HP-28S preservation

[James P.G. Sterbenz]

I just acquired an HP-28S that is in excellent physical condition, with manuals for < $100.

I just put in new batteries, and found it very difficult to insert the battery cover. After reading very old threads here I'm worried.

It is clear that there is pretty extreme stress on the cover. Is it normal for it to be noticeably pushed out beyond the case? It seems stable, but is not precisely flush with the edge of the case.

Is there anything I should do now, such as tape to relive the stress to prevent breaking later? The Wikipedia image https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:HP_28.jpg shows tape over the case; I don't know if that is prophylactic or holding in the batteries for a trashed case. Someone on an old thread mentioned the unavailability of spare battery covers, but it looks to me like it would be the *case* that would crack form the metal door guides.

Finally, do I need to worry about problems with the hinges? I gather this breaking is fatal to the calculator. It won't see heavy use, and I intend to be careful anyway.

Thanks!
James