While this can occasionally happen with the classic body type, the larger cavity in the upper arms of the Guys and Pear body increases the risk of twisting the shoulder frame—often when users test flexibility by rotating the upper arm shell 180 degrees without the frame moving in sync.
This flips the shoulder frame (image 1), preventing the arm from resting naturally at the body’s side. To fix this, remove the arm and rotate the shoulder frame back 180 degrees until it matches image 2. If needed, use a hairdryer to soften the vinyl, but be careful to avoid burns. If using tools like pliers, pad the teeth with a sponge to prevent damage, and most importantly, take care not to injure yourself or others.
Shoulders are fully inserted when you feel a sharp, distinct click. The process typically involves two stages: the first click may feel dull and give the impression that the joint is secure, but after rotating the arms a few times, they may pop off. To apply even pressure, clasp your palms around the shoulder and push firmly inward until you feel a sharp click. You’ll know the joint is properly set when you hear audible clicks as you move the arm up and down.
An apparel team member tried to remove the arm from a Guy Body without gripping the inner frame, which led to the classic peeling-back-the-skin-to-reveal-the-robot-underneath moment, straight out of Terminator.
This happens because the Guy Body uses soft-grade sofubi, which makes the arm socket more flexible and prone to stretching if not handled properly.
If this happens, don’t worry—just plug everything back together using the photo below as a guide. Be sure to connect the elbow joint securely into the shoulder shaft; otherwise, the arm may fall off during posing.
The photo below compares two shoulder joint positions: in image 1, the arm is correctly aligned, while in image 2, the right arm is upside down, meaning it won’t rest naturally by the doll’s side. Some folks try to force the arm downward in this position, which can cause unnecessary stress and potential breakage. Always double-check alignment before applying pressure.