2 inch as he said it was. You want to use the clearance you're shooting for as the multiplier. Not the height of the obstruction.

[@Jenkinsfamily22]

At 32 seconds in he says the obstruction is 2 1/2 inch but that we’re clearing it by half an inch making the jump 3 inches. He in fact did use the 3 inch clearance as the number that multiplied times the 2.5 multiplier

[@consciousness417]

Amazing video, I am an apprentice electrician with the IBEW, local 640, and your videos have helped me immensely. Great job. You earned a sub.

[@SparkyChannel]

Great to hear! I like earning subscriptions!

[@theseattlegreen1871]

Absolutely hands down best three Bend saddle video on the internet ever. Thank you. You've explained it perfectly not too much and not too little info and thanks for the chart

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much!

[@jerryjashinsky2699]

I've learned conduit bending at a school for work. I don't deal with bending much, so I've forgotten a lot. I like tapeing the basics on the handle as you've shown. It'll come in handy. Thanks for sharing.

[@Snorlax_il]

Wanted to let you know you helped a ton with me learning how to do something on the job. Boss asked me to do something I didn't know how and this popped up and saved the day (also impressed the boss too so mega plus there)

[@SparkyChannel]

Fantastic! Great job!

[@gonzotube3]

Hi Bill, I’m in my IBEW apprenticeship and have a test coming up that includes the 3 bend. In the field I do a ton of 4 bend saddles and offsets but just don’t do many 3’s in the standard day to day. This video is a fantastic refresher and it’s just right for brushing up on the fundamentals. Thanks for your help and for making our trade stronger by sharing your work and experience.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much! Best wishes with your apprenticeship!

[@Decline-America_Is_In_Trouble]

I'm an apprentice in the Elevator Union... Do you know how many videos I've watched while being super confused? This one cleared up the confusion PROMPTLY... Man oh man... I wish folks had the ability to teach people things in life with a very simple, processed approach... Thank you good buddy! Subbed!

[@SparkyChannel]

Welcome to Sparky Channel!

[@dudemanmanguy1957]

As an apprentice inside wiremen I gotta say your channel is very helpful, thank you bill 👍🏻

[@mamaswamma1234]

Absolutely flawless explanation/technique. Thank you for your service to the electrical community sir.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much Adam! More conduit bending on Sparky Channel this weekend.....

[@gtbr8134]

Whatever your measurement is just use a longer piece of emt than needed , make your bends then hold the conduit up where the 3 point offset is needed and make your mark at the coupling where you need to cut the conduit . This is way easier and faster than trying to find out how many 1/16 of an inch you need to add.

[@Fishingtuts]

My kinda thinking too

[@etherealnine]

Or learn how to bend properly and you won't have to waste time putting pipe up to mark then bring it back down to cut then back up again. Also thay would be a big fail if you ever had to do rigid.

[@JoseCollazo-px8fj]

@@etherealnine facts

[@waltermendez5274]

I mean if you already have a box set offset in it, this dude's way is going to be more legit how to learn the right way to do things

[@jamesb3092]

Notch, notch, then arrow and never had to reverse the conduit in bender. This will get you close enough for government commercial work. Thanks for the great video.

[@chaffee87]

its star notch arrow for the push through method big guy. or bend on centers and you never have to change direction.

[@iSOSiCKLE]

Second year apprentice here. This is my first week working for Skanska building a new school and I havent got the opportunity to work with EMT yet besides first year conduit class. I'm thrown into this job looking like an idiot not knowing how to bend conduit lol so I turn to KZbin for refresher videos like this. Excellent video man I greatly appreciate it!

[@michaelgerik8730]

3rd year here and same situation pretty much

[@ricardovillegas7877]

This is one of the best videos I have watch. I am a college student and I get stuck in this chapter about how to do a Saddle bend and I read the whole module but this video, this man explained it so easy. Thank you so much!

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks so much!

