Bent guard pin - replace or repair?

[GuyMontag]

The guard pin on this pallet fork is more than a little bent. Just wondering what the recommended course of action would be. I could try and somehow bend it back but I'm worried I would bend the arm of the fork. It looks like the pin is friction fitted so if there is a way to remove it (?) I could perhaps swap in the good pin from a donor pallet fork that I have (it has a broken pivot). Any suggestions?

 

[oldhippy]

It depends how competent you are. If you fell you can bend it back without further damage have a go as it is friction tight, or get a replacement. Only you can decide on this one.   

[Nucejoe]

There is also the option of transferring fork arbours.   Do you have a staking tool? 

[JohnR725]

You should be able to bend it back if you're careful. Otherwise it would be a pallet fork complete typically. I've almost never seen a separate guard pin for replacement at least of this type. There are some that the guard pin is an actual round pin and that can be replaced but this isn't what you're talking about. We would also need the model of the watch to look up and see what parts are available.

[mikepilk]

As JohnR725 says, you should be able to bend it back. The metal is quite soft so should bend easily without breaking. I've straightened a few, with 100% success (unlike my attempts at straightening balance pivots - 0% success)

[GuyMontag]

Success! It was very easy to bend it back in place, thanks all for the guidance.