Straightening A Bent Wedding Band

Bent wedding bands are a common occurrence, often caused by physical activity, the fit of the ring, or the type of metal. Luckily, there are several ways to fix a bent wedding band, and you can choose to do it yourself or seek professional help.

If you want to fix your wedding band at home, you can purchase inexpensive jewellery repair tools such as a mandrel and a soft mallet. Place the ring on the mandrel and use your fingers to apply pressure, moulding it back into shape. If that doesn't work, gently tap the sides of the ring with the mallet. Finally, buff out any scratches with a fine emery cloth and apply jewellery cleaner.

If your ring has gemstones, it is recommended to get it professionally repaired to avoid damaging the settings or knocking out the stones. Jewellers typically use a mandrel to reshape the ring and may use a hammer for stubborn dents. They can also add a heavier shank if the ring is too thin. Platinum, tungsten, and titanium rings can be reshaped using a mandrel and torch heat, but this process is more time-consuming and expensive.

To prevent future issues, consider getting your ring professionally resized if it is too large and avoid wearing it during physical activities or when handling heavy objects.

Check your ring's warranty

Before attempting to fix a bent wedding band yourself, it is important to check your ring's warranty. Many jewellers offer free repair services, such as reshaping, resizing, and cleaning, so it is worth checking whether your ring is covered by a warranty before attempting any DIY fixes.

Warranties may cover your ring for a limited time period, such as one or two years, or they may offer lifetime protection. It is important to read the terms and conditions of your warranty carefully to understand what is covered and for how long. Some warranties may only cover certain types of damage, such as defects in materials or workmanship, while others may offer more comprehensive protection.

If your ring is still under warranty, you can contact the jeweller or retailer from whom you purchased it to inquire about repair services. They may be able to repair or replace your ring free of charge. In some cases, you may need to return the ring to the manufacturer or an authorised repair centre for servicing. Be sure to keep your proof of purchase and warranty documentation handy, as you may need to provide these when making a claim.

In addition to checking the warranty, it is also a good idea to consider the materials of your ring before attempting any repairs. Some metals, such as copper, brass, nickel, silver, and gold, are fairly malleable and can be reshaped at home with the right tools. However, other metals, such as titanium, tungsten, and tungsten carbide, are more difficult or impossible to reshape without professional equipment. If you are unsure about the materials of your ring, it is best to consult a jeweller for advice.

Choose a mandrel

Mandrels are tapered dowels used for resizing and repairing rings. They are made of either wood or metal, come in various sizes, and can be purchased online for around $5 to $15. When choosing a mandrel, opt for one made of sturdy wood, such as maple. Using a metal mandrel can damage your ring if the tool is made of a harder material than your jewellery.

Most mandrels are graduated, meaning they are marked with ring sizes. When searching for a mandrel on a specialty jewellery store or general online marketplace, check the product's description to ensure it is the right fit for your ring size. A mandrel made of sturdy wood will be a safer choice than a metal one, as the metal variety may damage your ring if it is made of a harder material.

You can also look for a mandrel that is perfectly round and made of metal. This type of mandrel is ideal for jewellers who will use a mallet to lightly hammer the ring, moulding the metal around the mandrel to restore its circular shape.

Get a jewellery mallet

If your wedding band is made of a soft metal like gold, you can fix it at home with a jewellery mallet. Mallets used for shaping metal without damaging it are typically made out of rawhide, wood, or rubber. You can find a proper mallet by searching online for a jewellery tool store or running a search on any online marketplace, such as eBay or Amazon. You can purchase one for around 5 US dollars or less.

Once you have your mallet, place the ring onto a mandrel and tap it into shape. Use a lighter touch at first, and gradually increase your tap strength as needed. You can also use a magnifying glass to check your progress if you have trouble seeing. Focus on spots that are particularly dented with five or six strong taps. Check your progress, then repeat tapping as necessary.

Consider a buffing wheel or polishing lathe

Buffing wheels and polishing lathes are tools used to repair stubborn dents in wedding bands. They are particularly useful for those with some experience working with jewellery. The friction from the buffer makes the metal more malleable, making it easier to repair.

Buffing wheels can be purchased online, but they are quite expensive, costing $100 or more. They are also available in mini sizes. If you don't want to invest in one, you can ask crafty friends or acquaintances if they have one you can borrow.

Buffing wheels require some safety precautions, as the compound is an abrasive. It's not a good idea to breathe it in or get it in your eyes, so be sure to wear proper PPE.

To buff a ring, you'll want to start with a clean buffing wheel. Use a scrap piece of wood to scrape off any old buffing compound. Apply a generous amount of Tripoli compound to the first wheel by rubbing it on while the wheel is moving. Buff the underside of the ring first—this will keep it from being thrown at you if you happen to lose your grip. Always keep the ring moving to reduce heat buildup and prevent burning. Once you've buffed the entire piece, use a natural-bristle brush to scrub the ring, especially if it has cracks or voids. This will remove any excess buffing compound and prevent cross-contamination between wheels. Repeat the process with a white diamond buffing compound on the second wheel.

For the final wheel, you can use carnauba wax, which is perfect for high-gloss finishes. Apply the wax to the wheel in the same way as the previous compounds, but pay attention when you start buffing. Wax will smear if you apply too much to the wheel. If you notice wax buildup on the ring, start over by scraping off the excess wax from the wheel with a piece of scrap wood and applying less wax this time.

Slip the ring onto the mandrel

Once you have assembled your tools, it's time to place the bent ring onto the mandrel. Slip the ring down the cylinder's shaft until it can't go any further. Be careful not to forcefully push it down past this point, as you risk warping the ring further.

When slipping the ring onto the mandrel, it's important to avoid using too much force. Gently slide the ring onto the mandrel, ensuring that it goes down straight and doesn't get stuck or caught on any part of the mandrel. If the ring is only slightly bent, it may be easier to reshape it without the need for a mandrel. However, if the ring is significantly warped, the mandrel will provide the necessary support and structure to reshape it effectively.

The mandrel will act as a guide to ensure that the ring returns to its original circular shape. It is important to choose a mandrel made of a suitable material, such as sturdy wood or metal, that will not damage the ring. Additionally, the mandrel should be the correct size for your ring, allowing it to slide on smoothly without forcing it.

By slipping the ring onto the mandrel, you can easily identify how bent the ring is and determine the amount of pressure and reshaping required to restore its original shape. This process is a crucial step in repairing a bent wedding band and will help ensure that the ring is reshaped accurately and effectively.

Frequently asked questions