[@sambromley7394]

Managed to pull off my first 3 point saddle today in the field. Had to reference my uglys manual to do it but man does it look clean. I wish I could share pictures because it is dang near perfect. (Coming from a licensed solar installer) not technically a general electrician. Even though within the next few weeks I will be getting hired on as a electrician with a major US contractor. Just waiting on my two weeks to be up.

[@sambromley7394]

Thanks for the help sparky!

[@SparkyChannel]

Way to go Sam, I love it!!!

[@andrewl1630]

Glad to see you back Bill!! Your videos gave me Confidence n knowledge to become electrician myself they’re very helpful!

[@SparkyChannel]

Fantastic! I think it's the best trade.

[@timsullivan2285]

Thanks a ton Bill. I'm pretty bad with pipe bending and the bend I made after watching this video was almost perfect (an error on my part.) Very helpful

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent! Great job Tim!

[@CrazyCuban0]

Im in school for general electrician and this helped a ton, thank you, sir!

[@feedthegeese4415]

Your a legend! Thanks for taking the time to educate the uneducated like myself! All of your videos have been super helpful and easy to understand.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@timdouglass4934]

As a new comer to the trade I been wanting to bend conduit. I can't stand the look of MC cable. Your straight forward video makes it look simple and easy. Thanks.

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure Tim!

[@ericstandefer9138]

Ha ha, he made it look easy alright, wait until you try it. Not so easy. You better practice before you try it on a job.

[@toothyluna4042]

so thats where i made my mistake. I aligned my middle mark with the star and not the notch. Thank you that was very helpful

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks!

[@KennynguyenT123]

The hardest part for him was cleaning the pencil markings after making the bends perfectly.

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL! Thanks!

[@superbball]

Pretty much

[@moonolyth]

Sweet! I am no electrician. Picked up a couple used. will be making awnings soon and using conduit for this. Welded a small bench 1/2 conduit with a 2 x 8 seat about 12 years ago and still going strong after much abuse... any way of the subject but great tutorial. I will most definitely write this on the benders. Thanks Much, great friendly advice !!!

[@TheArtOfConduitBending]

He couldn't believe it came out good. Much respect sparky

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@andrewhawkins8616]

Man, you just got another subscription. This is good stuff.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Andrew!

[@fresh55n9ne]

Best 3 point saddle video on you tube.

[@captjohnjurgensen546]

Just what I needed! Thank you from a Carpenter working outside the box....at home!

[@SparkyChannel]

Right on! Thanks for your service to our country!

[@joanemmanuelsanchezvillada3239]

Thanks sparky, wish I had you as shop teacher in the trade school I go to🙏 now im understanding and loving the trade more and more with each video I watch, Thanks alot

[@SparkyChannel]

Sounds good!

[@rainypath96]

Sparky this video is being used on an assignment at my trade school

[@SparkyChannel]

Wow, that's so cool!

[@LuisJimenez-ky9tg]

Piped it just like he mentioned. Came out beautiful. Thank you

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent!

[@ma1ne0520]

You explained this way better than my teacher. Much thanks!

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, thanks!

[@BigD2Crazy]

thank you im a apprentice before i watched this video i went thru a whole bundle of pipe trying to bend a 3 point saddle right lol

[@electricaltyler5998]

No joke

[@SparkyChannel]

You can do it!

[@screwyou2140]

How long U been an apprentice. I’m at 1 year and I’m just now getting the idea of bending

[@JCCharts]

Practice makes perfect. Nobody was great at anything when they first started 👍

[@pdsolari1]

A true "craftsman"/electrician and very fine instructor! Thank You for the information. Love Klein tools. Dennis

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Dennis!

[@jackgower3606]

Old school spark. I’m 30 and luckily been taught the right way, the amount of sparks I work with who can’t tube, can’t bend tray, basket etc is unbelievable.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Jack!

[@jackgower3606]

@@SparkyChannel not a problem! Nice to see. I understand that most firms (where I’m in Wales, UK at least) don’t seem to have the time to teach the apprentices the right way. I hope sparks who haven’t had a good apprenticeship come to the likes of this channel to learn.

