Help with handle bending

[Grillagin]

Hey all. My first 18 arrived today from another member.  The lid handle and one bowl handle were bent up at some point.  This is my first time having to tweak handles and I'm not sure how to do it.  What is the slickest way?

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[Mr.CPHo]

Straightening a Strap Handle the safe and easy way http://weberkettleclub.com/forums/index.php?topic=18101

[Grillagin]

That seems like great advice, but my lid strap has a downward bend that is worse than the side bend.  That wasn't mentioned, and I doubt it will get back to level with a just a small side bend with the clamp.  Would some upward massaging with a block of wood be the way to go?  I don't want to harm the porcelain, obviously.

[greenweb]

Metal plate thicker than the strap across the top. Press use clamp or vise gripe from centre out. Use couple of popsicle sticks on the bot. to protect porcelain to metal vise gripe or clamp contact. Should do the trick.

[Larry The BBQ Guy]

Hi Grillagin, I thought about your problem a little bit and thought this might help so I drew a sketch. Let me know if you have any questions. I think the main problem is you don't want to Kink the metal by forcing it too fast. Using a clamp will allow you to bend it slowly with a few turns of the handle a little at a time.



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[Larry The BBQ Guy]

My last sketch was upside down!

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[Larry The BBQ Guy]

Okay, I give up! Just imagine the lid upside down.

[Grillagin]

Okay, I give up! Just imagine the lid upside down.

Ha!  Thanks @Larry The BBQ Guy! You gave me exactly the laughs I needed tonight.  I greatly appreciate your beautiful sketch.  I can sure see that working.  This strap should benefit, too.  I'll have to hit up my Dad's woodworking shop for some appropriate clamps and wood.

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[Larry The BBQ Guy]

Great to hear Grilligin! I'm laughing with you. Thanks for the comment on the sketch.