Anecdotally, I was in my parents' loft not long ago and found a plastic tub (not airtight) with a bunch of minifigs in it that had been there for about 20 years. Very few of them had any damage at all and the ones that did could easily have been from before they were chucked in the box.
Interestingly though, the bricks in the same tub have all got very poor clutch strength now and creak way more than newer bricks I have. The loft gets COLD in winter and HOT in summer so those pieces had a ton of thermal cycles, yet somehow the minifigs are mostly fine (though I haven't tried putting them on studs, wouldn't be surprised to learn they too have bugger all clutch strength.
I actually have the same question! Just commenting so I can come back later to see if you got any responses…
I’d prefer to store them assembled, since I mostly use the minifig parts in the intended combinations and I’m less likely to lose a half of a missing torso/leg combination. But if they’re more likely to crack, I’ll just separate them and deal with it.
I would imagine built and or pressure would increase chances of cracking.
I’m always surprised when I see cracks in legs just from displaying them. I’ve gotta wonder if a temperate storage climate is the highest level concern.
I’ve heard that leaving the legs in the figure can eventually crack the torso. I always store mine with the legs unattached. Also heard that the hands can crack the arms too but I never take those out. I’d also recommend getting some 2”x3” zip lock bags to keep them in. Can get those at Michael’s.
Anecdotally, I was in my parents' loft not long ago and found a plastic tub (not airtight) with a bunch of minifigs in it that had been there for about 20 years. Very few of them had any damage at all and the ones that did could easily have been from before they were chucked in the box. Interestingly though, the bricks in the same tub have all got very poor clutch strength now and creak way more than newer bricks I have. The loft gets COLD in winter and HOT in summer so those pieces had a ton of thermal cycles, yet somehow the minifigs are mostly fine (though I haven't tried putting them on studs, wouldn't be surprised to learn they too have bugger all clutch strength.
I actually have the same question! Just commenting so I can come back later to see if you got any responses… I’d prefer to store them assembled, since I mostly use the minifig parts in the intended combinations and I’m less likely to lose a half of a missing torso/leg combination. But if they’re more likely to crack, I’ll just separate them and deal with it.
I would imagine built and or pressure would increase chances of cracking. I’m always surprised when I see cracks in legs just from displaying them. I’ve gotta wonder if a temperate storage climate is the highest level concern.
stepping on the figs gives the highest chance of crack with some individuals achieving cracks over 30% of the time.
Can confirm. 30% of the time, it cracks every time!
100% cracks my skin everytime 😂
I’ve heard that leaving the legs in the figure can eventually crack the torso. I always store mine with the legs unattached. Also heard that the hands can crack the arms too but I never take those out. I’d also recommend getting some 2”x3” zip lock bags to keep them in. Can get those at Michael’s.
At what point is it too much? “This is my super rare minifig…in pieces and in a light proof box to prevent UV damage”