Over the years, we have received many questions from customers & DIYers regarding our products and project builds.  Click on a question below to view the answer.  If you have not found the answer you are looking for please contact us, we would love to hear from you.

Common Questions

Our 3/4" EMT Connectors fit pipes with outer diameters of .92 in/23.5 mm. The 1" EMT Connectors fit pipes with outer diameters of 1.163 in/29.5 mm. It is possible to use the connectors with other pipe sizes but you will have to shim the connectors down.

Yes with appropriate shims. We've had builders use Maker Pipe Connectors with PVC, Black Iron, and Rigid Conduit among others. You'll want to compare the outer diameter of EMT Conduit with the pipes you'd like to use. If the diameter is smaller you will will need to shim the gap for the connectors to fit snug.

We put friction bands on some of the connectors where a through pipe is needed. You can purchase extra bands in bags of 12. These can be used as replacement bands on your connectors as they wear over time with re-use. You can also use them on the terminating conduit ends to create a stronger connection for ends of the connectors that do not have bands pre-applied. Simply slide a band on to the conduit where you plan to make a connection and shrink it with a standard heat gun. If you are planning on using shrink wrap on your entire build make sure to take the bands off your connectors. The connectors will not close correctly with double shrink wrap layers.

You can use a handheld pipe and tube cutter for quick and easy cuts. Check out this video for a full tutorial.

Yes, the coating we use on the connectors is made to last.  If they get scratched from repeated use and the steel is exposed there is the risk of rusting.  It’s best to start with a fresh set on your outdoor project.

The black connectors are E-coated – It is a process where a metal part is immersed in a water based solution containing a paint emulsion.  An electric voltage is applied to the part causing the paint emulsion to condense onto the part. This process is used a lot in automotive coating as well. The silver connectors are coated with Zinc which is corrosion resistant and matches the silver conduit very well.

Standard heat gun/hair dryer is not powerful enough.

5mm

12 gauge steel

In addition to the 3/4" EMT Connectors, we have started building out a connector system for 1" EMT Conduit. You can also confidently use 1/2" EMT Conduit with our 3/4" Connectors and adapter shims.

We have had some weight testing on our most popular T Connector.  It could withstand 1000 lbs. of vertical force before slipping. We encourage customers to reinforce your builds as you go.  We are happy to offer suggestions. The longer the pipe the more reinforcing it needs.

Yes!  We can do just about any color so let us know what you had in mind.  A sample splotch is helpful. There are required minimums for custom colors depending on what connector designs are needed.  Please reach out to us to discuss the options for your project.

Not yet.  You can purchase Maker Pipe through our online shop or at tradeshows we exhibit at.

Yes, we are happy to help!  Send us a sketch or idea of what you are looking to build and we are glad to offer assistance and help with planning/building.

We are proud to make the connectors in Upstate SC, USA with American steel and locally sourced materials.

The bolt torque rating is 12ft/lbs.  Keep in mind once the connector is fully tightened there will still be a gap along the pipe.  This is by design. The connector pieces are not intended to touch.

The best way to attach wood to your build is to use appropriate size one hole strap fasteners aka c clamps. Depending on the size wood you are using pick your screw length accordingly.

Our EMT Conduit Flange is great for attaching pipes to the wall. We have also seen a number of flange solutions shared by community members. You can watch our community flange roundup video here.

We carry a few solutions that make great project feet. Most commonly we see the plastic end caps or rubber pipe feet used on builds.

There will be a small gap between the connector pieces along the pipe.  This is by design. The connectors pieces are not intended to touch.

When figuring out cut lengths and measurements you need to account for the connectors and the length that they add to the pipes. We've done a video that explains the best way to figure out measurements and plan a build from start to finish. You can watch that here.

We put the inserts on the casters for you.  Just get a rubber mallet and hammer the wheel and the insert will go right in for a tight fit.  If you have used shrink wrap on the pipe do not tuck the wrap into the end of the conduit you wish to add a caster.  The insert will not fit into the opening.

The best way to bend the pipe is to pick up a standard pipe bender at the hardware store.  They will run you about $45 for the hand and foot leverage version. Check out this video for a full beginners tutorial.

We do our best to ship your order as fast as possible.  Most domestic orders take 2-3 business days to arrive on your doorstep once packed.

All U.S. orders are shipped USPS.  International orders in most cases are shipped USPS Flat Rate.

Our shop is in the heart of Upstate South Carolina about 30 miles below Greenville.