Before making any installations, you must measure the distances and diameter of holes in which the conduits will run. This helps to determine where to cut or connect conduits and if done prior to purchasing the conduits prevents inconveniences such as finding the pipes being too short. A key tool for measuring conduit length is the measuring tape which is connected to a hub and pulled to measure very long distances. Vernier calipers are used to measure the diameter of the conduit holes.
Conduits sometimes need to run around corners and one way of making these happen is by bending them to fit the intended route. They also can be cut at a point and joined to another pipe using couplers and other pipe connectors for making junctions. Pipe benders and crimping tools are used to bend conduits into the desired shapes while a tool such as a hack saw or grinders are used for cutting. However, there are some flexible conduits that can easily be molded into shape using bare hands.
Most pipes for making conduits are limited in length; for example, those made of PVC are typically 10 feet in length. In most cases, this is too short, making it necessary to join another pipe to complete the required distance. Lock nuts, bushes and grey conduit cement are some of the tools and materials used for connecting conduits. There are also adapters used to connect different types of conduits.
Conduits installed to run on building surfaces must be secured firmly to the surface using conduit straps and hangers. Conduit hangers and straps can be mounted using nails and wooden screws for wooden surfaces; and machine screws, anchors and bolts for concrete, tile and metallic surfaces. A drill with various sizes of drill bits is used to drill holes for the screws and bolts.