removing the metal rod in G1 figures

[C.dizel]

I didn't see a post like this in the title of any tutorial threads so I figured this might be a question others needed to know as well. Is there a simple way to remove the metal rod holding together G1 transformer legs?

thanks a bunch in advance.

[Sentinel Prime]

I didn't see a post like this in the title of any tutorial threads so I figured this might be a question others needed to know as well. Is there a simple way to remove the metal rod holding together G1 transformer legs?

thanks a bunch in advance.

Hi there! Metal rods are the bane of my existence. From my experience, they have to be tapped out, using a sort of hammer-and-chisel method. The tools you'll need depends on several factors like the size of the rod and the area around it, how hard the plastic is, how old the toy is and how tight the rod is stuck. If your part isn't too big or have decals, it can help to boil the part first depending on the strength of the plastic. Soft plastic goes really rubbery, but TFs are made from rigid plastics anyway.

So, locate the rod and determine which end was the drill end that went into the plastic first. You want to tap out the rod in the same direction that the factory screwed it in, one tip will likely have a sort of tiny pattern that bites into the plastic. The other side will be smooth.

Once you have found your tools, like a hammer and something small like a nail, or icepick, several things in the world will do, be creative. You'll need something to support your part, but will also allow the rod to move out. I recommend a soft piece of wood, a tree stump, a 2X4, anything that can allow the rod to be hammered down into it, or you can always try to balance the part between something like 2 bricks for example. Again, a little creativity here.

If at all possible, try masking using tape and aluminum foil before removing rods, they SUCK.

[C.dizel]

thanks a bunch man, I'll try that out.

[hydroxycut]

try heating it with soldering iron...then push it out... just make sure you push against the rough edge part.

[C.dizel]

soldering iron worked like a charm...thank you sir!

[dreamborn]

since we're on the topic of metal rods, has anyone had any experience in removing the metal rod on armada optimus prime's wheels?

I'm in the process of trying to get them off ( I think they look hideous) and they're a royal pain. there's a flat head on one end, and usually the other end is covered in plastic (so I cant soldering iron poke out the other side without having to smash the leg up)

I've started to cut up the wheels just to try and get that metal rod out which is fine by me, but I dont want to get that far to find out I'll have to damage the legs to get them out.

Any help would be appreciated ^_^

[hydroxycut]

same process will do. use soldering iron.