Repairing Combiner Wars Scrapper Locking Tab (Devastator)

[OldOfflineMan]

This thread documents how I replaced the the locking tab on the Combiner Wars Scrapper that locks the scoop/bucket to the chassis. My son broke it when transforming Devastator to its component robots.

*** As thanks to the community for helping me complete my meagre collection, I can help perform this repair for free. Please message me if you're interested. ***

Breaking the locking tab renders Devastator unable to stand:

http://www.cybertron.ca/boards/showthread.php?t=62729
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJeK...outu.be&t=1794

After much crying (me, not my son), I set about repairing the damage. I didn't find anything on the web to help me with this, so I tried to figure something out.

Crazy glue is out because it was not able to withstand the stress placed on the locking tab. I could not melt the plastic because the tab was sheared off, making it difficult to ensure bonding across the entire contact area. The simplest option I came up with (other than using polymer cement/weld, which would require me to identify the type of plastic) was to fashion a new locking tab using a paper clip. I chose a paper clip because the wire is hard to bend, making it the likeliest candidate to stay in shape once stress is applied (i.e. when Devastator's weight is all on this clip).

Tools required:

- 2 x Philips head screwdrivers (to fit Scrapper's screws),
- 1 x paper clip,
- 1 x pliers/shearers to cut the paper clip,
- 1 x needle nose pliers to help bend the paper clip.


Procedure:

Step 1 - Remove the 4 screws holding Scrapper's chest to the back (Pic 1) and disassemble him to access only the scoop/bucket assembly (Pic 2).

Step 2 - Tightly wrap a paper clip around the beam and straighten the paper clip legs (Pic 3, Pic 4). Slip the clip legs into the slot on the chassis where the locking tab is supposed to go in (Pic 5) and shape the legs of the paper clip to lock the scoop/bucket tightly to the chassis using the needle nose pliers (Pic 6). Note that in Pic 6, one of the leg forms a tab that is hooked to the edge of the gap that really secures the scoop/bucket. The other end of the wire only serves to prevent the clip from rotating. Make sure to bend them in such a way that you can slide the legs back out of the slot as you'll need to release the scoop/bucket to reassemble Scrapper. It may take a few tries to get the leaves into the right shape.

Step 3 - Slide Scrapper's head up and down along the guide rails to ensure the leaves do not interfere with Scrapper's head as it transforms (Pic 7). If it does, reshape the legs.

Step 4 - Once you're satisfied, slide the leaves back out of the slot (similar to Pic 5) and reassemble Scrapper.

Step 5 - Slide the legs into the slot and voila (Pic 8)! The scoop/bucket can now be locked.

All of this took about an hour (including planning the repair out). This repair can prevent the scoop/bucket from ever being unlocked, but it's no big deal even in robot mode (Pic 9). Doing this right will allow much weight to be placed on Devastator's right foot again (Pic 10).

[Pascal]

I broke mine too, ended up buying a replacement for cheap on Ebay (the whole figure).

[ngnaw]

Thank you for this awesome fix it! I always had my Devastator in a neutral pose because of all the breaks i've been reading about. At least now if he does break there is a good fix. I like it especially since paper clips are easy to get a hold of.

[GotBot]

Excellent idea. These are the sorts of customs and fixes I like best, ones where you can find common stuff around the house to meet the need. Good show!

[OptimusB38]

I’m going to try this as well, my son gets so disappointed when he just flops over

[OldOfflineMan]

Originally Posted by Pascal

I broke mine too, ended up buying a replacement for cheap on Ebay (the whole figure).

Yeah. In a panic, I saw both a brand new CW and UW Devastator for sale nearby at a (nowadays) relatively cheap price and grabbed them both just in case my attempts to fix this fails. I don't know what to do with them now.

A good problem to have, I think.

[OldOfflineMan]

Originally Posted by OptimusB38

I’m going to try this as well, my son gets so disappointed when he just flops over

Please let me know how it goes. I'm thinking of improving the shape of the leaves tonight to see if there's a more configuration. Right now, the end of the wire of one leaf catches onto the edge of slot (think grappling hook - Pic 6). I'll post pictures of it if I come up with something better.

[JonoPrime]

Thanks a lot for posting this, OldOfflineMan

The tools needed, step by step process and pictures included really make for a helpful tutorial!

[OldOfflineMan]

Minor update. In step 2, I provided in greater detail how I shaped the paper clip to really secure the scoop/bucket. I was going to improve on the shape, but it's too secure to remove now so I gave up. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, eh?

Good luck with your fix!

[OldOfflineMan]

I modified the design of the clip. It's much more robust and smaller than the previous one.