Look for ideas to help with an old bowl vent

[1spacemanspiff]

Hey guys, I picked up this brownie tonight and one of the bowl vent is in need of some help.  I'm really hoping I don't have to remove the vent from the bowl to make the repair.  I'm open to any and all ideas.  TIA

[WNC]

I'd just try to reshape it by pressing it down, I've had some luck with slightly misshaped vents before, nothing this extreme.
Maybe a rubber mallet would help...
I'd guess it's gonna have to come off though, good luck


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[Cellar2ful]

I first slip a piece of rubber shelf/drawer liner between the vent and the bowl.  Hold one side of the vent flat against the bowl with one hand while tapping the opposite side flat with a small ball peen hammer.  Keep working around the vent until it flattens out.  I've used this method many times and have never chipped any porcelain.  Then use a set of long needle nose pliers to bend the tabs back straight.  Just make sure you bend at the fold and not bend the entire vent up.  Or, bring it by my house next time you come through the area and I'll fix it.

[PotsieWeber]

@Cellar2ful Thanks for the mat tip.  I have one I'm going to have to bend back in shape.  I was going to try a rubber mallet.  If that doesn't work, I probably have a small ball peen hammer laying about.

I first slip a piece of rubber shelf/drawer liner between the vent and the bowl.  Hold one side of the vent flat against the bowl with one hand while tapping the opposite side flat with a small ball peen hammer.  Keep working around the vent until it flattens out.  I've used this method many times and have never chipped any porcelain.  Then use a set of long needle nose pliers to bend the tabs back straight.  Just make sure you bend at the fold and not bend the entire vent up.  Or, bring it by my house next time you come through the area and I'll fix it.

[Paul Isa]

I agree with WNC. To get the right snugness you'll have to take it off; I've never been able to get the fit right while the vent remained on. Drill it out and replace it with a new nut & bolt.  I've reshaped numerous vents by rubber mallet.  Shape it with a little bit more of a sharper angle then press it back into place.

Have fun restoring it.

[michaelmilitello]

I've had the best luck taking it off.   It makes cleaning and reshaping it easier.   Plus you can use some stainless hardware and never worry about that rivet giving up the ghost.


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