Beating aluminum back to shape

[Arkman]

I have a small bracket that is out of shape on my boat...its a separate piece bolted on to the side. The nice guy that had the boat before me beat the crap out of this thing. I want to pound it back into somewhat of it original shape. Whats the best way to do it? Should I heat it up a bit?

Thanks

 

[sportsmanphil]

Re: Beating aluminum back to shape

No need to heat the aluminum.

Aluminum will stretch the more you work it. Using a set of body hammers and dollys is best when working aluminum. Just as you can stretch the metal you can also shrink it with these tools.

A way to work small dings and dents out of aluminum is by heating and cooling. Auto wise, we would remove hail dents in alumium cars by heating the area with a torch and holding a rag soaked with cold water.