[@ynraider]

As an apprentice in USA South, I'm noticing the same issue. The oldheads are overwhelmed 1 JW for 3-4 apprentices! But they teach those who are ready to pick up tools. Younger JWs, not so much... Private YT time is a valuable 50% of my IBEW program now. :/

[@wildixon4918]

Thank you! I'm at work and had a complete brain fart.this has been immensely helpful!

[@T.E.P..]

These vids are made so well and the education and energy is strong. Each are a delight thank you for these vids

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad you like them! Thanks Eric!

[@timcurry7231]

This video got me out of a pinch today thank you sir

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent!

[@owenmorrow_]

great video. have a test this friday in my trade class. have been watching them all morning and this one resonated with me well.

[@SparkyChannel]

Good luck!

[@Merked.]

“Sheeeesh” YOU ARE GOOD! Thanks for the help bud. I still ended up downloading an app!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@jasonpreston9225]

Because of this video i nailed it on my first try. So simple thanks for making this easy 👌🏻👌🏻

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure 😊

[@processengineer85]

These videos are great, nothing like a refresher for an old sparky like myself.

[@SparkyChannel]

We all need refreshers now and then, thanks Alfred!

[@cesarcortes369]

that was the best teaching of a 3 point saddle

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Cesar!

[@andyabong280]

Im from the philippines....thanks for helping andvsharing your knowledge. SIR.....

[@frank_texas7400]

Write it down in your bender...a true master thank you!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Francisco!

[@steveaguirre7154]

Was having trouble reading the bender since it was kinda scratched off but this filled in my blanks, gracias !

[@bk9841]

Thank you sir, my instructor made light of how useful this bend can be, he than proceeded to over explain the three bend for like half hour. Subscribed

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks, and welcome to Sparky Channel!

[@brayanbarbosa3282]

I’m doing this bend in class so I’m glad I have a video to guide me in bending the three point saddle

[@SparkyChannel]

You can do it!

[@zerohour7634]

Sparky, you are the man. Seriously, thank you so much.

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad to help!

[@Koco-mt3vx]

thank you so much, I'm in trade school and have a lab coming up to do this. Excellent explanation!

[@SparkyChannel]

Good luck, thanks!

[@todosmiros8119]

This is the best learning video I have ever seen regarding a three point saddle. But you know, there's an illogical factor in making 3-point saddles. 22+22+44=88 degrees(removing decimals). an offset would have been 22+22+22+22=88 degrees However, those are not the same in practical use. How? because when you go to pull wire, Pulling through 4 slight bends is a heck of a lot easier than pulling through 22 slight bends and a really deep one. ESPECIALLY in the cases of electricians that pipe in such a way so where they fill up a half inch pipe with as many wires as legally accepted! As a result, when it comes time to pull wire, they need multiple men, wrecking man hours. Pretty is nice, but money is money. Time is important. So Impressing fellow electricians, doesnt help the customer out any. Speed does. ESPECIALLY, if no one is going to see that pipe in the first place, or its way up in a grocery store ceiling or something. Lastly, that 3 point saddle isnt practical for the next man either. Lets say you end up having to run something else. That saddle doesnt leave room for much else, and people have to now jump over your pipe. thats not pretty at all. So a 3 point saddle needs to be used because there is NO OTHER OPTION due to the obstruction, and another obstruction ABOVE your pipe, or something like that. The same is said of making a back to back S-shaped 90, in a single piece. By the time you get done doing all that measuring, the other man would have just made 2 90s, and a coupling. the cost of the coupling, and the man-hours to install is worth the use of the coupling...that helps the company AND the customer. thats all there is to it. A wasted piece of pipe due to human error cost more than that coupling as well.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Rod!

[@anthonysantacruz8967]

Thank you for imparting wisdom friend. I’m literally performing this very bend in class at this moment.

[@SparkyChannel]

Rock on! Thanks!

