How do I fix a bent dropout?

[HoodooBrown]

So I got a schwinn varsity frame in the mail, only problem is the postal service bent the right dropout. I was wondering if anyone has any experience or advice to give me a hand. If not I will probably just try to beat it back into place with wooden blocks and a hammer.

 

[66olds98]

park makes a tool, yes, but I'm sure you could manage with wood blocks and a hammer

 

[user 135]

Or a big adjustable wrench.

 

[deorman]

FIRST, a big adjustable wrench.

Fixed. :mrgreen:

 

[xHOBOPHOBIAx]

I like it when i read "Park makes a tool for that." It seems like they make a tool for everything... very specific tools for very specific purposes.

 

[B607]

Schwinn dropouts are made of mild steel and are pretty soft. You should be able to bend them back without any cracking or damage. Gary

 

[jerrykr]

What about an aluminum frame? I have one that one side dropout got bent, anything different than dealing with mild steel?

Thanks,

 

[deorman]

Someone else here may have some advice on how to deal with it, but personally, sorry to say, I wouldn't trust a re-bent aluminum bike as far as I could throw it.

 

[user 135]

Dont' bend aluminum back. It fatigues once it has been bent and bending back will only fatigue it more. It would be very unsafe to ride as the aluminum will probably break eventually.