Paul, when they're that thin and the bend is a sharp one it may snap no matter what you do. The good news is that there's plenty of Elgin hands out there.
You could try a single candle or small oil lamp, heat it to the point of discoloration, and then gently reshape it using two tweezers while it's still hot.
If it works, then you'll need to re-blue the hand.
Posts: 2962 | Location: Western New York in the USA | Registered: March 24, 2008
I have been successful simply bending them back into shape with my thumb and forefinger, but do it very gently, a little at a time. You can then do the final straightening, again very, very gently, with a small pair of needle-nosed pliers. But if it does break there is still Elgin material available.
Let us know how it goes.
Lindell
Posts: 10553 | Location: Northeastern Ohio in the USA | Registered: November 19, 2002
Hi Paul, I can vouch for Lindell's plier method.My 18s gr. 180 BW Raymond had a mangled minute hand when I got it, I straightened it using needle-nose pliers, I was sure it would snap off but I went slow and easy, and it came out just perfect, you can't tell it was ever bent! Good luck with it, Ted.
Posts: 1323 | Location: Lebanon, Connecticut USA | Registered: March 28, 2008
Phil and all: I did just that, bent it real slow and easy with a couple of screwdrivers and voila.. worked like a charm. I'll keep your drawer in mind. Thanks guys. Paul
Posts: 122 | Location: Baltimore, Maryland in the USA | Registered: February 25, 2011