[@tfun101]

Wow sparky! I watched a lot of your videos years ago when I was coming up in the trade and had to come back for a 3 point saddle refresher 😂..now you’re getting 100s of 1000s of views! Way to go!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much! I have to watch my videos for a refresher sometimes too! lol!

[@jasireconner7645]

I have my first craft cert tonight and this helps me a lot.

[@SparkyChannel]

Best wishes!

[@robertmilkshake1013]

Beautiful! Thank you for taking the time to do this

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure! You can see my 20 video series: "EMT Bending by Sparky Channel" here! kzbin.info/aero/PLSD43kAzjUIT9C0yzPTkqULBCmJXX_goh

[@jayecheverria2454]

The best video ever. First video that popped up after my search and I couldn’t of found a better one makes it fun

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@nckcastello]

Thanks dude. I got bootcamp today and gotta do 3pt saddle.

[@sarinnasao3538]

Sparky is such an awesome instructor! I loved this video so much, it was short and sweet and the presentation of information was great. Thank you for making learning fun!

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks!

[@Gruntled2001]

Great vid, Bill. To share my "lifehack", I always carry Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge thingie. Helps cleaning marks from the conduit and smudges from painted finished walls.

[@bsmith8564]

Use a 30 degree center and 15 degree outer bends. Easier wire feed and only 60 degrees instead of 90

[@SparkyChannel]

Good idea.

[@ghoul1shgobl1n49]

Is the shrinkage and distance from marks still 3/16" and 2.5"?

[@bsmith8564]

@@ghoul1shgobl1n49 No shrinkage is closer to 1/8 per inch and 4 is closer to the multiplier. I don't worry too much on shrink.

[@elmersalinas6706]

how can I find 15°?

[@bsmith8564]

@@elmersalinas6706 Depends on your bender most benders have a 10 and 22 upright mark. Aim for a little less than 1/2 way between those marks.

[@buckshot5896]

A guy in my local came up with a simpler way, 4,6,9.5 method. Zero thinking. Has shrinkage figured in. Place 6 on tape measure on center of obstruction. Place marks at the end of tape, mark at 4 and mark at 9.5. Bend 22.5, 45, 22.5 all in same direction. Easiest way to bend. I show all my apprentices this

[@maximusvonderbrewskis]

Please explain?

[@deadlyhellhunter]

Agree . Please explainn

[@Keashane]

Explain

[@billymendoza7053]

You use notch or no

[@gallardojorge4763]

Whaaat?

[@jonnatancontreras6202]

It helped! Currently a 1st year apprentice and had to learn here Real quick haha

[@ericmintz8305]

Thank you Sir for your kind and generous help. Your video taught me exactly what I needed to know.

[@SparkyChannel]

You are very welcome. Thanks Eric!

[@ericmintz8305]

@@SparkyChannelYou are most welcome, Sir. Ah, if only I had your skill. This is my first, and possibly only time bending 3/4 inch. I have bent lots of 1/2, and was surprised how much harder 3/4 is. I understand that pros like you bend one inch by hand. I cannot imagine how.

[@bananaaaa3428]

SPARKY ur back! Dude I was wondering what happened I love watching ur videos, glad to see you back!

[@SparkyChannel]

What's up? Great to hear from you. Excellent videos coming up this weekend, check them out if you can. Have a great weekend! And thanks for finding the new sparky Channel!

[@Ephesians-ts8ze]

Excellent video👍. I’ve been working in the trade for 26 yrs but I suck at 3 point saddles!And I avoid them as much as possible. They’re great for getting around an obstacle between pull boxes distanced near by and/or pipe runs that aren’t close to maxed out on bends. But they are necessary sometimes

[@SparkyChannel]

I agree, thanks!

[@inadaze813]

your videos are so amazingly helpful. thank you for all the knowledge, it's greatly appreciated

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@WifEyesWideShut]

Great video Bill! I’m a 1st year apprentice, this was a great video! Thank you so much! Looking forward to checking out more of your channel! I subscribed!

