What method is commonly used to bend EMT conduit?

The method commonly used to bend EMT (Electrical Metallic Tubing) conduit is with a hand bender or a mechanical bender. These tools are specifically designed to create precise and smooth bends in conduit, allowing electricians to fit conduits neatly around obstacles while maintaining their electrical integrity and compliance with codes.

Hand benders leverage a lever mechanism that enables the user to apply force effectively and achieve various bend angles, which is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality in electrical installations. Mechanical benders can offer even more precision and can handle larger diameters, making them suitable for heavier-duty applications.

Using other tools like a hammer and anvil is not appropriate for conductivity and could damage the conduit. Heating the conduit with a torch can weaken it structurally and may not yield accurate bends. Lastly, a vice and pipe cutter are designed for cutting rather than bending, making them unsuitable for this purpose. Therefore, the hand and mechanical benders are the preferred methods for bending EMT conduit effectively.