Fixing Minor Sideplate Damage Question

[Walter Rego]

I was cleaning up a recently purchased Model 27-2 and noticed very slight curling or ripples at the upper edge of the sideplate. I suspect a previous owner removed it by prying, but you have to look hard to see the damage. I'm thinking about setting the plate face-down on a Brownell's steel bench block, and tapping lightly from the inside with a plastic or brass faced hammer to try and peen the edge back down. Is this a sound technique, or should I try something different ? Thanks

 

[Walter Rego]

I was cleaning up a recently purchased Model 27-2 and noticed very slight curling or ripples at the upper edge of the sideplate. I suspect a previous owner removed it by prying, but you have to look hard to see the damage. I'm thinking about setting the plate face-down on a Brownell's steel bench block, and tapping lightly from the inside with a plastic or brass faced hammer to try and peen the edge back down. Is this a sound technique, or should I try something different ? Thanks

 

[john traveler]

Light tapping as you described using a hard plastic faced hammer will work. I would protect the sideplate finish using a single layer of grocery shopping bag paper. Please be advised that if your sideplate is nickle plated, the tapping could make the plating peel.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

John is right, plus you would be better off with the use of a brass block on the finish side. If you get some brass on it take some cold blue and it will take it off. Have Fun

 

[Walter Rego]

Thanks guys, the sideplate is blued. I was going to put a piece of masking tape down on the bench block to protect the finish from scratches, hopefully just a few taps will peen the edge back down.