Bent/out-of-shape aluminum grip panel...

[ck1]

So, tore my sp-01 down to adjust the sear/hammer interaction a bit and while I was working on it I had to run to another part of my house to take a call... Must've knocked one of my grip panels off my bench when I got up and when I came back I accidentally stepped on it.

Well, bent it, not a lot but it's just enough that it feels a little different than the "unbent" side and is kind of annoying... I tried putting it into a vise and whacking it with a rubber mallet to try and get it bent back to original shape but I've found that it's tricky and I'm hesitent to bend on it that hard as I can't bend it evenly and I'll probably just make it worse. It's a really slight difference now but it doesn't feel as nice as it did before the "accident". These are the "thick" aluminum "cheese grater" grips and I just got them.

So, any ideas on a good way to get the panel back into shape? Considering what they cost I'd like to save it if I can or is there anyway to buy a blemished panel or something (I care about the feel, not the looks)?

Thanks.

[1SOW]

Ouch!  Sounds like something I'd do.

Depending on how it's bent, I'd suggest laying it flat (grip side up) on a dead flat hard suface like a 1/4" steel plate or better yet an anvil, and tap it with a large rubber mallet or plastic hammer.  Look where it "rocks" when on the plate and tap conservatively.  Aluminum will expand easily, so be carefully not to bend it out of shape. 

I have no idea where to get a single grip.

[ck1]

Ouch!  Sounds like something I'd do.

Depending on how it's bent, I'd suggest laying it flat (grip side up) on a dead flat hard suface like a 1/4" steel plate or better yet an anvil, and tap it with a large rubber mallet or plastic hammer.  Look where it "rocks" when on the plate and tap conservatively.  Aluminum will expand easily, so be carefully not to bend it out of shape. 

I have no idea where to get a single grip.

Pretty dumb, I know... Doh.

I did basically what you describe (only on the corner of a granite countertop) and it's real close, but not quite perfect. Someone who was less OCD than myself would probably not even notice it, but since I do, it's annoying as hell.

I'm going to try to get it as close as I can and live with it, though if it continues to bother me I'll just sell them cheap to a CZer who doesn't mind one of the panels being 99% perfect and pick up some new one's, just sucks 'cause they're kind of pricey and I wouldn't sell these for anymore than $50 without feeling shady about it. Oh well, could stand to loose another ounce for IDPA anyway, if anyone is looking for grips and doesn't mind the left panel only being 99%, PM me...

[1SOW]

Was that your 'wifes" granite countertop?  Was she home?  Did she know?

A new set of grips is "CHEAP" compared to some things.

[ck1]

Was that your 'wifes" granite countertop?  Was she home?  Did she know?

A new set of grips is "CHEAP" compared to some things.

Yes. No. Hell no.

HA HA, indeed, I caught myself before I got too carried away and the grips became really expensive.

I played around with it a little bit today, it's actually hardly noticeable, you could maybe slide a piece of paper between the panel and the backstrap if you tried hard to (other side is flush). I was hoping Angus might reply with a tip I haven't thought of or maybe give me a shot at picking up a blemed panel or pair... but I'll live, it's still awesome.

[rvbgtr]

Similar situation.  Purchased a set of second hand thin alum grips.  Arrived with a bend on the left grip at the top, bent inwards.  Basically laid the grip flat on a table with the bend facing up.  Tapped with a hammer till they looked fairley straight.  Also sort of bent it against the table edge.  Some distortion remains but not a big deal.  Was concerned that the tip would just break off but seems ok now.