Marvel Legends are loved by people of all ages around the world. However, constant play can cause the joints to become loose over time, making it difficult for them to maintain dynamic poses. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix loose joints on your action figures:
Tightening Ball Joints
Identify the loose joints that need to be fixed. Sometimes, multiple joints may need tightening.
Carefully separate the affected joints by gently pulling them apart. For example, when working on a knee joint, hold the thigh and calf firmly while pulling the joint apart. Avoid using excessive force.
Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to both the ball and socket parts of the joint.
Allow the nail polish to dry completely, usually for about an hour.
Put the joint back together by pressing the ball side into the socket side.
Test the tightness of the joint by moving it back and forth.
If necessary, repeat steps 2-5. Joints that are particularly loose may require multiple coats of nail polish for proper tightening.
To strengthen the plastic, place the action figure in the freezer for around 30 minutes. The cold temperature will help reset any softened plastic, improving joint tightness.
Tightening Swivel Joints
Identify the loose swivel joints that need attention and focus on tightening those specifically.
Cut a small piece of craft paper, about one-third the size of the joint. Choose a paper color that matches the joint’s color as closely as possible.
Using a toothpick or razor knife, carefully insert the craft paper into the joint. You may need to move the joint back and forth during insertion. Ensure the paper is not visible once inserted.
Alternate Method for Swivel Joints
Identify the loose swivel joints that need tightening. Start with major joints before moving on to smaller ones to avoid complications.
Apply a single drop of clear nail polish into the joint, aiming to distribute it evenly inside.
Move the joint back and forth to ensure the nail polish spreads uniformly within the joint.
Allow the nail polish to dry completely for at least an hour. Occasionally move the joint during drying to prevent it from sealing in one position.
If needed, repeat steps 2-4. More drops of nail polish may be required for severely loose joints.
Tips:
Apply nail polish sparingly to avoid a messy application.
When working with swivel joints, using a toothpick for nail polish application can be helpful.
Use a soft kitchen scrub pad to remove any glossy residue left by excess nail polish.
Warnings:
Be cautious when using sharp tools like a razor knife to prevent damage to the action figure and avoid injury.
While super glue can be an alternative to nail polish, it may damage certain plastics, leave white residue, and be messy to work with.
Avoid touching the nail polish with your fingers during application to prevent glossy fingerprints.
Avoid putting excessive force on the joints to prevent damage to the action figure.
Do not leave the action figure in the freezer for more than 30 minutes to avoid making the plastic brittle.
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