Adjusting a caplock hammer

[jsdyer]

Hello:
I need to bend the hammer on a right-handed L&R lock about 1/8" to the left so that hits the nipple squarely.  Will I be able to safely bend it cold, or do I need to heat it? Sage advice appreciated.
Regards,
Jeffrey

[Dave Faletti]

I use a mapp/oxygen torch.  Its much easier to bend where and the amount I want. 

[Dphariss]

Hello:
I need to bend the hammer on a right-handed L&R lock about 1/8" to the left so that hits the nipple squarely.  Will I be able to safely bend it cold, or do I need to heat it? Sage advice appreciated.
Regards,
Jeffrey

I would heat it. I have little trust in castings.
Might have a flaw in the wrong place and this could cause trouble with a cold bend.
May take more manipulation than you think for a good fit and proper strike, heat just makes it easier. 

Dan

[jsdyer]

Upon closer inspection, I found that the hammer was not seating squarely on the tumbler post, so I filed the square hole on the hammer.  Now it sits about level with the barrel and lock plate and contacts the nipple correctly.  Glad I did not have to do any bending on the thing.
Thanks.
Jeff