A strong ally of Gunpla production! Comparative review of three types of separators (parts openers) that can easily remove plastic models that have been assembled incorrectly! The Tool Way! The Tool Way!

Hello, this is Karyas! This is the fourth installment of "The Tool Way!" In this 4th issue of "The Tool Way!", we would like to compare and review three types of separators (parts openers)!

From left to right: Wave's "Parts Opener", Bandai's "Parts Separator", and Doyusha's "Sugotsu"! Parts Separator Tool" from Wave, "Parts Separator" from Bandai, and "Sugot!

Have you ever assembled a plastic model or a toy toy kit and mistakenly combined different parts from the instruction manual? When you realize the mistake and try to separate the parts by pulling them apart, you may not be able to remove them at all because they are hooked tightly together, or you may damage the parts by twisting them forcibly. ......

I am sure every modeler has experienced this at least once.

However, it is okay if you have a separator (parts opener)! With it, you can easily separate parts once assembled without damaging the parts or hurting your fingers.

So this time, we will review three types of separators obtained at model stores, using the body and main gun parts of a Gunpla (HG 1/144 Ball)!

Parts Opener

First up is the "Parts Opener" from Wave. The simple design makes it easy to use, and I have been using it for a long time.

The material is PP (polypropylene) for the grip and stainless steel for the cutting edge.

Official price: 418 yen (tax included)

The grip handle adheres closely to the hand, so it is easy to apply force when prying open hard parts!

The tip is very sharp and has no cutting ability, but be careful not to injure yourself or damage parts!

It is a challenge to separate the body with your fingers, but with the "Parts Opener" it is a piece of cake. Furthermore, the main gun, which is difficult to separate once assembled, could be separated without stress!

Parts Separator

Next is the "Parts Separator" from Bandai. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry.

The material is POM (polyacetal).

Official price: 330 yen (tax included)

The mechanical details are engraved, making it perfect for Gunpla production. There are no sharp parts, so even first-time plastic model builders and small children can use it safely!

The pin part allows you to push out parts, remove and assemble ABS parts of poly caps and joint parts without damaging them.

It comes with a guide to measure the diameter of poly caps, so you can make use of it when modifying Gundam plastic models and mecha kits.

Since there is no sharp cutting edge, it cannot be inserted between parts that are tightly adhered, but if there is a gap, you can separate parts by prying them out of it. The material is also made of polyethylene, which is good for easy use because it does not damage the parts. The pin part is also easy to use.

Awesome! Parts Separator Tool

The last one is "Awesome! Parts Separating Tool" from Doyusha. It has a high-class design and can be used in a variety of ways.

The material is 3CR13 stainless steel.

Official price: 1,320 yen (tax included)

The tip is sharp, so a cap is included. It can also be stored hanging by putting a string through the strap hole!

Using the ejector rod, you can push out parts or create gaps using the principle of leverage.

Incidentally, since it is made of a single piece of metal, it is also possible to check the flat surface of small parts!

Thanks to the sharp cutting edge, it was able to separate smoothly. The ejector rod also looks like it could be utilized for removing parts of various shapes. Also, there are no rules on how to hold it, so you can handle it in any style you like.

It can also be used for Shokugan!

Since many parts of mechanical toys are often reassembled even after completion, separators are very useful. So, we experimented to see if we could successfully pry open the most tightly sealed parts of a Shokugan's shoulder parts.

I used the "Parts Opener" (Wave) and the "Awesome! Parts Separating Tool" (Doyusha) could pry open even the most tightly sealed parts, but "Parts Separator" (Bandai) was still difficult. When using the "Parts Separator", it seems that it is better to use it to pry through gaps such as the edges of parts.

Which one do you recommend?

Since each has different characteristics, it is best to choose the one that best suits your application and situation. To summarize in an easy-to-understand manner

If you want to disassemble parts easily and do not need anything other than the prying function

WAVE＞Doyusha＞BANDAI

If you want to emphasize safety, or if small children or people who are not familiar with plastic models use it

Bandai＞Doyusha＞Wave

If you often make Gundam plastic models or mechanical kits, and often modify parts using poly caps

Bandai=Doyusha>Wave

For those who seek high quality, functional beauty, and freedom

Doyusha > Bandai = Wave

I would say that the following is a good example. However, I personally recommend Wave's "Parts Opener" for its ease of use and low price. The ideal situation would be to buy the "Parts Opener" first, and if you want other functions, you can buy other separators.

By the way, if you try to separate parts using a design knife or cutter instead of a separator, you will not only fail to separate the parts, but the blade will break, which is dangerous, so be sure to buy a proper separator!

So, how was it?

Separators are inexpensive and not easily damaged, so once you buy one, it is a recommended tool that will serve you well for a long time. Make good use of it and enjoy a comfortable modeling life!

Product Information

■Parts Opener
Manufacturer: WAVE
Manufacturer: WAVE
Price: 418 yen (tax included)

Parts Separator
Manufacturer：BANDAI SPRITS
Now on sale
Price: 330 yen (including tax)

■Heavy-duty parts separator Parts Separator Tool
Manufacturer：Doyusha
Now on sale
Price: 1,320 yen (tax included)

＜Writer

Kariyasu

Entertainment and hobby writer. He loves models, dioramas, and figures, and is in charge of various interviews as well as examples of plastic models and miniatures. Recently bought a wrist supporter to prevent injury.

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