Bent Audioquest Robin Hood banana plugs

You can buy replacement AQ banana's, they are relatively easy to install. Just don't lose the microscopic screw that hold on the outer case, they are really small!

ozzy

2nd ozzy - I would just buy replacement set of bananas and do it myself. No soldering required; it’s a screw down connector. The pressure plus a conductive copper paste (already on there - DON’T clean it off) is what they call the "cold-weld system". It does require decent eyesight and (some) manual dexterity. Yeah the tiny outer case screws can be a pain. Also, the sets aren’t cheap - $200 (msrp) for 4 of the 1000 series.

An attempt with pliers might do the trick. This seems to be pretty common with the bananas being soft copper under the silver. 

I would straighten them out with pliers, insert them and forget about it. 

I also recommend the pliers route - the metal is surprisingly malleable. 

Honestly a bent banana is going to sound the same as a straight one. If you don't mind knowing that it is bent I would do nothing. If visually it annoys you I would straighten it with pliers, putting some fabric between the metal pin and the pliers so you don't scratch it. If you ever sell them I would replace it with a new one first. 

Call Alisdair at AQ and explain the situation. He will give you the best advice.

Bob

Make your kid buy you a replacement pair of new cables.

I have Furutech plugs..  one ground bent, and slowly tried to straighten it ....it broke off immediately.   I didn't realize they are hollow and attached with a small screw......very soft.

@stringreen 

Thanks very much for the info.  I guess I won’t go that route.