I'm new here so can't post photos yet, but here's an Imgur link to my problem. It seems the backpack on my LCD1602 was maybe bent/damaged in the factory or in transit. I'm curious if it's still safe to wire up. The pins on the underside of the backpack are touching pins that say "r1", "r2", etc...
To be sure, I'm new here and to circuitry in general so I'm still watching a lot of YouTube / reading docs before plugging anything at all in but wanted to post here and hear any thoughts.
Thank you!
I would send it back or failing that bend the pins back carefully so they are at least not touching anything - risky though as they might break on the PCB . If you can hold the base of the pin somehow that would help .
Do you feel lucky ??
Yeah that makes sense. I tried to bend it back but heard a small crack, which scares me and makes me think they maybe broke on the PCB as you warned. Too scared to test it, aka not feeling lucky today! Thanks for your help!
... and I thought that was S.O.P. (newbees: Standard Operating Practice) to fool customs into believing they were non-working scrap.
Viva La Forum: vast river of flowing knowledge.
Hey maybe customs damaged them. 
Have a few packages sliced open with a knife then taped up; parts bags inside were sliced also with a few components missing (SMDs, screws and some small switches).
Would be nice if they added a note saying this package has been examined by customs.
... there was a time that they were required to do this... but my suspictions are they figured the "not my job" clause was more applicable; but maybe partly due to the 'paper reduction act' of 1980.
Summary of the Paperwork Reduction Act | US EPA
Imagine the concern if "adheasive tape: reduction act is ever considered!
