So you’ve discovered the wonderful world of building with EMT conduit and all of its possibilities?

Is it just us, or does it seem like EMT projects are everywhere these days? The popularity of building with EMT conduit is undeniable, and we can understand why. Garden trellis, tables, storage racks, name it – you can build ANYTHING you want with conduit! While the system is simple which makes the building material easy to use, there are a few things to know in order to optimize a DIY EMT conduit project.

This guide covers everything you need to know to build the best DIY project possible.

Let’s get started!

Introduction to EMT : What is EMT conduit?

If you are planning to build projects with EMT conduit, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together this guide that covers all the basics: the types and sizes of conduit, the connectors to use and how to use them, the tools you’ll need, the best alternative to EMT, and finally, some project ideas to inspire you and spark your creativity!

But first, what is an EMT conduit?

Electrical conduits are most commonly used to protect and route electrical wiring throughout a building, but people have started to use them to build projects. Used with EMT connectors, conduit gives DIYers the possibility to build many different types of projects -you can literally build anything-, like railings, garden trellis, coffee tables, and more!

EMT Conduit Connectors

Whatever you plan to build, if you create a structure with EMT and want to avoid welding, you’ll need connectors. There are many types of connectors, each of them useful for a different angle or usage. Knowing the connectors and how they work will change your DIY game greatly and make it much easier for you to draft up your plans and choose the parts you’ll need to build the project you have in mind.

The most common EMT connectors -and how to use them!

The tinktube building system is like Meccano, but for grown-ups. There are more that 35 connectors available online, and each of them serves a different purpose. Depending on your projects’ design, you might need to fix 2 or 3 tubes together, double the tubes to make your structure sturdier, or fix one tube to another at a 45-degree angle. These details will all influence the connectors you choose.

• The T-connector
• The corner joint
• The 4 way cross joint
• The 3 way cross joint
• The 5 way cross joint
• The 90° elbow joint

The most common EMT conduits connectors are:

To know more and see examples of how each of these connectors can be used on a project, read this post about the most popular EMT conduit connectors!

PS: While these fittings are more often used in DIY builds, many other connectors are also available online!

How to use EMT conduit connectors?

While tinktube connectors are designed to be used with 1 1/16” (28 mm) pipes, they are compatible with 3/4“ EMT conduit, thanks to the 3/4″ EMT adapter for pipe connector that can be placed as a shim between the conduits and the connectors.

Why an adapter and how to use it?

The 3/4″ EMT adapter for pipe connector will help stabilize the build, avoiding the small gap that’s created when using EMT conduit and connectors together. The adapter can easily be added to the tubes by clipping them on directly.

Our adapter is made of a strong, yet flexible, PLA plastic that you can easily snap onto your pipes for a rigid and secure build. PLA is a bioplastic and thermoplastic made from natural materials, making it an eco-friendly option for DIYers out there.

Esteban tells you more about it in the following video!

Required Tools

There are 2 main tools you’ll need when building with EMT conduit and connectors:

T-handle acts as a balanced weight to help you spin the wrench quickly, while allowing enough leverage and torque for all your builds.
Bit with chamfered edges for easy fastening.

T-cutter is ideal for our 28mm pipe.
Can also be an emt conduit cutter.

• An Allen key or T-handle wrench
• A pipe cutter, or T-cutter

You might need other tools if you want to add surfaces to your project (to cut or paint a tabletop, for example). But if your project only involves pipes and fittings, you’ll be OK with just the two!

Cutting pipes using the t-cutter is easy – anyone can do it in about 2 minutes! Read our article on how to cut emt conduit or watch Esteban guide you through the process in this short video:

Assembling connectors with an Allen wrench is also easy and takes a few seconds, especially once you get used to doing it. And because all connectors are different, we’ve put together a playlist that shows how to assemble the most popular connectors!

The Best Alternative to EMT Conduit

Building with tinktube’s 1 1/16” (28 mm) galvanized pipes is a stronger, faster and cheaper alternative to 1 inch EMT Conduit.

Texture close up of Galvanized tinktube pipe

Length of Galvanized tinktube pipe

Texture close up of Galvanized tinktube pipe

The advantages of using tinktube are numerous:

• The pipes are fully compatible with our connectors, which means you won’t need to use 3/4″ EMT adapter for pipe connector when using tinktube’s pipes, unlike you would with ¾ in. EMT conduit.
• The pipes are shipped directly to you, so you won’t need a trip to the store to get them. If you plan on buying connectors and / or the tools online too, this means you’ll get everything you need to build your project, without leaving the comfort of your home!
• tinktube’s pipes are stronger: in fact, a well-built tinktube structure can hold up to 2000 lbs! Of course, it has to be designed in a way that allows such a heavy load. If you have a specific project in mind, we’ve put together this guide to help you calculate the loading capacity of your structure.
• You can use all the accessories provided by tinktube to make your project more complete (see section below).
• Last but not least, the price of the galvanized tube is lower than 1 in. EMT conduit per inch.

tinktube Tubes Conduit Accessories

To complement your build, many accessories are available online. These accessories will make it easy for you to add specific features to your project, like making a removable section, adding wheels, fixing surfaces to your project or fixing it to the wall or the floor. The top 5 accessories are listed below:

• The quick release latch.
• The wheels (2’’ or 4’’).
• The anchors
• The clamps
• The AO-Shim