I'm not an expert. By far. But I have bent quite a few tips. The bend holding itself in place, is dependent on several factors. Soft white woods or heavier woods like Osage? Length and degree of recurve. Thickness of the wood expected to hold the bend. Static or working recurve? I typically use dry heat if flipping the tips a small degree. I find it quicker and just as effective. Others will disagree. Over time, most of the recurve I put in has held. Some for decades, losing a small amount early on, and then settling in for the long run.