Knee joints need tightening

Dark Knight · Post by **Dark Knight** » Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:28 pm

Two year old Zelex 170 needs both knees tightened. They have become loose to the point she can't stand. Anyone know how to do this? (This was probably my fault). Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.

phillip57 · Post by **phillip57** » Mon Nov 06, 2023 10:00 pm

Dark Knight wrote: ↑Mon Nov 06, 2023 9:28 pm Two year old Zelex 170 needs both knees tightened. They have become loose to the point she can't stand. Anyone know how to do this? (This was probably my fault). Thanking you in advance for your cooperation.

A razor incision on either side of the knee would enable you to get a socket on either side to tighten the nut. however, the nut may have been spot welded in place to prevent it coming loose, which is a common practice, which has tightening be a problem.

Phil

Trailboss · Post by **Trailboss** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:07 am

I used an impact driver and a deep socket. Make sure the socket is very clean. That will break the tack weld and tighten or loosen which ever you need. Cheers Trailboss.

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The Doll Advocate · Post by **The Doll Advocate** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:14 am

Trailboss wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 9:07 am I used an impact driver and a deep socket. Make sure the socket is very clean. That will break the tack weld and tighten or loosen which ever you need. Cheers Trailboss.N 8.JPG

She's a cutie

.
I've got that same DeWalt ,that guy isn't a slouch!
Do you remember what size nut it was ?

nicvncnt · Post by **nicvncnt** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 12:37 pm

After tightening you will need to fix the nut in place with some adhesive like metal epoxy, or the joint will work loose again in a matter of weeks.

seagull · Post by **seagull** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 2:18 pm

Dimpling the thread & nut provides a mechanical lock, combined with Loctite or similar should give some longevity to the repair

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Oscar DeBarataria · Post by **Oscar DeBarataria** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 3:52 pm

A bit of advice - make your cut behind the knee rather than on the side.

You can get away with a smaller incision that way.

Also, aim for the inside of the joint because that's where the bolt is.

And you can get a better set on your Permatex or Sil-Poxy job by slightly bending the knee after you apply your adhesive following your tightening.

chippyminton · Post by **chippyminton** » Sun Dec 17, 2023 4:04 pm

The Doll Advocate wrote: ↑Sun Dec 17, 2023 10:14 am
I've got that same DeWalt

Nice. But not as nice as my Hilti.

phillip57 · Post by **phillip57** » Mon Dec 18, 2023 11:11 pm

I used a nylock nut on my doll's hip joint, no messing with adhesives, it was very tight going on, I'm hoping it stays in place.

Phil

nicvncnt · Post by **nicvncnt** » Wed Dec 20, 2023 1:25 pm

phillip57 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 18, 2023 11:11 pm I used a nylock nut on my doll's hip joint, no messing with adhesives, it was very tight going on, I'm hoping it stays in place.

Phil

That's what I used the first time I tightened Sam's hip joint and it worked loose within a few weeks, which is why I recommended metal epoxy to hold the nut in place.

RevJack · Post by **RevJack** » Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:29 pm

Nylocks will work perfectly as long as you never bend the joint again. But 4-5 good bends and nylocks give up.
A tap with a welder, loctite red, or a little JBWeld in the threads is needed.

phillip57 · Post by **phillip57** » Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:38 pm

RevJack wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:29 pm Nylocks will work perfectly as long as you never bend the joint again. But 4-5 good bends and nylocks give up.
A tap with a welder, loctite red, or a little JBWeld in the threads is needed.

Well hell....

RevJack · Post by **RevJack** » Tue Feb 20, 2024 7:35 am

phillip57 wrote: ↑Mon Feb 19, 2024 10:38 pm
RevJack wrote: ↑Tue Jan 09, 2024 5:29 pm Nylocks will work perfectly as long as you never bend the joint again. But 4-5 good bends and nylocks give up.
A tap with a welder, loctite red, or a little JBWeld in the threads is needed.
Well hell....

Yeah tell me about it. I invested a lot of time replacing the knee and elbow hardware on a doll, used nylocks, and had to redo all 4 joints within 4 months.
I was pretty pissed.

Reverend Jack