BAN502 hex bolt flat head 1,6mm

A swap for a crisper shape

Large kits tend to have the joints suggested on the part itself. They look reasonable until you inspect them close up: the shape tends to be rounded, the edges soft and often the trace of the mold parting line runs across the head. Replacing such a detail with a separate part is one of the modifications with the best ratio of work put in to visible result, because the work is done in places the viewer watches.

Replacement procedure

The original shape is first removed, either with a sharp knife led flat or with a fine file. The surface is then sanded with a soft sponge so that the scratches from the blade disappear. Next comes pricking the center and drilling the hole into which the shank of the new part is inserted. The most common mistake is haste in the first step: anyone who sands insensitively will scrape the surrounding surface too and will have to restore it laboriously.

What to keep in mind beforehand

• count how many places you want to redo and get a reserve
• remove the original shapes gradually, not all at once
• remember the positions of the removed joints; after sanding they vanish without a trace
• photograph the part before the work; the shot serves as a reference

If you are unsure, start on a less conspicuous side of the model. You will get a feel for how deep to drill and how much glue to use, and any failure will stay hidden. Only then start on the surfaces that will be the first thing to catch the eye on the finished build. Adjust your pace to the fact that there is no way back: once the original shape is gone, it can be restored only with a new part.