To start the bend, put pressure on the handle, pulling it back towards you. As you do, apply heavy foot pressure to the bender heel (the back side of the bending shoe) and press until the bender reaches the 90° mark. Look on the side of the bender for a quick reference. There are marks at 30°, 60°, and 90° to make your job easier.
When you think you’ve bent the pipe to the desired spot, check it by placing the level on the front side of the pipe. Is it plumb? Now double-check the pipe on the floor. Is it level? If so, then you have made your first good bend. Now check from the floor to the top of the pipe with your tape measure. It should be 12 inches and presto, you’ve done it!
As with anything you do in life, practice makes perfect. Just remember to keep firm foot pressure on the bender base while pulling back on the handle. If you don’t, the bender can slide on the pipe and the measurement will come out all wrong. After a few practice bends, you should be bending almost like a professional!
