separating glued parts question.

[racm32]

What is the best way to separate to metal figures that have been glued together? Both are unpainted but glued so well I can't pull or pry them apart without damaging them.

[Constable Bertrand]

I've used sharp pliers in the past.. would an acetone work like nail polish remover?

Cheers
Matt

[tin shed gamer]

It depends on the adhesive.You can actually buy a debonder for super glue.Its handy to have around as superglue is designed to bond flesh.Nail polish remover the asertone based stuff(I'm sure I haven't spelt it right)or the neat solution,will make it and epoxy glues brittle.But leaving it soaking for too long can leave pitting on the surface.Were talking hours though. over night will start to pit but 24+and it becomes really noticable.Don't do it to plastics or they turn to mush.
Boiling soapy water is good for super glue too ,Simple and safe just your washing up liquid and water from the kettle.soak it in the solution so the figure heats up,then put it straight under the cold tap,it might take a couple of goes.But super glue isn't a fan of water,and thermal shock is stronger than your hands.Unless you used waterproof superglue then it is the chemical root I'm afraid.But I always used hot soapy water first.Its not going to damage the metal and its something you can do in the kitchen with out getting killed for making a mess

[tin shed gamer]

Sorry ! I was busy typing (one fingered!)at the same time you posted your reply

[Constable Bertrand]

Sorry ! I was busy typing (one fingered!)at the same time you posted your reply

  glad im on the right track - the lego movie helped (Po-Lish of Na-ill) 

[racm32]

thanks guys, I'll give the hot water a try

[maxxon]

I've found pine soap to be a good, safe alternative. It attacks paint and glue bonds but does not affect metals or plastics even after extended exposure.

Not for the impatient ones, though. I leave stuff in the bath for a few days at the very least and I have soaked some for years, literally. Not because I had to, I just had no need to take them out...