I have some vintage steins (circa 1900) with damaged lid & hinge still attached (apparently dropped by previous owner). Before attempting to straighten these out I’m interested in hearing advice from others who have either succeeded or failed in such attempts.

I have been able to correct some thin lids by simply forcing by hand with good results, but does thicker tang & shank portion of hinge and the thumblift behave the same way, or are they more likely to snap off? Is heating them first recommended? Do I risk melting to irreparable condition?

Thanks