How to Make an Offset Bend

Measure the height of the obstacle.

Look at your pipe bender. On one side is a set of degrees. On the other side is a collection of numbers called multipliers. To calculate bends involves a mathematic formula. The tool has the formula pressed into the metal. The formula reads "Depth times multiplier equals the distance between bends."

Decide the degree of your bends. In general most electricians using a pipe bender will be inserting wire in the conduit so they do not want a sharp bend where the wire might catch or get stuck in the bend. Often they will use a 20 or 30 degree bend. For this example lets use a 30 degree bend. Find the 30 marked on the scale side of the tool. Place your finger on the 30 and turn the tool around.

Note that the 30 degree mark is across from the 2 mark on the multipliers side of the tool. Measure your obstacle. For this example lets say the obstacle is 4 inches tall. Go back to your formula in Step 2. Multiply the height of the obstacle (4 inches) by the multiplier (2) equals 8 inches. Make two marks on your pipe that are 8 inches apart.

Line up the left mark with the arrow on the bender. Bend down on the pipe that is to the right of the arrow. Bend over the tool curve. The second line will line up with the 30 degree mark.

Flip the pipe around so that the first bend is to the left of the tool and the curve is upward. Line the pipe up with the tool. Position the right side mark lined up with the arrow. Measure 8 inches from the mark and make a new mark. Bend your second bend. When the new mark reaches the 30 degree mark on the tool you are finished.