How to Fix Loose Joints on Action Figures

Tightening Ball Joints

• 1

  Assess the problem areas. Usually, more than one joint will need tightening.

• 2

  Disconnect the joints that need repaired. Do this by holding the area on either side of the joint and gently pulling the joint apart. For example, if you want to work on a knee joint, hold the thigh in one hand, and the calf in the other hand, while you pull the joint apart. Your joint should pop apart easily, without having to use force.

• 3

  Apply a coat of clear nail polish to the ball of the joint as well as to the socket of the joint.

• 4

  Allow the nail polish to dry for at least an hour.

• 5

  Reassemble the joint by pressing the ball side of the joint into the socket side of the joint.

• 6

  Test your joint's tightness by moving the joint back and forth.

• 7

  Repeat Steps 2-5 as needed. Especially loose joints may take two or three coats of nail polish before being sufficiently tight.

• 8

  Place your action figure in the freezer for about 30 minutes in order to reset any stressed plastic. The cold air will tighten the plastic that was softened by pulling the joints apart.

Tightening Swivel Joints

• 9

  Assess the problem areas. Tighten only joints that require it.

• 10

  Cut a small piece of craft paper to about 1/3 the size of the joint. Choose a color of craft paper that is close to the color of the joint.

• 11

  Use a toothpick or a razor knife to carefully insert the piece of paper into the joint. You may need to move the joint back and forth while inserting the paper. The craft paper should not be visible after insertion.

Alternate Method For Swivel Joints

• 12

  Assess the problem areas. You will want to start with major joints and work your way down to smaller joints to avoid making a mess.

• 13

  Apply a single drop of clear nail polish to the joint. Try to get as much of the nail polish inside the joint as you can.

• 14

  Move the joint back and forth in order to disperse the nail polish evenly within the joint.

• 15

  Allow the nail polish to dry for at least an hour. Periodically move the joint to prevent the nail polish from sealing the joint into one position.

• 16

  Repeat Steps 2-4 as needed. Several drops of nail polish will be required for very loose joints.