Does dismantling mini figs damage the leg?

[PaddyBricksplitter]

Hi all,

I've been working on some min figs for the Space Pirates competition. Last night I took apart my Space Miner fig. I watched a video and followed it.

I took the individual arms and legs out of their sockets. Now one of the legs is pretty loose.

My question is does the process of removing the individual arms and legs risk damaging the min figs?

I have a bunch of great figs and want to get the most from them build wise without damaging them. Any advice would be welcome.

[Trainmaster247]

Probably depends on how you take it off I would just try to be as careful as possible my hands have gotten quite lose and sometimes fall out from being taken of motorcyles and guns to hard.

[deraven]

Minifig hands, arms, and legs are not designed to be removed. It should (usually) be safe to do so as long as you do it carefully, but even then I wouldn't do it more than a couple times as you do quickly run the risk of the joints getting loose or cracking.

[rollermonkey]

In a word: Yes.

Removing the leg from hips or arm from shoulder isn't something TLG designed for, so there is a risk of damage to the components. Sometimes it will be fine, sometimes you'll get a looser connection, and with enough times, the plastic could break.

[dr_spock]

I find they get loose after doing that too many times. I wouldn't remove arms or legs on rare minifigs or ones that have some personal value.. For generic ones or Jar-Jar, I am not as concerned.

[PaddyBricksplitter]

OK got it.

My figs will be keeping their limbs as nature intended. Good job I read this before doing any more experiments.

Thanks guys.

[AmperZand]

As already mentioned, if you do it gently, you should be fine.

If any joints become loose, separate the pieces and give one part (usually the male one) a thin coating of Humbrol Satincoat. Allow it to dry for at least 6 hours and carefully reassemble. If it's still loose, start again. Usually, though, one coat will do it.

[rodiziorobs]

Also, I have noticed a difference in dismantling CMFs versus non-Chinese manufactured figs. I regularly dismantle my minifigs with no problems, but it seems that CMFs tend to be a tad looser afterwards.

[Legononymous]

As already mentioned, if you do it gently, you should be fine.

If any joints become loose, separate the pieces and give one part (usually the male one) a thin coating of Humbrol Satincoat. Allow it to dry for at least 6 hours and carefully reassemble. If it's still loose, start again. Usually, though, one coat will do it.

I'll have to try this on loose fitting hair and my CMF Gorilla mascot head.

[Jared]

Also, I have noticed a difference in dismantling CMFs versus non-Chinese manufactured figs. I regularly dismantle my minifigs with no problems, but it seems that CMFs tend to be a tad looser afterwards.

I've noticed the same thing. So, yes. Be careful is all I can say.