[cypher]

My second one isn't that old really, I think it sounds more like you were really unlucky & possibly the couriers didn't treat it too well in transit!
It does seem odd that the corner clip piece would be welded together, I would think it more likely it would be the paint holding it closed, can't say without seeing it but I've never had one I couldn't prise open with a tough flat screwdriver if it was a bit tight.
If you've got some good wire cutters you could possibly just cut that off & replace it with a cable tie to hold it together.