Pt 2: Reversing Magnets? Freezing Didn't Work

[Kirahfaye]

Can it be done?

I just received the Pukisha I bought off the MP. She's in great condition considering she's a couple years old and has all the extra parts, but her ear magnets are reversed! I've left a message for the seller, but I'm at a loss as to what to do! She's a cat - a familiar, at that! She needs her ears! Is there a way to fix it? Something that will loosen the adhesive without damaging the resin?

*Flail!*

[famedglory]

You could try putting the ears into the freezer. I'm assuming the magnets are being held in with superglue, which is pretty brittle. The freeze/thaw cycle might weaken the glue and allow you to pull them out with a strong magnet or something, without the resin becoming damaged.

[Kirahfaye]

Thanks - yeah, one of my local doll meet friends has offered to try that with a rare Earth magnet. That won't happen for three more weeks, though.... I'll just have to be patient, I guess!

[K2!]

The rare earth magnets can themselves be brittle, as compared to other metals and iron magnets. It's a pretty safe assumption they are adhered with a type of super glue. There are several super glue solvents on the market, available at hardware stores. Give one of those a try.

[Kirahfaye]

Well, the freezing didn't work . . . are you sure there are solvents to remove glue that are safe on resin, K2? I mean, I shouldn't doubt you and your expertise, but this is my new baby!

[K2!]

Well, the freezing didn't work . . . are you sure there are solvents to remove glue that are safe on resin, K2? I mean, I shouldn't doubt you and your expertise, but this is my new baby!

There are solvents specifically made to loosen super glue.
http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdet ... e=googleps
You can test a small drop on the inside of the head cap.

[Kirahfaye]

I might resort to a debonder .... I left the magnet parts in the freezer for hours and still no go.

[victoriavictrix]

If the freeze/thaw cycle didn't work there is still a way to use the freezer to get them out.

Put the ears in the freezer overnight in SEPARATE bags because this method relies on keeping the glue frozen. In the morning set up a workplace with a towel, a table knife with a very heavy handle, and a small piece of steel (like another heavy table knife) or a heavier magnet. Quickly take out ONE ear, rap the MAGNET sharply with the handle of the table knife, and put the ear magnet-down on the steel, then pick up again. If this worked, you will have shattered the glue and the magnet will pull out. You might even try this more than once, it might take a couple applications to shatter all the glue.

[Kirahfaye]

Misty, I naturally read this in the morning! I might give that a try - leave the ears in all day. They would be easier to work with than the magnets in the head back. Now to find a heavy handle (or a good substitute)!

[victoriavictrix]

Remember to cradle the ear in the towel in your hand as you smack the magnet with the knife handle. A hammer head is too large, the handle of an all-metal table knife is perfect, so that's about the size and weight you are looking for.