Breaking a super glue bond...with a pin

[PG_Alviaran]

I got a model second hand and I think it is pinned. I dislike the current pose immensely. What is the best way to dissolve a super glue bond around a pin on a metal model?

[Goris]

Your Local Hobbytown USA will have a product called unbond. It dissolves CA glue.

[PG_Alviaran]

Any other chains likely to carry it aside from Hobbytown? Michaels? Hobby Lobby? (No Hobbytown here to my knowledge)

[Johnswiers]

If it is metal, and using large pieces, freeze it and heat it. then give it a good tug. The glue wont take the stressing.

If the pieces are small and metal, go with the solvent. If they are plastic, test the solvent first, as its quite likely to disolve plastics.

[@ndreas]

... soaking your metal! model in nailpaint remover (contains diluted Acetone) should do the job pretty much, may there be a pin or not.

Remember to remove the plastic base though! You don't want to have a black coffin around your miniature

[Patryn]

Could try a long soak in Simple Green. It's safe for plastics and I've found it makes super glue quite brittle and weak.

[Karnstein]

I assume you'Re going to repaint it anyway after reposing. If it is a metal model just drop it in a clean jam jar filled with acetone from the local DIY store, that should do the trick...

[PG_Alviaran]

The model is actually bare. The difficult part is that it is a fairly expensive mini so I'm scared of damaging it. The base isn't an issue (and will be ripped off eventually to rebase it anyway). He is fairly large. I've tried freezing him before and it wouldn't break, part of what leads me to believe he is pinned.

[hmk17]

... soaking your metal! model in nailpaint remover (contains diluted Acetone) should do the job pretty much, may there be a pin or not.

Remember to remove the plastic base though! You don't want to have a black coffin around your miniature

^ THIS

An acetone based nail polish remover soak turns superglue into a non-sticky gel. A large bottle will run you about $1.50 at Walmart. Let the model soak for about a day so the glue can fully absorb the liquid. Pieces will fall off in the container and you can use a hobby knife to remove the gel.

As @ndreas points out, you will need to remove the base first otherwise it will turn to goo. You will want to wash the model in warm soapy water afterward top remove any residue.

But its simple, easy and effective.

[PG_LonelyMonk]

Another trick is to put the model in the freezer over night... this might break the bond, they you can clean up the old glue with a knife or chemicals...

[PG_Alviaran]

Another trick is to put the model in the freezer over night... this might break the bond, they you can clean up the old glue with a knife or chemicals...

Tried that one. Couldn't get it to budge (when I have with other models) which is what lead me to believe there is a pin.

I'll see about grabbing some acetone nailpolish remover. This is a big model though so I don't know that I'll get enough to really soak him.

[Po the Barbarian]

Hardware stores often carry acetone in larger quantities for cheep. Do take care to avoid the fumes though once you have your big jar of glue disolver all set up.

[hmk17]

Tried that one. Couldn't get it to budge (when I have with other models) which is what lead me to believe there is a pin.

I'll see about grabbing some acetone nailpolish remover. This is a big model though so I don't know that I'll get enough to really soak him.

Look for a container a little bigger than the model. Put it in first and it will displace much of the acetone, so less will do the job. Amusingly enough, those little ziploc throw-away containers do not melt under the nail polish remover and come in convenient small sizes.

[Karnstein]

Tried that one. Couldn't get it to budge (when I have with other models) which is what lead me to believe there is a pin.

I'll see about grabbing some acetone nailpolish remover. This is a big model though so I don't know that I'll get enough to really soak him.

Just grab a big empty marmalade glass and a bottle of pure acetone... that's what I used to strip every single painted or primed metal WM/H model I bought through bartertown. Got rid of all the paint and turned every bond (greenstuff and superglue) into pulp.

[PG_Agamemnon]

I have stripped a lot of metal models in acetone.... trust me it will not damage the model. The acetone usually weakens the zap a gap.

If you think it is pinned and the part is big enough then gently work it back and forth after a good soaking. There is also the chance it glued together with Gorilla glue or epoxy.... though that is so rare I have not come up against that problem myself. All the pinned models I have stripped came apart after soaking and gentle manipulation.

[@ndreas]

... I would really recommend nail polish remover over pure Acetone, as is smells less, has in most cases enough power to break glue-bonds and is better to handle regarding safety issues and disposal.