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Post by jw2010 on Oct 21, 2010 0:58:24 GMT -5
Here is a little tip for anyone who may be interested.
As many of you are aware, the non-rivet style "loops" used in the legs/arms of the JW Series figures are known to split, break, crumble or crack over time . . . especially the caramel- coloured dolls.
I have found a product called HOME-BOND which is an epoxy-based glue. It is "industrial strength." I used it to re-attach a loop piece to the inside of the top of an arm. The glue is glossy, but transparent when dry and acts almost like a layer of new plastic. I "painted" all around the loop with the glue and let it dry completely for a couple of days . . . and then applied a second coat. (Note: While the epoxy was still wet, a toothpick was inserted through - and removed from - the loop to make sure that the hole would not be closed and would remain open for the shoulder spring hook to slip back on easily.)
Works like a charm. Of course, time will be the real test. I am so pleased with the result that I used the same procedure on a couple of other non-rivet figures as a way to reinforce the plastic loop BEFORE it breaks.
I feel quite optimistic that this will hold up. (Naturally, this process is not for those collectors who wish to keep their figures in the original condition. But as a repair or preventative measure . . . not such a bad idea. And, of course, all this work is hidden inside the figure's body cavity when reassembled.)
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Post by stewartsattic on Oct 21, 2010 5:47:06 GMT -5
Hey! Great tip. You're right - time will tell. Please report back in a week and then a month. I'd also be interested if it withstands any 'stress' - playability....I've had superglue repairs that seem to work until a little movement blows the whole deal....
Scott
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Post by otterpar1 on Oct 21, 2010 8:14:31 GMT -5
I'm going to pick up some of that Home Bond stuff. Seems like I'm always coming up with something that SuperGlue won't fix. Can you get it at Home Depot or Lowes? Thanks for the info!
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Post by terryschimm on Oct 21, 2010 8:15:28 GMT -5
It will be great if it holds up. I've been looking for an alternative to melting red hot eyelets into the shoulders, lol.
Terry
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thoog
Tenderfoot
Posts: 40
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Post by thoog on Oct 21, 2010 10:59:26 GMT -5
I used epoxy (probably Bob Smith Industries or Hobby Lobby's Power Epoxy) to do a similar repair on some cracked shoulder loops several years ago, and I haven't seen any problems. While nothing really bonds to poly-plastic, 2-part epoxy does all right - especially if you scuff the plastic surface a little with sandpaper beforehand.
I'd be a little more nervous about a hip loop, with the stronger spring. Perhaps a little fiberglass cloth embedded into the epoxy would do the job.
-Todd
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Post by jw2010 on Sept 6, 2012 13:47:43 GMT -5
Update: Just shy of TWO years and holding up!
(Of course, I do not "play" with the figure, so I haven't really given it an industrial-style test.) P.S. The HOME-BOND epoxy glue brand is no longer carried at the local hardware store where I purchased this product. Not sure if it is still manufactured, either.
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Post by tumbleweed on Sept 26, 2012 11:01:38 GMT -5
Has anyone else been able to find the Home Bond JW is talking about? I googled it and found a vendor somewhere but haven't been able to find it locally.
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Post by otterpar1 on Sept 27, 2012 9:12:23 GMT -5
I've not had any luck...
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