4 Types of Joints of Action Figures
Action figures are more than just toys. They’re miniature works of art that are meant to be played with, displayed, and collected. And a big part of what makes them so special is the joints. Without joints, action figures would be little more than statues. It’s the joints that allow them to move and pose in all sorts of different ways. But not all joints are created equal. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the four main types of joints commonly used on action figures.
Socket and Ball Joints
Socket and ball joints are probably the most basic type of joint. They’re usually just small holes in the body part. And there are small balls on the limbs that can be inserted into those holes.
While they’re not very articulated, they’re very strong and resistant to breakage. One downside of socket joints is that they can sometimes be a bit loose, which can make the figure feel less sturdy. From what I’ve seen, socket and ball joints tend to break down and become less secure with age.
Hinge Joints
Hinge joints are exactly what they sound like – joints that hinge open and closed like a door. They’re great for articulating things like arms and legs, but they don’t offer much in terms of side-to-side movement.
Pivot Joints
Pivot joints offer the most range of motion of any type of joint. They essentially allow the figure to rotate in any direction. Pivot joints are usually found in the waist or neck area, as well as in places like shoulders and elbows where a greater range of motion is needed.
Swivel Joints
Swivel joints are basically a combination of socket and pivot joints. They offer the strength and security of a socket joint, with the added range of motion provided by a pivot joint. Swivel joints are often used in wrists and ankles to allow for more dynamic poses and action-packed playtime.
The swivel joint is used for rotation. Swivel joints allow us to twist and turn an action figure’s body in a variety of ways.
Joints are an essential part of any action figure. Without them, these toys would be little more than statues. But not all joints are created equal. In this blog post, we took a look at the four main types of action figure joints so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next figure.