Unveiling the Intriguing Process of Disassembling Marvel Legends Figures

How to Disassemble Marvel Legends Figures: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re a collector or a customizer, you’ve probably wondered about the process of disassembling Marvel Legends figures. Whether you’re looking to swap parts, repaint, or simply repair a figure, taking it apart can seem daunting. However, with the right tools, knowledge, and patience, you can disassemble your Marvel Legends figures with ease and precision. In this guide, we will walk you through the entire process of disassembling these action figures, along with troubleshooting tips to make sure you avoid common pitfalls.

Why Disassemble Marvel Legends Figures?

There are several reasons why someone might want to disassemble their Marvel Legends figures:

• Customization: Many collectors and customizers choose to disassemble their figures to paint or swap parts.
• Repairs: If a joint is loose or a part breaks, disassembling the figure can help you fix the problem.
• Cleanliness: Over time, dust and grime can accumulate on figures, and disassembling them allows for a thorough cleaning.
• Storage: Disassembling figures can make storage more convenient and prevent damage to delicate parts.

What You’ll Need to Disassemble Marvel Legends Figures

Before starting the disassembly process, it’s important to gather the necessary tools and materials. Here’s a list of the essentials:

• Small flathead screwdriver: Ideal for prying apart joints and loosening screws.
• Needlenose pliers: These can help with delicate maneuvers, especially when working with tight areas.
• Heat source: A hairdryer or hot water is useful for softening plastic and loosening tight parts.
• Safety gloves: While not necessary, gloves can help protect your hands from sharp edges.
• Plastic storage bins: To keep all the small parts and screws organized during disassembly.
• Small containers for screws: It’s easy to lose screws and tiny parts, so keep them in a small container to avoid losing them.

Step-by-Step Guide to Disassembling Marvel Legends Figures

Now that you have your tools ready, let’s get started with the disassembly process. Whether you’re working on an action figure with standard articulation or one of the more intricate designs, the following steps will guide you through it.

Step 1: Heat Up the Figure

The first step in the disassembly process is to loosen up the plastic. Some Marvel Legends figures are built with tight joints, and using a heat source can soften the plastic to make disassembly easier. There are two common methods to achieve this:

• Hot Water: Boil a pot of water and dip the figure into it for about 30 seconds. Make sure the figure is submerged enough to cover the areas you intend to disassemble, such as joints or hands.
• Hairdryer: Alternatively, you can use a hairdryer on medium heat. Focus the hot air on the joints or parts you want to loosen.

Be cautious not to overheat the figure, as excessive heat could warp the plastic or paint. After heating, allow the figure to cool slightly before proceeding.

Step 2: Identify the Joints and Screws

Marvel Legends figures are typically held together by screws and articulation joints. The screws are often hidden under the limbs or torso, and some figures may even have additional pins or pegs that keep the parts in place.

• Locate the screws: Look for screws in the back of the torso or near the elbow or knee joints. Use a small screwdriver to remove these screws.
• Check for pegs or pins: Some joints, especially in the arms and legs, may be held together by pegs. These can usually be pried apart carefully using a flathead screwdriver or needlenose pliers.

Step 3: Carefully Disassemble the Body Parts

Once you’ve removed the screws and located any pegs or joints, it’s time to start carefully separating the body parts. Start with the limbs, as they are often the easiest to remove.

• Arms and Legs: Gently pull the limbs away from the torso. If you encounter resistance, carefully use your screwdriver or pliers to loosen any stubborn pegs or joints.
• Torso: After the limbs are removed, you can proceed to disassemble the torso. Again, look for screws or pegs that hold the torso together. Some figures may have an additional set of screws near the waist or abdomen.
• Head: The head is often attached with a ball joint, which can be carefully popped off by pulling gently or using a flathead screwdriver to pry it loose.

As you disassemble, be mindful of small parts that may detach, such as belts, accessories, or additional armor pieces. Keep these items in separate containers to avoid losing them.

Step 4: Clean and Reassemble (Optional)

If you’ve disassembled your Marvel Legends figure for cleaning, now is the perfect time to wash it thoroughly. Use mild soap and warm water to remove any dust or dirt. Once cleaned, dry the parts completely before reassembling them.

If you’re customizing the figure or painting parts, now would be the time to apply any modifications. After the paint or modifications are dry, you can start reassembling the figure by following the steps in reverse.

Troubleshooting Tips for Disassembling Marvel Legends Figures

Disassembling Marvel Legends figures is a straightforward process, but there are some common issues that may arise. Here are a few troubleshooting tips to help you along the way:

• Stiff Joints: If you’re having trouble removing a joint, try reheating the area or applying a small amount of lubricant to loosen the plastic.
• Stripped Screws: If you encounter stripped screws, use a rubber band to help the screwdriver grip better or consider using a screw extractor tool for easier removal.
• Snapped Pegs: Sometimes, the pegs or joints can snap during disassembly. If this happens, consider using a small amount of superglue to reattach the parts or search for replacement parts online.
• Paint Scratches: Be cautious when using tools around painted surfaces. It’s easy to accidentally scratch the paint while prying apart joints. If this happens, you may need to touch up the paint with matching colors.

Conclusion: Disassembling Marvel Legends Figures Made Easy

Disassembling Marvel Legends figures is a useful skill for any collector or customizer. With the right tools and approach, you can easily take apart your figures for cleaning, repairs, or customization. Remember to proceed carefully and take your time to avoid damaging the figure or losing small parts. Following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to disassemble your figures safely and efficiently.

If you’re interested in learning more about customizing or repairing action figures, check out other helpful resources and guides online. For a deeper dive into the world of action figure collecting, visit Action Figure Central for expert advice and tips.

Whether you want to disassemble a figure for fun or functional reasons, knowing the proper techniques ensures that your Marvel Legends collection stays in excellent condition while giving you the flexibility to enhance or repair your favorite figures.

This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by TheFixitLab Team