I have successfully straightened a bent stub with trusty vice grips and a rag over the stub to prevent scoring the metal with the jaws. It's just a matter of gingerly bending it back and visually judging whether it's straight by looking from above. It's likely to be far better off than before even if you don't quite nail it precisely.

Ahh, if only victa had kept producing the thumblatch catcher series, they would be in better shape today!