Bent Tool sort of fixed

MultiMat · **on:** July 17, 2008, 11:48:00 AM

My 15$ swisstools only fault, now that it is opening up smoothly, is it's chisel bit looks like it has been used as a lever & has been bent by it's previous owner a Digger(Aussie soldier). I was thinking the best way to correct the bend is to put the 1/2 of the tool that is bent (the tool has a 3mm bend in it)in a vice and bend it back till it is straight. Is this the best way ? http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/3b4e68ab.jpg[/img]]

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/ca91b95d.jpg[/img]]

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #1 on:** July 17, 2008, 01:15:19 PM

you should try to bend it as close from the point where it starts to bend,as u can.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #2 on:** July 17, 2008, 03:31:56 PM

And do it very sloooowly, just tease it straight mate

J-sews · **Reply #3 on:** July 18, 2008, 04:08:47 AM

So how did it turn out Mat? Everything okay I hope.

Sea Monster · **Reply #4 on:** July 18, 2008, 10:39:13 AM

Wouldn't bending it back just cause more metal fatigue?

Tarrodemierda · **Reply #5 on:** July 18, 2008, 10:41:43 AM

not necessarily if u do it slow and dont use hammer etc.and if he gets it back in shape and uses properly,it ll last lifetime,since the line of power when used,should go towards the axle,not sideways,as it goes on prybars.

kent ct · **Reply #6 on:** July 18, 2008, 10:23:59 PM

Quote from: Tarrodemierda on July 17, 2008, 01:15:19 PM

you should try to bend it as close from the point where it starts to bend,as u can.

To add to the above advice which is the way to start.

If this does not work it might be because the piece is tempered to a spring temper. If you bend it straight and it just bounces back to the bent position, then it will require you to bend it far beyond straight which risks breaking it. If this is the case then you might try the following:

heat the vise jaws to warm and hold the blade loosely. Apply pressure on the handle so it is in line with the bent blade or maybe a little past. Place a piece of brass rod against the pivot point of the handle and tap it with a light hammer. Not repeated taps but just one tap. See if it is straight. If not repeat with a heavier tap until you get it right. Doing this you need three hands to hold everything so you need a helper or use some part of your body to put the required tension on the handle. Using this method I have successfully straightened very hard clock pivots that snap if you look cross eyed at them. Doing it this way you avoid over bending and breaking.

Good luck

Richard

MultiMat · **Reply #7 on:** July 19, 2008, 06:30:22 AM

Thanks for all the advice guys , yesterday I spent 1/2 hour , bending the tool bit very very conservatively , I have it about 70-80% straight & it already has made that side of the MT much more in its smoother opening/closing. I should probably leave it at that but I can be a bit "anal" about such things & I want to try and get it a bit straighter. I am very hung over but I will try & finish straitening the bit & post pics.

WhichDawg · **Reply #8 on:** July 19, 2008, 07:23:14 AM

if it's clear and not rubbing I'd leave it. I think your putting stress on it and if it snaps!

as long as works fine your good. safe then sorry I say.

MultiMat · **Reply #9 on:** July 19, 2008, 09:38:08 AM

I had a second crack at straitening the chisel tool bit on my bargain 2nd hand BO Swisstool . Discretion proved the better part of valor. The chisel bit is not completely strait but it is close enough. The chisel bit is my favorite tool on my black beauty so I hope it holds up to use. I did not want to go overboard trying to get it perfect as I would have hated to break it.http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/6ca55b65.jpg[/img]]

Better than before but not perfect. You can see before it was quite benthttp://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/ca91b95d.jpg[/img]]

Now the tool opens and closes really well, I am happy to live with the little bend & hope the chisel tool bit has not been compromised with its initial bend and my subsequent straitening exercise. http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/multimat426/multitools/faead118.jpg[/img]]