O-Ring and Thumb Repair | Fix Your GI Joe RAH - Zap

When your figure goes to pieces. Step by step repair by replacing the O-ring and checking a T-hook on this 35+ year old GI Joe RAH action figure.
Do you find this episode helpful? Be a supporter and consider a tip on my "Buy Me A Coffee"
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This figure also has the common problem of a broken thumb. I show you my process of rebuilding a thumb (starting at 5:15) from easy to find materials and tools to have him looking good as new.
Brush size used in this episode is a #5.
Total filing and shaping time for the thumb was about 20 minutes.
A full list of supplies is given in the video.
O-Ring and T-hooks on eBay: ebay.to/2TegJ2f
Needle File Set on eBay: ebay.to/2HtBXYm
Thanks for watching, and don't forget to subscribe!

[@keepitrealandtoasty]

There is so much Joy in restoring a figure.

[@swesleyharris]

Great job on that thumb repair 👍

[@walterwright8454]

Flippin awesome, dude!!!

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Thanks!!👍

[@jamespero6803]

Straight arm zap!!! Expensive figure if the thumbs arent broke.. Just need the double handle bazooka

[@gunnersmate7482]

Great restoration and repair. I always look forward to your videos

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Thanks Paul, I appreciate it!

[@campbellruleV1kiwiGI]

Great work 🎉& awesome video mate

[@99problemstoysaint1]

Awesome!!! Looks great

[@antoniocruz5596]

I have often thought of creating a complete replacement hand for these joes. Something cast from a type of rubberized material like the vintage Star Wars figures. Possibly something made from a durable silicone. They could be attached at the wrist. And could be a generic color that would accept paint.

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Try it and see, you'll never know unless you do

[@robertothomas8297]

I use the exact same paint

[@vhartin2011]

Very helpful! Thanks for this. 👍🏻

[@hondorockz]

Just checked out your video, I look forward for more restorations on retro figures, thank you Sir

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Thanks for watching and I hope you find the info helps!

[@hondorockz]

@@ToyTinkerTim yes very informative, keep it up pal, I'm just now hitting the subscribe button, thank you Tim!

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Thanks, I appreciate it ✌️

[@hondorockz]

@@ToyTinkerTim you bet!

[@nyfunny07]

Great vide! Have 4 arms that I need to fix, this video helps.

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Thanks, I hope it does help. Be sure to check the follow up video to this one where the hold is tested. Some good tips there.

[@gregmcdonald3361]

Ty. Very inspiring

[@athos1029]

Bread bag clips work better for working the figure apart and the don’t hurt the plastic.

[@superpowerbomb]

What size o ring please? I've seen guys using 2 different sizes. Great repair job!

[@ToyTinkerTim]

It's a good question and I've seen a big discussion. There's a 15mm 'O' ring that's thicker and really creates a snug fit on limbs and great for posing. The other side of it is that it's snug fit could stress plastic parts on the vintage figures. The crotch pieces break out, or pulling the metal bars on joints weaking the material. The thinner 'O' ring, 9/16" is a looser fit in the limbs, less risk of material strain on these vintage figures. I've used both, because the thicker 'O' ring on some has seemed to be putting pressure against the waist piece. So, I use both, I guess it's a anwer but not exactly a "one or the other" anser. Thanks for checking out my episode Matty!

[@mightyachilles1]

nice work!

[@GhostGL]

I seen the title and thought thumb repair how's he gonna do that? Never thought of trying that to replace a thumb. I actually got a Snake Eyes with a broken thumb.

[@scottbeater-man3714]

Any tips on how to repair bent thumbs that don't grip guns anymore?

[@ToyTinkerTim]

ugh, sounds tricky. The plastic on these figures' hands has not aged well. I believe most are 'shrinking' so the grip gets smaller in the hands, which leads to the broken thumbs when guns try to get put back in their hands. I've also seen it where figures were stored with their weapon in hand and it breaks taking it out. I'd be afraid to heat it much to relax the plastic material. If I were to try, I suppose I might try dipping the hand in very warm water and see if that helps. But only do it if you're also willing to risk the dreaded broken thumb. 😖

[@RocketPunchHero1]

Man... 35 years old and it still has tight joints. Can't say that about most 35 years olds today. ;)

[@jasonholmes3593]

Great job on a very fragile figure

[@k.lalramngaizuala629]

I want to repaint my joes but i still play with them so can help me which paint will last?

[@JohnPrepuce]

Is it possible to have him hold any weapons with the repaired thumb?

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Great question! I just uploaded a short video going through this.

[@davidandrews5215]

howdy I got a question I am try to repaint Sgt. Slaughter and Storm Shadow hands ? Where did you buy your paint at may I ask ?

[@ToyTinkerTim]

Hi David, I've picked up my paints at craft stores (that's what I have access to in my area). You could start there unless you have a more specialized store in your area. Good luck and thanks for watching!

[@jdswenson]

wow, fantastic job on the thumb!! i know lots of joes have broken crotches, i bet you can do the same thing with that, correct?

[@tactlessbeast6737]

Would testors model paints be okay or do you need acrylic? What is best?

[@ToyTinkerTim]

I use acrylic paints because of the ease to mix the colors to match whatever it is I'm repairing (economical and flexible). Putting on a top coat of sealer (either with a matte finish or glossy), that protects it. Acrylics also are more forgiving in removal if I make a mistake. I'm sure it comes down to preferences between the two, but that's why I use acrylic paint versus oil based enamel paint.

[@keithguay7523]

Do you sell Zap 1982 complete? Lmk Ty

[@Gothiczartan]

Wish they have the putty you made a thumb for Zap that can harden into flexible so you can put a accessory for him to hold.

[@k.lalramngaizuala629]

I got a joe with a broken ''?'' o ring hook i need help guys

[@jameswhite4370]

Y does ur sound keep going in and out

[@TripleXmodder]

Good video but the complete silence makes it hard to watch. Consider not doing that. Ugghh. Thanks for the thumb repair idea.

[@vinjor-el4248]

Fix the sound