FIELD GUIDE • UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2026
Three-Point Saddle Bending Guide
Lay out center and outside bends for a compact obstruction crossing.
A three-point saddle uses one center bend and two smaller outside bends. It is useful for crossing a narrow obstruction while returning to the original conduit line.
Field method
Choose the obstruction center and mark it clearly. The center bend is commonly twice the angle of each outside bend. For example, two 22.5-degree outside bends pair with a 45-degree center bend.
The center-to-outer spacing is based on obstruction height and the multiplier for the outside-bend angle. Mark one outside bend, the center, and the opposite outside bend. Keep the bends aligned and follow the bender orientation carefully.
Common mistakes
Obstruction width matters. A basic height calculation assumes a narrow obstruction; a wider obstruction may require extra spacing or a four-bend saddle. Shoe radius and gain also affect the finished layout.
Common mistakes include bending the center first without tracking orientation, placing both outside bends on the same side, forgetting shrink, and choosing a saddle where an offset would pull more easily.
The WireWise calculator displays the first, center and last marks plus estimated material length. Verify the actual bender chart and avoid exceeding the total bend permitted between pull points.