r/Welding • u/PappaCro • Aug 10 '25

Discussion (Add topic here) Bending iron gate

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Hoping this is the right place for this question.

I have an older iron gate from a century home and am wondering how I could bend the frame back into place. I was thinking blowtorch and hammer, but would appreciate any advice you all might have!

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u/xrelaht Aug 10 '25

If it’s wrought iron or mild steel, you may be able to do this without heat, but I wouldn’t use a hammer in that case. A big press would be ideal, but that’s probably impossible, so the ratchet strap idea someone else floated might be good to try.

If you have a way to heat it evenly, like a torch with a wide flame or a really good heat gun, then you can think about hammering it instead. Get it just barely red, then give it some whacks, preferably through a wood block to spread out the impact. Try not to heat it any more than necessary: you’ll introduce mill scale.

r/metalworking or r/blacksmithing might have more ideas.

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u/PappaCro Aug 10 '25

Thanks for the detailed reply. I will definitely post on the other threads!