Repair Them Unwanted Stress Fractures..

First up, I vaguely remember some of my friends having brand new Action Man figures that had stress-cracks in one or two places, this was back in the day. I think it was 1971, when the 'Realistic Hair' fixed eyed Action Man was all the rage. These obviously had left the factory in that state, so stress fractures/splits are nothing new
I don't recall any of the painthead 'kings' having splits in their limbs back in them days

The Clivvers way:

Great clear tip!! If I can add something, a 4 way nail buffer can buff back most of the plastic dulling after repair, it's the part that looks like rubber on the file you'll need, the other grades are usefull to. Give it a try.

Good tip!

I have a question: can this technique be used to fuse back pieces that have split off?

i've got some shins and shoulder pieces that have split in half and I'm Hoping to repair rather than replace.

Might I add to Clivvers great tip?

I may have mentioned this before, but here goes!

I have the most useful soldering iron/woodburner ever. It's a variable temp unit. Perfect for Clivvers repairs and many others. Plastic welding, they have been doing it on Automotive bumpers for years.

The procedure I learned to fix cars was to V (groove) out the bad area (this allows more area for the patch to bond to), and fill with molten plastic of the same descent, ie scrap trimmed to fit the groove. Work it into shape with the hot tool, then as Clivvers did above, sand and finish to desired sheen.

Sounds easy, it is a bit of a challenge, but be patient, don't try to go too far at one time, put it down, let it cool, then try again.

I've saved some absolute trash using this technique.

BTW, Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-tool Walnuthollow.com

I got mine at Hobby Lobby with their weekly 40% off coupon, I paid just over $20 USD. Retails for about $40 USD

A Man's only as good as his tool......(s)!

Rick

Fantastic Clive !!!

FANTASTIC TIP !! Bally great work Clive , 1st class.

Fantastic how to Clivvers thanks for taking the time to do this

That's great mate .... Great post

Excellent instructional post, I would only add, I think the fumes are a bit nasty.

Great tip and instructions

brownboots wrote:

Great clear tip!! If I can add something, a 4 way nail buffer can buff back most of the plastic dulling after repair, it's the part that looks like rubber on the file you'll need, the other grades are usefull to. Give it a try.

Great tip BB, I will be definitely be looking out for one of them devices in the chemist.

Joe90 wrote:

Good tip!  

I have a question: can this technique be used to fuse back pieces that have split off?

I've got some shins and shoulder pieces that have split in half and I'm Hoping to repair rather than replace.

I reckon it will definitely work, Doug.

Shoulder pieces are a little harder to do. I did have success with one, but I had to do it twice before it held good.
If the split reopens, don't panic. It can be redone, you will have to melt down quite deep to get a good strong fuse.

You may have to use model kit clamp devices to hold the two pieces together. I would start by fusing the 2 parts along the cracks in places to temporary hold them together, then the clamps can be moved out of the way.

The repair might take some time though, do it in stages over a day. Patience wins the day with repairs like this. I've got a spare vam shin that's split completely in two, it's like bone china, it's that brittle. I'm going to give it a go soon.

All good plastic surgeons needed plenty of practice, I've done a few plastic repairs in the past and I think i'm nearly ready to open my private clinic for celebrities... Barbies and Kens

joeman wrote:

Might I add to Clivvers great tip?

I may have mentioned this before, but here goes!

I have the most useful soldering iron/woodburner ever. It's a variable temp unit. Perfect for Clivvers repairs and many others. Plastic welding, they have been doing it on Automotive bumpers for years.

The procedure I learned to fix cars was to V (groove) out the bad area (this allows more area for the patch to bond to), and fill with molten plastic of the same descent, ie scrap trimmed to fit the groove. Work it into shape with the hot tool, then as Clivvers did above, sand and finish to desired sheen.

Sounds easy, it is a bit of a challenge, but be patient, don't try to go too far at one time, put it down, let it cool, then try again.

I've saved some absolute trash using this technique.

BTW, Walnut Hollow Creative Versa-tool Walnuthollow.com

I got mine at Hobby Lobby with their weekly 40% off coupon, I paid just over $20 USD. Retails for about $40 USD

A Man's only as good as his tool......(s)!

Rick

Wow! that tool sounds perfect for our hobby, it's on my 'would like' list. Great plastic tips too.
Thanks, Joeman


Brian (Sparklebudgie)
I forgot to add a face mask to the list above, thanks for reminding me about the semi toxic smell

Thanks, chaps

Missing photos now reposted   

Nice tip Clive thanks for this I will have to get in my shed and find my old soldering tool out and give this a go
Cheers Ian

Glad I saved all those broken pieces

Yes this is a great tip. I tried it after reading the thread and it worked a treat.

I'm glad it helped you, Ddaydawson!

Hi all - really useful post, thought I'd add to it (hoping the pics load ok)

Even when you think a fracture is beyond repair, take a look at this, it really does only take a few minutes.
Use a full size hacksaw blade to put a groove around the end of the limb maybe 3mm from the edge. Use bracelet wire (Hobbycraft - I use the brass as it bends easily but holds strong) wrapped into the groove and twisted off with pliers pulling the broken pieces in tight. Cut a small groove and bend the twisted wire into it. Cut off the excess and file flat. Holds really tight and can fix forearms and calves even split into two halves. You can backfill the groove with the soldering technique and some spare plastic as filler (I'm sure other fillers would work) if you want to hide the repair. The wire ensures it won't split again. Great for shoulders....  

Here's hoping the pics load ok...... Dave

very cool mate, top work indeed !, great upload

Ingeniously delightful solution.

Great tip!

Sorry I'm late again, Thanks Jim..

Repaired missing photos (10/6/2017)

Thanks For The Tip! I'm in the process of Repairing some Right Now!

Rage wrote:

Thanks For The Tip! I'm in the process of Repairing some Right Now!

Awesome Rage!