Straightening Machetes?

[Shotgun]

I have a couple of Trams that are both bent a little to the left. Is there a way to straighten them with simple hand tools?

Edit: There both 1/16" thick carbon steel if that makes a difference.

 

[HeavyHanded]

Put 'em in a vise and twist/bend whatever is needed. The best of them can come bent or be bent somewhat from hard use, just bend it back. Use caution, and check your actions as you go.

 

[yoda4561]

If they're warped a bit from the heat treatment you might be out of luck, I've had a couple I could bend well past 90 degrees and spring back straight as an arrow. If it somehow happened during use then you got some soft ones, might be able to straighten those with a little coaxing, just make sure you dull the edges well first and wear gloves/safety glasses.

 

[FortyTwoBlades]

Caution is king, but locking it in a vice and hauling on it like crazy is the only thing I've found to work reliably so far.

 

[Shotgun]

If they're warped a bit from the heat treatment you might be out of luck, I've had a couple I could bend well past 90 degrees and spring back straight as an arrow.

This is the boat I'm in I think. These are both new and I've tried bending them and they just pop right back. If I bend them anymore I fear breaking them. Meh, they were 6 bucks a piece and they still work. Maybe I'm being too picky. Thanks.

 

[richard j]

you can use 3 blocks of wood to straighten the blades in a vise. if the bend is on say the left side, put 2 blocks on each side of the bend a few inches apart and 1 block right on the bend. tighten the vise and carefully go past the bend a little and check the bend. keep going until the bend comes out but be careful to not go too far.