PVC Conduit Bending

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JS13007

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I am doing a small job for a customer and was wondering what methods are employed to custom field-bend SCH 40 PVC in small diameters (1/2 inch up to 2 inch) for inside conduit jobs. I do not have a "hot dog" cooker but was wondering about a 1500 W hair dryer or a heat gun. I want something that will not scorch the conduit since it will be exposed. Looking for any tips that any of you may have to offer.
 
Greenlee makes a nifty blanket to heat the PVC. You can use a heat gun, but it's really easy to scorch the conduit. Plus, the blanket heats it evenly over a larger area. It's a snap to bend. Have a bucket of cold water handly to "set" the bend once you make it.
 
Re: PVC Conduit Bending

JS13007 said:
I am doing a small job for a customer and was wondering what methods are employed to custom field-bend SCH 40 PVC in small diameters (1/2 inch up to 2 inch) for inside conduit jobs.
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A heat gun works fine for small jobs. Keep it moving the whole time, both lengthwise and around the pipe, to get more uniform, controlled heating. Leave it aimed at one spot too long and you'll get scrap.

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Here's the blanket Brad mentioned: http://www.mygreenlee.com/products/det.cfm?id=2332&upc=31486

Good luck,


Chris Knight
Syracuse NY
 
Use factory 45 and 90 degree bends where ever possible. They make factory bends in other degrees but nobody stocks them around here. It's not worth the time spent trying to bend these on your own. For offsets not requiring a 45 degree bend KRALOY makes a new product that fits inside the PVC. It looks like a long spring. You just insert it and make the bend over your knee or with a bender. It keeps the pipe from collapsing. No heat required. Works good for bends, but not for 90's.
 
Re: PVC Conduit Bending

JS13007 said:
I do not have a "hot dog" cooker but was wondering about a 1500 W hair dryer or a heat gun.
Click to expand...

Heat guns and hair dryers work. Do not hold the guns to close or you will leave a scorch mark.
Hopefully you only have a few bends...
 
In a pinch you can throw the conduit into a gas barbeque and heat it up for a few minutes. Just keep turning it like a rotisserie chicken. I've heard guys say that they would shove a piece into the tailpipe on their truck to heat it too, but I don't know if that really works.
 
...I talked to another guy who suggests using a piece of armored cable inside the PVC while you make the bend to keep it from kinking as well...
I really appreciate all the responses..this is my first post and see that this is a great group full of good ideas...I hope to contribute some down the road.
 
infinity said:
I've heard guys say that they would shove a piece into the tailpipe on their truck to heat it too, but I don't know if that really works.
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It does....

Someone actually has a "hot box" that attaches to a vehicles exhuast (via a hose) to facilitate the users demise. LOL
 
Rotating the pipe in front of a 500W halogen work light works well too.
Especially if you bend a piece of flashing to fit inside the protective grills to help hold heat in.
 
hey_poolboy said:
Rotating the pipe in front of a 500W halogen work light works well too.
Especially if you bend a piece of flashing to fit inside the protective grills to help hold heat in.
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I watched a guy make a "hot plate" with a halogen work light, some duct work and some of the cage from a shopping cart....LMAO...true story.

nomadx.jpg

Who ordered the baked potatoe?
 
The rep brought in the 3/4" model for us to try. It worked good in my 70 degree office. But I can't tell you what it would do at 0 degrees. I think they are about $35.00.
 
shockin said:
The rep brought in the 3/4" model for us to try. It worked good in my 70 degree office. But I can't tell you what it would do at 0 degrees. I think they are about $35.00.
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So I take it that you slide this device inside the PVC, bend it then take it out and use again.

I have a supply house looking into this for me. It looks cool.
 
That's pretty much how it works. It's about 30" long and you can tie a string on it so you don't loose it in the conduit. I think the 2" would work good in conjunction with a heat source. I think it would keep it from kinking, which can be a problem.
 
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