How to Fix a Metal Sign That Is Bent

Fix bends in metal signs.

Many people enjoy using street signs for decoration. These are often found objects at garbage dumps, swap meets or on the side of the road. Sometimes these metal signs have bends in them that must be repaired. That is when it is time to do a little metalworking to straighten that bend out again. The process is not difficult, but it does take patience.

Things You'll Need

• Large vice
• Towels
• Anvil
• Blow torch
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Close the bent portion of the sign in a large vice. Line the jaws with towels and tighten them as much as you can, using slow, steady pressure. This will remove most of the bend, getting the sign almost flat again.

2. Remove the sign from the vice.

3. Place the sign on an anvil with the bend facing up (like a piece of folded paper placed face up again).

4. Heat the metal slowly with a blowtorch, keeping the torch constantly moving to avoid overheating any particular area.

5. Gently pound the sign flat with a hammer once the metal has heated. It may take several repetitions of heating and pounding to completely straighten the metal. Use gentle force when hammering, as you don't want to create dents.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective gloves when working with hot metal.

References

• cd3wd: Techniques of Straightening
• Body Shop Business: Straightening Modern Metal Using Heat
• Rod and Custom Magazine: Straightening Sheetmetal