[@charlieperez6844]

Amazing presentation, Thank you for the clarity.

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@theotrotchie]

So informative and explained clearly!

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Jo3Zway]

Great video, straight to the point, I was able to understand it. Now it’s time to practice and just get better!!! Thank you for passing on the knowledge!!!

[@SparkyChannel]

No problem, go for it! :)

[@JorgeGonzalez-fo9pp]

You are professional,Pride of the IBEW.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@wojciechryszardgola]

Your videos help me succeed at work Thank you!

[@SparkyChannel]

Happy to hear that!

[@koarivera9151]

Your knowledge is appreciated. Sparky keep it up wishing you a great 2024.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much, same to you!

[@xseveredsaintx]

Super informative video, definitely saving for future reference in case I forget.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@0786RICARDO]

Also, this is a simple Pythagoras. You have the opposite (obstruction), and the angle (22.5). You simply get the hypotenuse (distance from marks) The shrink is simply the adjacent minus the hypotenuse

[@SparkyChannel]

Good lesson, thanks!

[@0786RICARDO]

@@SparkyChannel Thanks for the videos.

[@Archt1cStreams]

This has helped so much. Blessings your way!

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it helped!

[@beeboyes]

Love your tape labels right on the project! Really clear tutorial. Thanks!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@williammayoral4197]

Yeah I'd also like to know more specifically if these numbers apply to all pipe sizes and degree bends. I wanna know as well, what variables change by circumstance and which numbers remain constant as far as shrinkage and side bed measurements. If anyone can answer this that would be awesome !

[@atomicgamez445]

Numbers don’t matter with pipe size but with degree of bend shrinkage and multiplier differ

[@jamalcole1985]

Thank you for making this video. My journeyman just let me borrow his 3/4 bender. IBEW 595

[@SparkyChannel]

Fantastic. You can do it!

[@Johnlee0513]

Great instruction method..was great and "to the point" I learned a lot based upon your presentation

[@SemperShock]

Thank you Sir!!!! Greatly appreciate your time and information on your videos! Greetings from Local 6 San Francisco!

[@usethenoodle]

This channel is priceless!

[@Quann69]

I learn more from KZbin than class 😂

[@LoveLumps7585]

KZbin University 😅

[@104silvae]

Great video sparky thank you for sharing. To find the length of the conduit when cutting would you just add the shrinkage to the total length before cutting? Thank you.

[@Nick_D_Sanchez]

This is a perfect review before taking a craft cert. Thank you

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful, thanks!

[@MiKeHendrycks]

Life saver my dude! 🤙🏻

[@SparkyChannel]

Great to hear!

[@eldanpimentel2043]

I am trying don't look to good . but I still learning.thank you....

[@SparkyChannel]

You can do it!

[@abdennabihanane2445]

Hi I am a big fan of you’re videos and they are amazingly helpful.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@jhonnyrestrepo6780]

Great videos. Excellent information and clearly explained. Thanks

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@jeffreylonigro4081]

Hey Sparky, love your channel. How about a video on how to keep your bends in the same plane so as to avoid dog-legs.

[@SparkyChannel]

Great suggestion!

[@magnetar2524]

I was looking for your older videos and couldn’t find them to save my life. Glad to see you’re back!! I was specifically looking for any videos on insulated screwdrivers, do you think you can put out any reviews or what you would recommend?

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, I'll definitely get them back up, and improved too!

[@ishwarramharakh4834]

Hello First of all I need to say you videos are well explain, thanks for that. Adding 3/16” to the center of bend goes for all standard sizes (1/2”- 1-1/4”) that can be done with a hand bender? And the 2.5” for the outer bends also goes for all the standard sizes that can be done with a hand bender ? Thanks

[@ynraider]

Yes. 3/16" is MULTIPLIER for each INCH of Obstruction = Shrinkage for the center bend. Yes. to 2.5" Past 1" conduit, hand bender is NOT recommended! VERY HIGH STRAIN ON LIMBS/BACK!