Bending aluminum tent pole back without breaking?

[RiverRat]

We bent one of the main tent poles to our tent, and it's bent pretty good. Is there a way to bend this back without breaking the pole?

Thank you for your help!

 

[Mike Y62]

Try heating it up a bit and then slowly bend it back in place. Keep in mind that once it's bent it will never be as strong as it was

 

[Carlos]

Agree, I would try heating it and slowing bending it. Actually I would get another set of hands on the bent pipe and try to get a wide grip. Make sure you are wearing gloves if that pipe is hot!

 

[Vance Hogg]

Sorry dude, from my experience you are only going to be able to bend slightly back before it will break. You'll never get back to 100%. Might be worth having a spare on hand so you aren't stuck with broken pole while out camping.

 

[WranglerGuy]

Yep, heat is going to be your friend.

 

[RiverRat]

The heat worked and made it bend. It's not perfect, but it's close enough. Thanks gang!

 

[DaveInFresno]

I would still get a replacement, that pole will never be as strong as new.

 

[RiverRat]

Just ordered replacement, will keep the fixed one for a spare. Thanks again.

 

[Randy]

Man, you need to play lotto! I've had this happen a couple times over the years and both times, my pole broke when I tried bending back. Now granted I didn't use heat, but man, one tent I had to toss because I couldn't find replacement. Glads this worked out for you!