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HELP!
Please!

I just obtained a figure that has a hinge joint that has a pin through it that is so tight that the very first time I transformed it I stressed the plastic to the point of nearly breaking half the hinge.
Does anyone know how to loosen the hinge?

First you'll need to remove the pin. For a hinged joint that should be pretty easy...one end should be slightly larger than the other and have a rougher finish. You want to drive the pin out from the OTHER end. Use a pin punch or finishing nail and tap the end of the pin a couple times. If the pin doesn't move then try it from the other end. Once you get it moving, just tap it on out. Make sure you put it back in the same way it came out.

Once the pins removed, check it to be sure it's straight and smooth (except for the knurled end). If not, you'll either need to straighten/sand it or replace it. You can replace it with anything thats about the same size. Just use a dab of super glue on one end to keep it in.

If the pins okay, there is something in the plastic. Could be a raised area from the molding process or just a bad fit. Fit the sides together and work it a bit to identify the problem. A piece of 400-600 grit sandpaper and a needle file or emory board should be all you need to resolve the issue.

Once the issue is resolved, tap the pin back in and try it out.

NOTE: If the pin is much larger on one end (has a head), the pin removal method above does not work, that's a much more difficult process (Google transformers pin removal). With a hinged joint, that's not likely the case though.

Good Luck! Let me know how it goes or if you need further help.