Bending Trigger Plates or Tangs

[Ken G]

Bending a trigger bar or tang has come up several times on the board so I thought I would move it over from the old archives hoping it might help someone.  Here's a simple way to bend plates and bars that will give you a little control on how much and where to make the bend.   I used 5/16 steel rod but you could use any size rod you have.  The problem I always had was holding all the pieces at one time and making quick adjustments.

***Note:  When bending a trigger plate always install pins and screws before bending or you holes might collapse. 

[smylee grouch]

Thanks Ken: After several rifles maybe I can get one the way its suposed to be, as I have a dilly of a time with tang bending. Seems as though I allways get a hump in the middle.    Gary

[D. Taylor Sapergia]

Many thanks Ken, for this great tip.
I'm currently building another S. Hawken rifle, and once I had the breech in, and the tang soldered to the breech, I turned it over to see it the tang was in alignment with the bore, and found it bent to the left, or lock side.  I made a set of three of these gizzmos, and was able to straighten out the tang very very easily.  This device is a great addition to the gun builder's bench.  Thanks again.

[A.Merrill]

    It is some of the simple things that makes a guy feel like a dumb %&#. Thanks for the tip.    AL

[Old Ford2]

Why didn't I think of that before?!
Great idea, and so simple, even I could do it

Best Regards
Old Ford

[wetzel]

Thank you for this post.  I have always struggled to get my tangs bent in the shape I wanted.  This is a great idea.

[Eric Smith]

Neat Trick! Sometimes it pays to dig around in here.

[Roger Fisher]

Well by golly no more banging the barrel muzzle against the lights above my vise while bending the tang......   Thanks for the tip.  Better write it down so I might remember it...

[WadePatton]

there may be nothing new under the sun.

but there's a whole lotta cheetos i've not seen. 

thanks.