Tricks for bending a rack ear back straight...

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Without using a vice on a bench... I just dont have that option in front of me right now. Mainly I am trying to avoid scratching it all to hell which I have done in the past with trying to cover the corner or ear with padding or cloth. Somehow it still ends up scratching through or making indentations. Anyone have any neat tricks minus a table vice?
 
I was going to say a hammer and a rock, but you said no scratching.... Hmmmmm.......
 
Screw it back into the rack only on the bent side and manipulate it in the opposite direction.
 
Rubber mallet and block of wood... check, one side screwed in and bend it straight... check!!! Those two ideas sound very promising to start with, and thanks guys. Rock and hammer, good effort... I still appreciate it.

Thanks, Chad
 
Adjustable wrench. The jaws are smooth and will not mar the piece. Use the thumb wheel to clamp down on it tight then you will have enough leverage to gently straighten the ear. Hammer?!?!?!? - (shudder) :scared:
 
TeleBlaster":32tuomaf said:
Adjustable wrench. The jaws are smooth and will not mar the piece. Use the thumb wheel to clamp down on it tight then you will have enough leverage to gently straighten the ear. Hammer?!?!?!? - (shudder) :scared:
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THIS! Don't use a hammer on rack ears. This is exactly what you need to do to straighten them.

Edit: Took a picture for you, in case you can't visualize it

https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v393/ ... wrench.jpg
 
Sweet, thanks for the warning... Im going to be trying this out first, and if by some chance it has no effect I will try the other methods suggested. You guys saved the day, because I cant find good vices out here in Germany due to my laziness.
 
Crescent wrench. Wrap the ear with some painters tape...or some kind of tape, tighten the wrench on the ear and bend it back :thumbsup:
 
Lord Toneking":2n6w7muh said:
Crescent wrench. Wrap the ear with some painters tape...or some kind of tape, tighten the wrench on the ear and bend it back :thumbsup:
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That works perfectly! Best tip!
 
Sweet... so many choices now, Im going to be the best rack ear straightener guy that ever lived!!! Seriously, thank you guys for all the tips!
 
psychodave":1ldegfip said:
Lord Toneking":1ldegfip said:
Crescent wrench. Wrap the ear with some painters tape...or some kind of tape, tighten the wrench on the ear and bend it back :thumbsup:
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Instead of painters tape, which could still cause metal to metal contact, try using two small pieces of a paint stirring stick. It's thin enough to use with the adjustable wrench. :thumbsup:
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This is a good trick. Tongue depressors are great too because they give a little during the bend and keep you from marring the metal. As Dave indicated, the wrench and rack ear will go right through the tape unless you're extremely careful and even then it could happen depending on how you're having to torque the ear.

The best method is to avoid bending rack ears. ;-)
 
Oh snap Bob... you got me there, my dumb ass dropped it as soon as I took it out of the box. Right on the damn corner of the rack ear... I screamed like a little bitch!!! You guys would have had a good laugh at it!
 
pfapin05":3lgod5hd said:
Oh snap Bob... you got me there, my dumb ass dropped it as soon as I took it out of the box. Right on the damn corner of the rack ear... I screamed like a little bitch!!! You guys would have had a good laugh at it!
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Video or it didn't happen!
 
If you have an old belt or leather gloves use your adjustable pliers, but put scrap leather under the jaws. That will prevent it from scratching. I have a pair of pliers that have leather glued to the jaws for anything that I don't want to scratch, works like a champ.
 
Try putting the unit in the rack backwards. Facing in.sure youll hafta hold the unit with one hand. Then tighten until it bends back.
 
i've done this quite a bit (the joys of rig building and used gear)

anyway, crescent wrench is the tool of choice.. I've never heard of the painters sticks before, interesting idea if the ears not too badly bent..
I actually use a piece of heavy duty moving blanket to wrap around the ear, then go to town with the crescent wrench.
 
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