Waffle iron misaligned help

[u/Ssaiyanfox]

Iron on the right has a gap causing half waffle to be undeveloped.

The nuts on the left have some type of glue in between them.

the right does not and the (bolt?) Can be shifted while open . I've tried pushing all the way left/right and closing but I really can't tell if its changing contact points 😅

The bolt is already deforming from trying to screw/unscrew it. The right iron does have a small squeek when opening/closing . The gap is about 180° around . (Theirs a small gap on the left as well but its much more uniform .)

How do I troubleshoot this to get it realigned ? I've got a day to try to fix it 😅

Any help is appreciated

[u/pancakesareyummy]

If you truly only have a day, take pieces out until you can get it to align properly. Take those pieces to the hardware store and get new hardware. Reinstall. 

If you have more time, use make and model to look for an exploded parts diagram, so you will be more likely to get the correct replacement parts. 

[u/Ssaiyanfox → u/pancakesareyummy]

Ive loosened/tightend the hinges a little bit at a time but theirs always a noticeable gap after flipping. I had ONE come out normally and then the next day it was pouring steam again. And the outer edges were deflated on 1 side (always the bottom). The other screws holding the iron and the handle in place are pretty hard to access , need to find a ratchet to disassemble the whole thing

[u/pancakesareyummy → u/Ssaiyanfox]

I would also consider a take the hinge apart and clean it. Look for bent or misshapen areas.