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Figure Disassembly and Home Manufacture
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Disassembly of your Playmobil® figures  

This procedure is not recommended nor encouraged
by Playmobil
® or the Garden Wargaming staff.

 

During the past few years it has become obvious that some members of the Playmobil® community of fans and collectors have wanted to dis-assemble their Playmobil® figures. At least that's what we've been led to believe based on the countless emails that we've received. Only because of this constant harangue and harassment, have we consented to share the techniques that we use here at the Garden Wargaming website.

 

If you follow the instructions that we have outlined, there is a chance that you may be successful. If you are seriously committed to reverse engineering (or perhaps - reverse manufacturing) your little Playmobil® people - and, if you have a fair amount of fine motor skills and manual dexterity, then there is a possibility that you could even become skilled at this process. You will then be able to create all sorts of combinations to surprise your friends and family. Of course if you have no skill, you'll probably just reduce your little Playmobile® people to a pile of plastic rubble.

 

The process, however, is quite simple. Once you've set up the proper tools, you'll be amazed at how easy it is. The first thing you'll need is a small vise with soft plastic covers over its steel jaws. This is a fairly common vise made especially for hobbyists and can be found in most craft stores as well as on the internet. (If you have trouble finding one, let us know and we'll see if we can find the online shops that carry them.) You will also need a small flat bladed screwdriver with a medium to long shank. (The shank is the metal rod between the handle and the blade.) The third thing that you'll need is a metal dowel (an old allen wrench or a worn out drill will do.) Finally find an old pair of Playmobil legs that you really don't want anymore (maybe a foot is broken or the color is faded or whatever).

 

STEP ONE.

You are going to remove those old Playmobil® legs from the body. Take the flat bladed screwdriver and insert it on either the left side or the right side of the figure (depending upon whether you are right or left handed). Insert the blade between the leg and the vinyl frame. You want to twist the screwdriver which will lift the vinyl frame off the small peg on the upper part of the leg. Since this is your first attempt, and since you're going to sacrifice these legs anyhow, don't worry about slightly damaging the legs with the screwdriver. After you've freed the one side, you should be able to easily twist the figure to free the other side. You should now have the figure separated into two sections, the legs and the upper torso.

 

STEP TWO

You are going to insert your metal dowel through the legs section. The metal dowel should run parallel (in the same direction) as the pegs that held the vinyl frame. This metal dowel will become a handle for you to use when you disassemble the entire figure later. First drill a hole from one side of the legs (about halfway between the hip and knees). The hole should be small enough to hold the metal dowel tightly. (If you have to gently tap the metal dowel to make it go through the legs, then the hole is just the right size.) The dowel should be long enough to extend out on either side of the legs. The metal dowel needs to extend out far enough for you to be able to comfortably grasp it on both sides with your second and third fingers You have now made a "leg tool."

 

STEP THREE

You are now going to take your Playmobil® figure completely apart. First remove the figure's hair. Then re-insert the little pegs of the "leg tool" into the figure's vinyl frame. (They just snap in place.) Next place the figure's head into the vinyl covered jaws of the vise. The figure's shoulders should be parallel with the jaw opening. Gently tighten the vise jaws until the head is held firmly. (To know when enough vise pressure is just right, usually takes a little practice.) Place the vise on the floor, hold it with your feet, grasp the metal dowel handle on your "leg tool," and give a quick yank, Voila! The figure is disassembled. You should now have a head, two arms, a vinyl frame, an upper torso, and your leg tool.

 

STEP FOUR

Have fun!

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Playmobil is a registered trademark of Geobra Brandstätter
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