Bending A Hammer

[Lock Nut]

I changed out a barrel on a T/C Hawken rifle. I used a invest arms breech plug on the new barrel and with a little filing, was able to make it all fit the T/C tang and lock. With the exception that the alignment between the stock hammer and the nipple are off set a bit.
Can these hammers be bent with out them breaking?
And if so, cold or heated?

 

[galamb]

I mostly build cap guns.

It's a "rare occurrence" to have the hammer line up with the nipple without some bending of the hammer.

If the hammer is generally "in line" but hitting the nipple at the wrong angle (not "flat") the first thing I do is try different nipples - have even used a "snake eye" pistol nipple (which is mega short) on a rifle because the geometry worked.

If it doesn't need "much persuasion" (as in simply tip it inboard a little to line up) then I will cold bend it.

If I have to change the angle of the hammer in relation to the nipple then I heat it.

If you are going to bust a hammer it will be when trying to change the angle of the hammer which I why I would try different nipples as the first way to go.

(if my answer doesn't make sense to you I will try and put together a couple of pic/diagrams)

 

[galamb]

This may make more sense of my above "babbling"

 

[necchi]

If I have to change the angle of the hammer in relation to the nipple then I heat it.

Red hot! If you try to bend it cold it'll snap.
And bend just a little at a time, if the first bend isn't enough heat it again.
I've never had a need to "re-harden" after bending either

 

[Lock Nut]

Thank you, My situation is as you described in your second example.

 

[bpd303]

I always heat them to make any adjustments. Have had one break on me when I tried to "tap" it cold. Ever since then haven't had another break when heating.

 

[Col. Batguano]

:thumbsup: Use heat! Cast parts are way more prone to breakage than milled or stamped parts.

 

[Rifleman1776]

:thumbsup: Use heat! Cast parts are way more prone to breakage than milled or stamped parts.

Lotsa heat. :shocked2: I once heated a TC hammer to yellow and still couldn't bend it.

 

[Lock Nut]

Thanks all for your input.
Does anyone out have an extra they wouldn't mind parting with? If I bend the one I have, (Not a problem) but then it will no long work with the old setup. I'd like to make both work.
Anyone have an extra? Please send a PM with the cost.

 

[galamb]

If someone doesn't have a spare hammer they are willing to part with, you can source one from the Gun Works (about 1/3 way down the page) (Gun Works)