Best way to deal with bent rifles (1 Viewer)

[Panzer ace]

A recent injury has allowed me to go through many pieces of my collection that I had never really had the chance to enjoy. One thing I noted is that many of them have bent rifles or bayonets. Is there a quick and painless way to bend them back and make them straight?

 

[OldDragon]

Re: Get Bent...

You could invite me over ... and I will bend them all back for you {sm3}

Most likely there's no shortcut, but it should be satisfying to get your troops all trim and proper again. Enjoy each one as if new all over

Bests
OD

 

[Panzer ace]

Re: Get Bent...

OD-

You should connect on the next Singapore Air flight to San Antonio for a few days of toy soldier repair!

I am truly enjoying them all over again, I wish it took more than a catastrophic injury to make me take the time to engage with them!

I should note that it is a problem across the board on all the manufacturers I collect.

 

[Obee]

Re: Get Bent...

Its a common proble, even with band new out of the box figures.

I manage to get them straightened with some gentle pressure but making sure its supported well so nothing breaks. I use finger pressure but sometimes need pliers to make sure it doesn't break. You also get paint flaking off quite oftern, so then there is the matching needed to hide and cracks.

Like OD, I'm always available to do repairs, and all i need is a few beers (after the work's done) but you provide the transport

This is my agreement with Wayne

By the way, I'm in Australia so how much is a S'pore Airways flight from Perth ????

Also Wayne is 10 minutes away

John

 

[theBaron]

Re: Get Bent...

I second John, it can be done, just need some care. It also depends on the alloy used to cast the figures; a higher tin content will make the metal more brittle.

If gentle pressure of thumb and forefinger doesn't work, I'll use a piece of glass plate as a base on which to work, and gently press the piece back into true.

Prost!
Brad

 

[Panzer ace]

Re: Get Bent...

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice. It is a little time consuming, but I am trying to work through them all, one by one. It is still cheaper than flights from Australia! However, my brother does have a home there, so next time I see him I might give him a handful of soldiers with instructions to track down all Aussie forum members for help with the repairs! He will gladly pay in beer...

 

[Rediarmor]

Re: Get Bent...

I have had lots of success by dipping the part in hot water, then bending slowly & gently with the fingers. I am in the UK, so the cold weather makes Lead brittle. Hot water doesn't affect the paint, and can't be too hot or you wouldn't be able to touch the bent bit with your bare fingers.