Can bent rigging hardware be repaired by straightening it back to its original shape?

Bent rigging hardware should be replaced rather than straightened due to safety concerns. The integrity of the hardware can be compromised after it has been bent. Rigging hardware is designed to withstand specific loads and stresses, and any deformation can lead to weaknesses that are not visible to the naked eye. Straightening it may not restore its original strength and can create potential failure points. Using compromised hardware puts both the rigging system and the overall safety of the lifting operation at risk. Therefore, replacing any bent rigging hardware is the proper course of action to ensure safety and reliability in lifting operations.