How to Straighten a Bent Breyer's Leg
Breyer model horses are made out of a tough plastic (cellulose acetate). However, over the years, especially if your model is on a stand, the legs will warp. Also, during production at the factory, sometimes the horse's legs dry at awkward angles. Breyers can also bend if left in really hot rooms or car trunks for a long time. You need to heat the plastic back up in order to straighten the legs. This method is said to also work on Stone Horses.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Breyer with wonky leg
- Stove or hot plate
- Pan of boiled water at least as deep as the Breyer's legs
- Wear long sleeves or use a pot holder to protect your skin from steam
- Tongs (optional)
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We Can Work It Out
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1
Gather together your bent Breyer, your tongs, potholder, pot and water at the stove.
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2
Bring a pot of water to the boil, then lower or turn off the fire.
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3
Do a trial run with a carrot to be sure of what you need to do. Stand to one side of the pan to avoid the steam. Plunge the carrot tip in the hot water and gently move it around in a circle, making sure it doesn't touch the pan itself. Count aloud for 10 seconds, and then take the carrot out of the hot water.
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4
Check to see the water hasn't cooled off too much.
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5
Use tongs or a potholder to hold the Breyer by the neck or the back. Plunge the bent leg into the hot water and keep stirring the hot water for 10 seconds. You might have to dunk all of the legs into the water depending on your situation, but ideally you just want to dunk the bent leg.
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6
Remove from water and, with your hand in a pot holder or heat resistant glove, gently try to move the leg back into place. If there is too much resistance, dunk it in the hot water for another 10 seconds and try bending again. You may have to do this a few times.
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7
Place the Breyer on its side to cool off for a half hour. This keeps the still hoot hooves from becoming welded to any surface.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Keep cold water, lavender oil or sunburn cream within reach, just in case you do get a steam burn.
Carefully picture performing each step in your head before you do this with a valuable Breyer. It's like a mental rehearsal.
Practice with a carrot or other object so you get the hang of it.
The hot water can remove some of your Breyer's paint or discolor the legs.
Don't use the hair dryer method of straightening a bent Breyer part unless you have no other choice. The chances of getting burned are much higher than for the boiled water method.
Don't attempt without an adult's help if you are under age 13.
