Question 1

does this tube bender make 9 degree bends in aluminum tubing

Accepted Answer

I have used mine to make bends in all angles from Zero to 180 degrees in steel and stainless steel tubing. The bender supports the tubing very well and I have had no problems with crimping. If you are concerned about crimping then fill the tubing with fine sand before making the bends. The sand will distribute the pressure and keep it from crimping. I hope that this helps you.

Question 2

Does the little arm on the tool fold out and in to hold the line firmly so it doesn't wobble around like the cheap benders with the fixed arms?

Accepted Answer

Yes it does. Please note, make sure you get the correct part number sent to you. The part number on my box says 36112 but the sticker on the box says 36117. My bender has (6mm) engraved on the side of the die so I think I've been sent the 36112 instead of the 36117 that I ordered.  However, I used my bender to do all the 3/16" stainless steel brake lines on my Camaro and they turned out very good and the bender bent them with ease. I would just research the Ridgid part numbers more because the description on Amazon says RIDGID 36117-3/16" Tube bender and from what I've seen, this is the correct number for 3/16" diameter tube. It was frustrating that I didn't notice it was the wrong bender until after I used it. I would say the quality of the bends would have been even better if I'd used the right one. The build quality is quite good considering it's made in China.
In answer to your question, yes the latch can flip back and forth and isn't wobbly at all. I'd definitely recommend this bender for bending tube including stainless steel tube.
I hope this helps. Cheers.

Question 3

Does it work on 3/16" chromoly tubing?

Accepted Answer

I use it regularly on 3/16 steel and copper clad tubing, occasionally on 3/16 SS it bends very well with a nice tight radius. I have no doubt it would work on CM However I haven’t had the need to bend that small a diameter CM tubing.

Question 4

Would this work for bending ½ inch type M ridgid copper?

Accepted Answer

HI Seth: The Ridgid 36117 tubing bender accepts pipe up to 3/16" outside diameter, so no, this bender wouldn't fit or bend your 1/2" copper tube.

ASIN	B001D1ITLC
ASIN	B001D1ITLC
Best Sellers Rank	#87,581 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #60 in Rebar Cutters & Benders
Brand Name	RIDGID
Color	silver
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (134)
Customer reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (134)
Date First Available	7 August 2012
Global Trade Identification Number	00095691361172
Included Components	36117
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer	No
Item Type Name	BENDER, 403 TUBE
Item Weight	1.5 Pounds
Item model number	36117
Manufacturer	RIDGID
Manufacturer	RIDGID
Material Type	Stainless Steel
Product Dimensions	28.45 x 6.35 x 5.59 cm; 680.39 g
UPC	785533960761 095691361172
Unit Count	1 Count

RIDGID 36117 Level Tube Bender

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