Cutting conduit

Step-by-Step

Measure the distance for the run -- don't forget to subtract for the connector or elbow you will be using. Cut with a tubing cutter by clamping it to the conduit and rotating it a few times. Tighten and rotate until the cut is made. Or cut with a hacksaw. Hold conduit against a cleat, or use a miter box to keep it from rolling as you saw.

Reaming the conduit ends

Sharp edges can chew up wiring insulation in a hurry. Remove all burrs and rough spots from the inside of the conduit, using the reamer that's attached to the tubing cutter or a file. File rough spots on the outside as well, so the conduit can slip easily into a connector.

Junction box

Where you have more than four turns to negotiate, install a junction box. When it's time to pull the wires, it will let you start another run. More boxes and few bends ease wire-pulling.

Adding an offset

Use an offset connector to keep the conduit flush against the wall when it's attached to a box. The conduit can be bent to form an offset (see Bending Conduit, Related Projects), but adding an offset connector is easier.

Pulling elbow

A pulling elbow makes negotiating corners easier. Remove the cover to pull the wires through. Don't make any connections inside a pulling elbow; wires must pass through without a break.