Learn How to Repair Bent Needles

So you bent your needle and you'd like to fix it huh?

• The Good News:

  
  You can't pooch your needle anymore.

• The Bad News:

  
  You can still pooch your airbrush.
  

Realize that your first time trying this you might not do a good job.  In fact, plan on the first time you try this that it won't work.  That's okay though, it just means you'll need more practice.

I mention all of this so I can say, "go order a new needle."  It's good to have a backup anyways.

• Bent Needle is Inside the Airbrush

  
  If your freshly bent needle is still inside your airbrush do this...
   
  
  1. Unscrew the needle cap (though you've probably been spraying without it)
  2. Unscrew the nozzle cap
  3. Here's the test.
      
     
     • If the bent needle tip DOES NOT stick out in such a way as to catch on the nozzle as it slides through...
       
       Pull the needle gently out of the airbrush
     • If the bent needle tip DOES stick out in such a way as to catch on the nozzle
        
       Use pliers to bend the needle tip into a semblance of straight
        
       BE VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE THE NOZZLE.  THIS IS THE MOMENT TO POOCH YOUR AIRBRUSH FURTHER.

• Bent Needle is Outside the Airbrush

  
  If your freshly bent needle is already outside the airbrush, or you've just removed it continue on...
  
  
  1. Use pliers to bend the needle point as straight as possible.
  2. Now you get to Polish Your Airbrush Needle.
     
     Do read the warnings, but in order to repair your needle you will need to at least do a rough polish to make sure your needle is perfectly round.
  3. Remember, you probably won't do it right the first time.  But that's all right, this is an opportunity to learn.

Good luck!