First Time trying to crack torsos. Any tips/tricks?

[HardyKOfan01]

I want to swap torsos between two Jakks Ruthless Aggression Triple H figures (since one of them has a skinnier torso compared to the usual HHH torso), but I’ve never done any torso cracking on ANY figure before on Jakks or Mattel. I’m a little nervous because I don’t want to damage or permanently ruin my figures, so I was just wondering if there are any tips/tricks I can learn before doing a torso swap. Thanks!

[inevitabledeth]

Never did them with Jakks figures, but the key tips are this:

•Be careful/ wear protective gloves to reduce injuries.

• Always heat the figure prior to loosen up any glue holding the parts together.

• Cut along the seams to the best of your ability to ensure clean results.

• Using an exacto knife usually works best, but you may also need to pry the pieces apart with a flathead screwdriver.

• Take your time and be patient as these procedures can take some time especially if the figure is older.

•Do not get discouraged if it is a total failure. It isn't always going to be perfect.

Also, if you happen to own any junk/ fodder figures (especially of the same brand/ style), I'd recommend practicing on those first before you try the actual part you are trying to preserve.

That's all I got...

[HardyKOfan01]

Jan 3, 2021 15:32:28 GMT -5 inevitabledeth said:

Never did them with Jakks figures, but the key tips are this:

•Be careful/ wear protective gloves to reduce injuries.

• Always heat the figure prior to loosen up any glue holding the parts together.

• Cut along the seams to the best of your ability to ensure clean results.

• Using an exacto knife usually works best, but you may also need to pry the pieces apart with a flathead screwdriver.

• Take your time and be patient as these procedures can take some time especially if the figure is older.

•Do not get discouraged if it is a total failure. It isn't always going to be perfect.

Also, if you happen to own any junk/ fodder figures (especially of the same brand/ style), I'd recommend practicing on those first before you try the actual part you are trying to preserve.

That's all I got...

Much appreciated, man. Thank you!

[inevitabledeth]

No problem. The least I can do is share my experiences.

[RuthlessFigs]

I've never done a Jakks torso crack, but i've done one main torso swap with Elites, which turned out pretty well.

Here's what i did.

- Fill a cup or bowl with hot tap water
- Microwave it for 2 minutes
- Submerge the entire torso in the water for about 1 minute
- Press a Box Cutting Knife (Any really flat blade will work) between the cracks at the neck, and shoulder seems
- Use a flat head screwdriver and slowly pry the torso pieces apart at the shoulder seems (Don't go too hard or you might cause stress marks, which can be fixed, but nice to avoid)
- Once there's a gap big enough, try and put the screwdriver inside the torso and continue to pry apart
- By that point, it's usually separated enough to where i can just pull them apart.

- If Jakks torsos are like Mattel's and have pegs inside, i put superglue on those and a little brush of it on the edges (away from the articulation)
- Put the two torso pieces on the figure, then press them together hard.

If you have any stress marks (Mainly around the shoulders), get a lighter and wave the flame over the mark for a few seconds and it should slowly disappear. Depending on how much it's stressed, it'll either disappear completely, or disappear enough to where you can barely notice it.

[Bruce Banner]

It’s been about 16 years since I cracked a RA figure open but if memory severs me right boiling water definitely helps loosen the glue..and try to crack each side at a time don't just go straight for it or you can bend the rib/shoulder/neck depending where you start.