Bending metal

[Benevolance]

A while ago I purchased an 11-channel wire frame glass rack to build a hanging glass rack for the kitchen. When the order came, I didn't notice that one of the legs was bent during shipping, and the project has sat for a long time, so I'm well past any chance to exchange the product.

Only one foot is bent, and it's bent outward about, oh, 35 degrees. It's not a lot, but it's enough that building the frame is a bit awkward wiht my meagre skills. I want to bend the footing back to it's proper perpendicular alignment. Any suggestions on the best way to do this?

Edit: D'oh. I meant to post this in everything else, not the main forum. 

[BobA]

It depends on where the bend is.  If it is at the weld it may break when you bend it back.  If it is away from the weld then clamping the leg between some straight stock and closing the clamps bit by bit may bring it back to true.

[bkenobi]

Based on the design, I'm guessing the bend is the weld itself.  If so, you can try to bend it back, but you will most certainly break the mount off.  Once that happens, you have a couple options going forward. 

First off, if the piece isn't straight, you need to straighten it.  I'd recommend putting the bracket in a vice with wood on either side.  If that doesn't work, move the part up to where the bend is and use a hammer to straighten it.  You can try to use tape or whatever you have to protect the finish.

Next, you can either use JB Weld or actually weld the part back on.  Welding would be most sturdy, but it will damage the gold coating right around where the heat is applied.  JB Weld won't damage anything and is nearly invisible...BUT, it's not nearly as strong.  This is a light weight installation, so you might be able to get away with JB Weld.  If not, find a local machine shop or a friend with a welder (arc welder is much preferred to oxy-acetylene in this case).

Good luck!

[The Hubba Bubba Kid]

Just a thought.....

Break off all the legs and come up with your own suspension idea.  Of course I make this suggestion with the assumption that you've tried something else first, and in do so made it worse.... which always happens to me.