Fixing Warped Limbs!

We have all bought a figure that was stored sloppily or positioned awkwardly in package for a substantial amount of time. Unfortunately, limbs can be warped into unnatural positions. This is super annoying and extremely unattractive! Here is a tutorial on how to reset a figure's limbs to be as they were intended!

1.) What you will need!

1. Hot Water OR Hair Blower
2. Cold Water
3. Paper Towels for cleanup/ mess reduction

2.) Observe the figure and determine if and how you can fix it.

I bought a used AOU Marvel Legends Cap so I could stick the Civil War Chris Evans head on it. The figure had an arm that was warped up at the left elbow. Fortunately, this is a softer plastic, so my warp remedy will work. This method fixes warped Marvel Legends, 25th style Joes, DC Universe Classics, and basically anything else that uses softer plastic.

3.) Determine which heat source to use.

I chose a hair blower for this job, because it is faster than waiting for my faucet water to heat up, but you can use either. Typically for more sensitive pieces, it would be wise to fill a mug of hot water and dip the troubled limb in it. I would not advise boiling water for this fix; boiling water can have adverse effects on paint and glue making the dipped limb appear different from the rest of the figure. Remember to use caution when dealing with heat!

4.) Heat up the trouble area with your heat source for about 1 minute.

You want to heat up the plastic for about a minute or until the limb becomes gummy. Be careful handling the figure when the limb is heated; it is vulnerable to more warping or possibly breakage.

5.) While heated, hold the limb in the position you wish to set it in.

Cap's elbow joint was a little loose, so I am going to squeeze it tightly while also maintaining the arm to be straight as intended. It is best to accomplish this step as quickly as possible, because you do not want to lose the heat in the limb. You may want to use paper towels to protect your fingers if the plastic gets too hot.

6.) Immediately place the limb in the desired position under cold water for about 1-2 minutes.

While holding the arm in the desired position, immediately place it under cold water for 1-2 minutes. This will harden up the heated limb maintaining the position you desire.

7.) The limb is now set in the desired position!

Cap's arm will now permanently stay straight unless I store him awkwardly and he gets exposed to temperature differences over time. Remember to shake out any excess water and let your figure sit and dry for a few days. Water left in figures can cause mildew and mold to start growing in your storage areas!

Cap is now ready to lead the other recently washed Legends out of the bathroom! (After they dry off of course!)

I found this method to work every time. Try your best to not repeat this on figures. I doubt a figure would be hurt if this was done repeatedly, but we are dealing in temperature extremes, and too many extremes on the plastic is not healthy.

If you have any questions or contributions, please leave a comment!

-Chuck