Shipping Dent: Decide Whether It Is Cosmetic, Repairable, or a Remake

Fast answer

Document the damage and check whether it affects the connector, reinforcement, liner, coating, dimensions, appearance, or fit before anyone “fixes” it in the field.

What to check

1. Photograph the whole piece, piece mark, damage, and nearby reinforcement.
2. Measure whether openings, diagonals, flanges, and fitting geometry changed.
3. Check liner, coating, seams, dampers, and internal components.
4. Get direction on field repair, shop repair, acceptance, or remake.

Do not

Do not hammer a dent out before the condition is documented or strike reinforced, coated, lined, or exposed-finish duct blindly.

Ask the foreman

“I documented the dent and checked the flange and diagonals. The panel is damaged beside the reinforcement—field repair or shop remake?”

Why it matters

A dent can be cosmetic, but it can also hide a fit, coating, or reinforcement problem.