Need tips on replacing helmet star

[Dan M]

I finally found an original helmet star for my IJA helmet. What is the best way to apply it without breaking the tabs when bending them? Thanks.

[Jerry Burney]

Dan..sorry I don't know anything about this except metallurgy..are the tabs brass?

[gunto]

I would use cork. When star are mounted without bending , cut a slice of cork and cut out for tabs. The tabs will now bend a new place.

[Paul G]

Just a thought, but when metal is heated, it becomes less brittle. Maybe set the star in the hot sun for a while before you attempt it. Or, a litle time in the oven at a low temperature?? If the prongs are in good shape to begin with, you will probably be OK. If they are ready to break, theres probably nothing you could do anyway.

PG-

[Dan M]

Dan..sorry I don't know anything about this except metallurgy..are the tabs brass?

Pretty sure that they are steel.

[tejanofig]

I had a similar situation. I had a great helmet but no star. Then I found a helmet shell with a star. The helmet had a huge torched hole.

I bought a Parallel Flat Nose Smooth Jaw plier. They open evenly, the surfaces are smooth so no damage.
With these I was able to grip the prongs and slowly pulled them together and out.

The prongs were rusty but it worked. I then did the reverse.

The amazon site shows how these look. They are better than regular pliers or hands.

http://www.amazon.com/Pliers-Paralle...jewelry+making

jose fig