Yes, a press - even a cheaper one like those made by Horotec - will assist in getting the hands pressed on parallel to the dial. Here's an example of s single press they offer:
Horotec Watch Tool Hand Press Single - Watch Back Tools | Esslinger & Co
And a 3 position press:
Horotec Watch Tool Hand Press 3 Position - Watch Back Tools | Esslinger Watchmakers Tools
Even the 3 position is less than 1/20th of what my press costs, and it will really help you get things done in a more uniform manner.
For hand straightening or bending, I just use the F pattern tweezers I've shown above. If the hand is bent in a certain way, sometimes laying it on the bench mat and pressing from the back of the hand can work, but most of it I do by using the tweezers. Again you can wrap some other tweezers with tape if you are concerned about damaging the finish on the hands.
Cheers, Al
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