Bent rack ears

[voodoo_child]

I look at any of my rack gear (especially sturdy stuff like boogies), and I don't think I could bend the rack ears if I tried - It would definitely take a lot of force and some pliers or something

So....my question is:

When you guys see rack equipment with bent ears (on eb*y etc.), what do you think? I always assume these things were involved in a heavy fall, and if it was enough to bend/damage the rack ears, the inside of the amp or preamp must have taken an awful shock too. Consequently, I usually steer clear, just to be on the safe side.

Am I being too careful?

 

[theaero]

usually it has been dropped. OR the owner went out of his way to bend the ears, just so he would lower its value, making it cheaper for you . Cept probably not... but maybe...

 

[mightywarlock]

my SKB rack (maybe a 6 space at the time) fell from a marshall A cab and went on it's side.
the only thing damaged was my 2:90 front left side got a tiny bit bent and the rack got a little mishapen.
it wasnt a big drop, just on top of the cab.

but this has been what has made me keep the 2:90 for the last 10+years...as i dont want to lose money just because the front looks a little scratched...(i bent it back to get back into another rack, but it is still just a tiny bit rounded.