Cracking Spin Masters Batman

Posted in Figure Realm Comments and Questions

I'm a brand new customizer wannabe, have cracked Legends, etc figures for practice, but no finished projects yet. I just got a 4" Spin Masters Riddler and found the articulation to be exactly what I was looking for. The seam is obvious, and it's a neck peg. I've been having a rough time trying to crack the figure without causing cosmetic damage. I have tried boil and pop and a heat gun. Either the plastic is too warm and bends too easily, or it's too cold and my pliers end up scratching it. Also, the elbow and leg joints to this figure confound me, since I haven't gotten them off yet. I imagine it's a hinge with a peg inserting into the upper arm/ leg. It's super snug and just won't come out. I know this is probably an ill-advised question, and please forgive me if I'm right. I've read the Figure Realm tutorials for years, but am new as a posting member. Anyone have Spin Masters 4" custom experience?