How can I straighten this bend out?

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Hi..New here, found this place while looking through Google trying to find out how to fix a small bend in my new skid plate.Basically, it got damaged during shipping and I have absolutely zero clue about how to fix it as I don't know anything about this type of stuff. Is this something I can fix myself or should I go to like a metal shop(what would that even be called?)I didn't want to start hitting it with a hammer as I don't know if that will weaken the weld(again I don't know anything about this type of stuff.) However it is a skid plate so should be able to withstand some pretty powerful forces.Anyways, thanks for help in advance!KN Attached Images
Reply:I'd let my helper fix that.  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Will it pull down into place if you try to bolt it up?Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Clamp a bar/tube to it that is 5' long or so and bend it down.
Reply:Remove the bolt, put it on a flat solid surface(preferably steel) and give it a few good whacks with a 2-3# hammer. You sure it's not supposed to have that bend in it? You might want to look where it is going to be mounted to make sure before you try straightening it, otherwise you may be back asking how to put the bend back in it.
Reply:looks like the bend is suppose to be there..if you know nothing about it, who is going to install it ? mabe let them look and see first..Of all the things I lost I miss my mind the most...I know just enough about everything to be dangerous......You cant cure stupid..only kill it...
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauRemove the bolt, put it on a flat solid surface(preferably steel) and give it a few good whacks with a 2-3# hammer. You sure it's not supposed to have that bend in it? You might want to look where it is going to be mounted to make sure before you try straightening it, otherwise you may be back asking how to put the bend back in it.
Reply:If you don't like the hammer idea, Bolt it to a solid service and use a '' c '' clamp to draw it down. It may require a shim to elevate the main piece if you can't get it flat enough.
Reply:Originally Posted by kn6Funny thing was I was thinking about learning welding, was looking at buying a Lincoln Electric K1297 AC/DC 225/125 Arc Welder to play around with. Wasn't sure if I'd end up killing myself or not though. Going to browse around and see what I can learn.Thanks all.KN
Reply:Heat the bend area to red hot with a torch and slowly bend it back in shape.  Hammering might not be the best approach considering the weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseHeat the bend area to red hot with a torch and slowly bend it back in shape.  Hammering might not be the best approach considering the weld.
Reply:Originally Posted by TigMonsterThat would weaken it by about half.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseHeat the bend area to red hot with a torch and slowly bend it back in shape.  Hammering might not be the best approach considering the weld.
Reply:I dunno, definitive looking die mark there Bro. I would still fit it up and double check before heating/bending. Depending on the size of the manufacturer, the customer rep might not know squat. Small outfits seem to be more personable/knowledgeable, but not always the case..If in fact you fit it up and find that it does need to be flattened, see if you can find somebody with an extremely large cresent wrench / pipe wrench / or find something that can act as a large cantilever. Secure one side, while you slowly pull it flat a little at a time till it's flat. If all goes to hell, call the manuf back and tell em you need a new plate.-NicheLast edited by NicheFab; 01-22-2015 at 11:46 PM.
Reply:Best way to straighten that is from the bottom. Put the pipe section down on something solid and strong like an anvil, bumper or large rock. and strike it with a heavy hammer or smaller rock. If it doesn't move use a heavier and bigger hammer.  Just make sure to remove the bolt first.  Most likely will need an extra set of hands to hold it in place very awkward shape to hold and strike at same time.   Good luckMeasure with a micrometre, mark with chalk,  cut with a torch.Never force anything...just get a bigger hammer.RoyOld Airco buzz box approx 1974Lincoln mig pack 15Lincoln 175 square wave1954 9" south bend lathe
Reply:If you had someone with a suitable set up, you could heat the bend on the back/bottom across the bend, then let it cool. The heat will draw it back down when applied to the right side. If it were me I woulda smacked it with a hammer. That or put the bent part in a vise (a good one) and used ths tube its welded onto to pull it back up as much as possible. If thats even an option.
Reply:Wow! Seems like an easy fix to me if it was in fact bent. It does look like it has a distinct bend mark from a brake so maybe there's nothing wrong with it? Heating mild steel to bend it doesn't affect the strength. A lot of straightening is even done by spot quenching heated area's. CEP could give lessons on straightening but for this particular part I don't think any heat is needed. Take the bolt out and use it to bolt (or clamp with a good strong clamp) the piece onto something solid like the ball mount on a trailer hitch and then just use the pipe as it's own leverage to straighten it cold, like was mentioned above.
Reply:kn6If you walked in my door - I would accept shipping damage as the cause. Although your photo is off axis - the upper/right 'kink' is perpendicular to the tube - and the lower/left 'bend'is obviously diagonal [misaligned] and not a productionfeature. Because you are not equipped - go to the most reputable 'Job Shop' [not manufacturing] in your area.Ask: that they construct a fixture while cold - heat with a 'Big-Azz' welding tip [top & bottom] - then clamp to flat.Tell them you don't want a hammer used for the draw, and that you expect to pay their shop rate - T & M.Your metal: is production welded A36/A500 and doesn't present any lingering temper problems when heated.Opus
Reply:Hammer it straight or use a big crescent wrench.  If heat is needed and you don't have a torch a throwaway MAP gas plumbers torch would heat that hot enough to bend back with a crescent wrench.  Looks to be only 1/8" thick material.Miller 211 MIGThermal ARC 186 TIGHypertherm Powermax 30 Plasma
Reply:a bfh is your friend in this case.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:In order to heat steel to bend it, unless it's 1/8" or less, a plumbers torch won't get it red hot where it would bend easy. You need an oxy/fuel torch to get the required heat. Heating it hot might burn you but it doesn't make it bend easier just because you can't put your hand on it. If it bent that easy, it will straighten just about as easy. Put it in a vice or clamp it to something solid and try to bend it cold before you do anything else. Why make it more complex if you don't have to?
Reply:Check for fit, then take it to a local shop, will cost uou little, you still have to put a finish on this right. Best Sent from my SGH-I747M using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by TigMonsterThat would weaken it by about half.
Reply:This is a whole lotta discussion about a tiny piece of bent steel...   I'm also having a hard time believing that someone with the confidence to install custom parts on their vehicle would be baffled by a non-issue like this....
Reply:Originally Posted by AdvanThis is a whole lotta discussion about a tiny piece of bent steel...   I'm also having a hard time believing that someone with the confidence to install custom parts on their vehicle would be baffled by a non-issue like this....Originally Posted by kn6just wanted to report the hammer thing worked just fine. It jumped right back into place.