10 easy ways to make action figure models stand on their own (do-it-yourself solution)

If you’ve ever shown action figure models, it’s frustrating when some rogue superhero keeps falling and dragging his teammates to the ground. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep models standing out on their own. From pre-designed stands for action figures to unique DIY tips, you’re spoiled for choice. Just remember, it’s best to use a pole-specific display stand designed for a specific brand if you want to protect the value of your action figure in the future.

Table of Contents

Base

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Brackets are an appropriate option if the character model has a socket. Beneath the action figure model there is usually a round hole located on one of the feet. If the action figure has a socket, you can use a kickstand. Visit a toy store or search for a stand online. All you need to do is plug the hole in the bottom of the model’s legs into the protruding stake on the stand and the figure will stand on its own. ^{[1] X Research Source}

These stands come in a variety of sizes. You can measure the hole in the bottom of the model and look at the pile diameter on the stand to determine which one to buy. ^{[2] X Research Source}
You can always look on the product packaging or online to determine if a certain brand’s character model is compatible with the stand.

Low stand

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This is a great choice if you want to put the character model in a unique pose. Low stands are small stands with an adjustable round frame that sit 10 – 15 cm or more above the base. You just need to attach the character’s waist to the frame to secure the model. Unlike a stand, a low stand allows you to adjust your character’s posture without having to worry about keeping your feet flat on the base. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

You’ll need to check that the round frame fits your character’s waist, so if possible, buy in person or search online to make sure the brand of this model is compatible with the stand.
These stands can only be used with humanoid action figures. If your model is a giant Hulk or a big-headed Funko Pop figure, the low stand may not hold.

High stand

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A high stand is a good choice if you want your character to float in the air. These holders have hooks or small prongs at the top. To mount the model to the stand, you need to find a joint between the legs and hips of the figure. Usually there will be a small gap between the two parts above. Attach this coupler to the top of the stand to keep the figure in the air. You may need to experiment to find out where the model lies most stable. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

If you want Spider-Man to look like he’s swinging between buildings or Batman is about to rush into action, a high stand is the best option.
You can make your own stand by drilling a small hole in a block of wood and gluing small wooden skewers into it. Paint in the color you want and try attaching the character model to the tip of the skewer. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Sticky Clay

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Sticky clay is great if you want to hide the stand. Tear off a pea-sized piece of sticky clay, place it just below the character’s feet, and use your fingertips to rub it in. Then, press the character’s leg down where you want to display it. This way, the model will not fall and there will be no exposed clay in the background. ^{[6] X Research Source}

You can buy sticky clay at your art, craft, or bookstore.
If you display the character models on any surface other than glass, the sticky clay can leave plaque underneath. This problem is not too serious, but when you want to rearrange it, it will be a bit difficult to clean.
You can attach sticky clay to both model legs if you want the character to be more stable. However, usually a piece of clay is just enough if you pose a character that is not too fancy.

Wire rope

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Use a rope to hang the hovering action figure. Wrap the twine around the figure’s waist and tie it tight. Cut off the other end of the cord and hang it on a vacuum hook, wall hook, or pin. This is a great way to hang hanging characters underneath a display cabinet or bookshelf. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

You can even hang it from the ceiling if the foyer or display area is inherently cramped.
This idea is not suitable for character models that are expensive or have spiritual value to you. Over time, there is a chance that the line will slip off the hook, the vacuum hook will fall off the surface, or the knot will come loose.

Zinc wire

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This is a very cool and inexpensive way to make your own stand. Buy some wire, use pliers to cut and bend the wire around the character’s ankle 2-3 times to tighten. Then, leave about 7.5 – 15 cm of wire from the coil depending on the height of the model. Use your hands or pliers to bend the zinc into several turns horizontally. Build the character model upright and tweak the wire to lie flat. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

You can buy wire harness from home improvement stores. This product is usually made from galvanized steel and comes in a variety of sizes.
If the base of the character model has a hole, you can bend the wire to fit the hole to form a stand. ^{[9] X Research Source}
Note: the wire wrapped around the character’s ankle can leave scratches.
This option will be more appropriate if the character model is particularly light and does not require much help to be able to stand.

Insulating

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If you like to paint on the stand yourself, this material is very suitable. Use a utility knife to cut a short piece of foam insulation in a triangular or circular shape. You can now shape the base by cutting or trimming it to the texture of the lawn, stone, and so on. You can crumple aluminum foil or sandpaper to stick it on to make old bricks or a ruined battlefield. Then proceed to paint the base with acrylic color. ^{[10] X Research Source}

You can support the model to stand on its own by inserting a stake into the foam insulation, or cut a hole that fits the shape of your character’s leg to keep the model in place. Alternatively, you can also place another base on top of the foam insulation.

Magnet and washer (long temple)

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The magnet combined with the washer is a wonderful and sophisticated stand. Find some small round magnets (for example, a fridge magnet) and glue them to the legs of the action figure you want to pose. If you can find a smaller magnet, you can fit it in the hole in the base of the model. Then attach a few metal washers to the magnet. The washer will keep the character from falling. ^{[11] X Research Source}

You can buy washers at home improvement or hardware stores.

Display box

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The separate display case is perfect if you want to display valuable models. Most display cases will have enough space for either a stand or a stand, but you probably won’t need these. If you set up the character standing in the box, the four acrylic walls will prevent the model from falling and hitting the characters on display nearby. ^{[12] X Research Source}

At the same time, the display case also protects very well the character models that are especially valuable or important to you.
Some display cases also have built-in LED lights if you want your character to stand out on the shelf.

Wall

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You can always place the character model against the wall right on the shelf. This is not the most comprehensive solution because the model will not stand out if the display shelf is full. However, if you have a large collection and there are a few characters that are really annoying because they keep falling, get them deep on the shelf and put your back against the wall.

The heavier the character model, the harder it will be to fall.
You can purposefully adjust the pose so that the character looks like they’re leaning against a wall!

Advice

If you receive the action figure in its original packaging and want to display it on the wall, stick a small nail or pin into the drywall and hang a hook or hole at the top of the package on it. .

Steps