How to Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape

Fork tines (or prongs) can bend inward or outward over time. It's possible to realign them, as follows.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Fix outward splayed tines

  1. Image titled Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape Step 1
    1
    Place the fork into warm water to warm it up.
  2. Image titled Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape Step 2
    2
    Remove from the water and quickly dry.
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  3. Image titled Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape Step 3
    3
    Wrap a cloth around the fork tines. Squeeze the tines with a pair of pliers, placed over the cloth. Aim to gently bring the tines back into alignment.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Fixing inward bent tines

  1. Image titled Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape Step 4
    1
    Place a wood or metal ruler between the tines.
  2. Image titled Bend Fork Tines Back Into Shape Step 5
    2
    Gently lever the ruler to bend the tine back into alignment with the original row.
    • Do this in small, gentle movements rather than one big levering movement.
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Warnings

  • Be gentle and gradual with any of the methods; too much levering and bending can weaken the base of the tine and cause it to snap off completely.
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Things You'll Need

  • Clean cloth
  • Pliers or small hammer (rubber hammer is best)
  • Ruler, wood or metal; plastic might snap

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References

  1. Sian Berry, Mend it!, p. 146, 2009, ISBN 978-1-85626-881-3 – research source

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 32,955 times.
14 votes - 66%
Co-authors: 3
Updated: October 21, 2021
Views: 32,955
Categories: Tableware
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