Getting it Straight
by: OldYeller

 

Recently I have had to show a few people a quick and easy way to straighten a bent lever or foot control. So I thought I would offer this info to all of you that have had the joy of bending a lever or pedal.

First thing is you need the correct tool for the job. Leverage is what is needed here, so something long enough and with the the ability to get a hold of what you need to straighten. I find that my 1-1/4" open/box end wrench is perfect for most jobs. The size on the box end allows me to get it over or around most pedals to allow for good bending. This is all I've ever used this tool for as I don't see too many 1-1/4" nuts (insert joke here).

 
Now you need to figure out is what the part is made of as some things will straighten easier than others. Aluminum has a tendency to snap if you bend it to far or multiple times. But if you are gentle, you can get it back to close to the original position. Most pedals are either aluminum or steel of some kind. Heating these will usually make them bend a little easier. It really depends on how far it bent in the first place.

I place the box end of the wrench over the lever at an angle that allows me to bend it in the direction it needs to go. Then I apply gradual pressure until I get it back to the original position (or close to). Steel flexes quite a bit so you may need to over bend it to get it into the right position. I do a little at a time and I only use enough force to make it bend. Don't try to hard or too far the first time, if you break it then you will be hooped.

 

The red arrows indicate the direction of the force used to straighten. If the actual pedal extension is bent as well, I will straighten that first as it will cause the pedal arm to bend also.

I suggest getting it close to the original position. It doesn't need to be exact. Why risk breaking it? Check and make sure that you can operate the control. If you can, then that should be good enough.