TEMCo TH4001 PVC Conduit Heat Blanket Bender 1/2" - 1 1/2"

Bought this PVC heater for running some 1 in PVC on a job. The heater worked as expected, no complaints. We liked that it didn't heat too fast and focused the heat towards the center somewhat so that the outer edges of the mat helped support the pipe and helped keep from kinking.

Tested on 1/2 inch PVC Conduit and it Works! NOTE: Half inch PVC conduit seems to get extremely more malleable with heat and without apparently kinking versus larger PVC conduit.Generic instructions, likely for all model sizes with times intended for 1/2 inch conduit, state wait for three minutes, however I presume the three minutes is the absolute minimum time required for a very very slight bend within 2-3 inch conduit at 80F outdoor temperature, while the pipe is on the ground. Better waiting for approximately five minutes before bending 2-3 inch conduit, or 30-40% more time than stated, for bends 30-45 degrees or greater.Shipping was almost one day, apparently shipped direct from TEMCo, purchased on Saturday, received Monday, a day ahead of scheduled delivery.PROS1) Performed two apparently flawless minor 20-30 degree bends today in 2 inch PVC conduit. Worse concern, thunderstorm showers in the area.2) Hopefully will minimize the number of fittings I use, as well as over spending buying not used fittings! Or worse, requiring a fitting/elbow/offset, and not having the fitting!3) PRICE! Most other simplistic heating blankets for PVC conduit binding cost well above $1,000, about time there are affordable options today, versus using a torch or heating gun!4) Tried using a (Wagner) heat gun, both low-end and high-end models; and using a heating blanket is by far much quicker and easier, with fewer burns and fewer problems! Don't think I'll ever return to using a heating gun for bending PVC conduit ever again!CONS1) The Velcro strap for the securing the 2-3 inch silicone wrap blanket could be a little (or a lot) wider/larger, hence making the Velcro strapping a little stiffer rather than the flimsy tough to grab currently sized strap. The 2-3 inch diameter Velcro strapping is the same width used on 1/2 - 1 1/2 inch diameter heating blanket model. Also think there should be multiple evenly spaced Velcro straps, ensuring a tight fit throughout, rather than just one small section, especially for larger diameter PVC conduit. (SEE TIPS)2) Worst problems with using a heating blanket, trying not to burn your hands and the heating blanket obviously needs to cool down prior to re-packaging.Next on my to do list, learning how to use these heating blankets for enlarging the end for a slip fitting, rather than buying couplers!TIP: Mark the underside of the Velcro strap and blanket with a black marker with "X's", indicating the underside, easing applying the Velcro strap. Like I said, the Velcro strap should likely be much stiffer and wider, especially for the larger blankets, so as the Velcro strap does not twist while applying the strap.TIP: I've only had success with performing multiple ~45 degree bends, and no more than 45 degrees else the PVC conduit would likely kink.TIP: If applying the heating blank near or on the ends/joints, the ends/joints may warp, and simply reapplying the heating blanket on the ends/joints and inserting into the appropriate fitting will reform the end/joint.WARNING: I've have tried using this heating blanket with polyethylene piping, and found going longer than five minutes (when using SIDR 15 1-1/2 diameter PE piping) the blanket will overheat, burn and damage the poly/PE piping. Much easier and far quicker (about 1 minute) using a heat gun on high when applying fittings into poly/PE piping.

I am a fairly skilled engineer and serious DIY person. I am currently doing extensive electrical work in a large workshop and installing a complex off-grid electrical system. It not only costs a lot of money to buy ready bent PVC conduit, but it is often hard to find the right bend in the correct conduit size meaning multiple stores or waiting for days for online delivery not to mention you only get a very limited number of offset or bend products and they require jointing pieces to use them. All that said, a professional PVC conduit bender box costs over $600 and I could neither afford it or justifiy that expense. So when I saw this for around $160 with all 5 star reviews I thought it would be worth the risk. Wow this thing really works and works well. Plan ahead and have a layout or heavy object to bend it around or simple hold it for simple bends. I personally leave the blanket wrapped around for around 3-4 minutes then quickly remove the tool and bend quickly to shape while wearing welding gloves. It is quick and easy to use and I have already made an 8in offfset, and multiple 1 - 3 inch offsets and one arch over an existing water pipe. I am very pleased with the quality and ease of use and would recommend this to any serious DIY/Electrical home handy-person.

Great budget heater that works pretty good. Not quite as fast as a hotbox, but great when you need to bend conduit in place and a heat gun won't work. Adding a strap on each end helps it keep the heat in. The thermostat cycle takes a little getting used to but overall a good buy.

I've used the greenlee equivalent to this heatblanket, and this one performs just as good if not better. Heat output is good and has the conduit ready to bend within about 5 min. Highly recommend this for anyone looking for an alternative to more expensive brands.

this works fast, within 3mins the PVC is ready for forming, I'd have some cold water ready to make the setting of the desired shape set faster. Worked for my needs.

The first time using the heat blanket worked great. It heated 3/4" pvc conduit to bendable in 4 minutes. No scorching or burning as with torches. Will definitely recommend this product for DIY projects.

This is great for the price, especially if you need it only occasionally. Great that it does not take up much space. Have used it for other purposes like thawing the frozen air line on stranded semi truck. Wish it had an adjustable temperature control.