Milwaukee 5150-20
Current cordless branch bender for galvanized EMT from 1/2" through 1". AUTO-ZERO senses the zero point for each bend; shoes are tool-free and exclusive to the 5150-20.
Home EMT Conduit Bender
EMT bending
EMT Conduit Bender Guide: Hand vs Powered & Shoe Compatibility
EMT is easy to describe but easy to mismatch: hand benders are size-specific, while powered systems add a model-specific shoe and support stack. This page keeps those decisions separate.
EMT selection rule
For hand bending, match the bender head to the EMT trade size. For powered bending, match the power unit and the exact EMT shoe/support group.
Last technical review: August 26, 2026.
Hand EMT benders: simple system, exact size
For common branch work, a hand bender remains the smallest and fastest setup. The critical detail is the head marking. Milwaukee’s current aluminum and iron families are offered in 1/2", 3/4" and 1" EMT sizes. The 3/4" EMT heads are also marked for 1/2" rigid/IMC, while the 1" EMT heads are marked for 3/4" rigid/IMC.
| EMT size | Milwaukee aluminum | Milwaukee iron | Additional manufacturer-listed use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/2" | 48-22-4070 | 48-22-4080 | 1/2" EMT |
| 3/4" | 48-22-4071 | 48-22-4081 | 1/2" rigid and 1/2" IMC |
| 1" | 48-22-4072 | 48-22-4082 | 3/4" rigid and 3/4" IMC |
Milwaukee describes both hand-bender families with high-contrast markings, offset multipliers, saddle references and a back-of-90 indicator. Aluminum reduces head weight; ductile iron emphasizes a heavy-duty shoe. The geometry markings are useful, but you should still use the markings on the actual bender in your hands.
When powered EMT bending starts to pay off
The jump to a powered bender is less about one difficult bend and more about repetitive work. Multi-raceway branch installations, prefabrication, repeated offsets and larger 1-1/4"–2" EMT are where setup consistency and reduced manual effort can matter more than carrying weight.
Greenlee 555 series
Current 555C plus legacy 555CX/DX/DX-22 documentation covers 1/2"–2" EMT using generation-specific shoe/roller groups.
Greenlee 555 EMT attachments are generation-specific
Greenlee’s single-shoe manual is explicit. The 23803 EMT shoe group is for the 555C. The 13934 EMT shoe group is for the 555CX, 555DX and 555DX-22; Greenlee’s current product page marks 13934 obsolete. That legacy group also includes a squeeze roller for 1-1/2" and 2" EMT.
This is exactly the kind of relationship that should be checked before buying a used shoe group. A 555-series label on both items is not enough.
Compare current powered conduit-bender options
Use the size and attachment guidance above first. This purchase path is intentionally broader than one brand because EMT work can range from portable branch benders to 2-inch floor systems.
Use the chart for layout, not for attachment compatibility
Offsets rely on bend angle, multiplier and shrink. Those calculations are independent from the question of which shoe belongs on a power unit. Use the Conduit Bending Chart & Calculator for common field constants or the Offset Calculator for a two-bend offset, then follow the markings and procedure on the actual bender.
Technical sources
Layout calculators
Use the Conduit Offset Calculator for two-bend offsets and the 3-Point Saddle Calculator for the standard 45° centered saddle method.
Frequently asked questions
What size hand bender do I need for EMT?
Match the bender’s EMT size marking to the EMT trade size. Some larger hand-bender heads are also marked for a smaller rigid/IMC size, but the manufacturer marking should control.
Can I bend EMT with a rigid conduit bender shoe?
Only if the manufacturer explicitly lists that conduit type for the shoe. Shoe geometry and support requirements differ; do not assume that a rigid shoe is suitable for EMT.
What EMT sizes does the Milwaukee 5150-20 bend?
Milwaukee lists the M18 FUEL Branch Conduit Bender for galvanized EMT through 1 inch using its dedicated 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch EMT shoe options.
What EMT shoe group does a Greenlee 555C use?
Greenlee currently lists 23803 as the 1/2 inch through 2 inch EMT shoe group for the 555C. The 13934 EMT group is documented for 555CX, 555DX and 555DX-22 and is currently marked obsolete on Greenlee’s product page.