Abstract Diameter distributions are invariably fitted with constrained zero or positive lower bounds to prevent negative diameters. Goodwin (2021) found that the bound for the 3-parameter Weibull could be negative for negatively skewed data, and that constraining it to zero reduced model accuracy. The loss of model accuracy due to a bound constraint is referred to here as constraint shock. This article shows that the 4-parameter Kumaraswamy and Johnson’s SB distributions can also have negative lower bounds and exhibit constraint shock. A 3-step parameter recovery method was used to fit these distributions to plots in unthinned mixed species eucalypt plantations and results were compared with the less flexible Weibull. Based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics, mean and maximum constraint shock for the 4-parameter distributions were 19% and 62%, respectively, compared with 19% and 51% for the Weibull, which indicated that constraint shock was not affected by model flexibility. Constraint shock was largely avoided by truncating and normalizing distributions with negative bounds. This work introduces a paradigm shift in diameter distribution modelling and adds clarity to a field that has not previously recognized the existence of constraint shock. Study Implications: Constraint shock is the loss of accuracy incurred by constraining the negative lower bound of a distribution to a nonnegative value. For a plantation eucalypt dataset in which 83% of plot diameters were negatively skewed, maximum constraint shock was 62% for the Kumaraswamy and Johnson’s SB distributions, and 51% for the less flexible 3-parameter Weibull, based on Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistics. Using distribution expectations of kurtosis, skewness, maximum diameter, and minimum diameter—all independent of bound parameters—a tractable 3-step parameter recovery method is described for unconstrained, constrained, and truncated 3- and 4-parameter distributions. This work introduces a paradigm shift in the treatment of distribution bounds that will result in substantial model improvements for negatively skewed data.