Bent handles can be straightened with a vise or pliers.
- A broken hinge is fixable with a bolt and nut.
- Prevent damage by peeling cloves and hand washing.
- Replace the press if the basket is cracked or handles are severely bent.
Why does a garlic press bend or break?
Garlic presses bend from excessive force, often when pressing unpeeled cloves or frozen garlic. The metal handles are thin and can warp under pressure. Dropping the press on a hard floor can bend the handles or crack the basket. Cheap aluminum models are more prone to bending than stainless steel ones. Over time, the hinge rivet can loosen or shear off. Frequent dishwasher cycles can weaken the metal and cause fatigue.
How to fix a bent garlic press step by step
First, inspect the press to identify the bent area. If the handles are bent, place them in a bench vise and close the jaws slowly. Apply steady pressure to straighten the handles, but avoid over-bending. For a bent basket, use pliers to gently reshape the edges. If the hinge is loose, tighten the rivet with a hammer and punch. If the rivet is broken, replace it with a small bolt and nut. Test the press by pressing a clove to ensure it works smoothly.
How to repair a broken garlic press hinge
A broken hinge usually means the rivet has snapped or pulled out. Remove the remaining rivet with a punch and hammer. Find a bolt that fits the hole, ideally 1/8 inch in diameter. Insert the bolt through both handle halves and secure with a nut. Use a lock washer to prevent loosening. Tighten the nut so the handles move freely but without excessive play. This fix restores full function for most presses.
How to prevent garlic press damage in the future
Always peel garlic cloves before pressing to reduce strain. Cut large cloves in half to make pressing easier. Never press frozen or rock-hard garlic. Use a press with a sturdy stainless steel construction, like the OXO Good Grips. Avoid putting the press in the dishwasher; hand wash it instead. Store it in a drawer with the handles closed to prevent accidental bending.
When should you replace a garlic press instead of fixing it?
Replace the press if the basket is cracked or has holes. Cracks cause garlic to escape and are hard to repair. If the handles are severely bent or snapped, replacement is safer. Bent handles can pinch your hand during use. If the press is made of cheap aluminum, fixing it may not last. A new press costs less than a high-end repair. Look for a replacement with a warranty, like the Kuhn Rikon Swiss Garlic Press.