How to Care for Your 3D-Printed BodyKind Gear
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BodyKind pieces are made to order, hand-finished, and built for repeat play. PLA plastic and stainless steel hardware are durable by design — but a little mindful care goes a long way toward keeping every piece performing exactly as intended.
Before Every Use
Make it a habit to run through these basics before any scene:
- Check all moving parts — closures, locks, and release mechanisms should operate smoothly and without resistance.
- Test your release — whether it's a push-button, cam-cleat pull, or ice-melt lock, always confirm your exit before you're in it.
- Inspect edges and surfaces — look for any warping, rough spots, or changes in fit. If something feels off, don't use it.
- Never play with damaged gear. A piece that isn't performing perfectly isn't performing safely.
Cleaning
BodyKind gear is straightforward to clean:
Mild soap and warm water is all you need for routine cleaning after use.
Use a soft, lint-free cloth to wash and dry. Avoid abrasive materials that can scratch the surface finish.
For disinfecting, a gentle alcohol wipe works well — just dry thoroughly afterward.
Brief water exposure is fine, but never soak your gear for extended periods. Dry all metal hardware completely after any contact with moisture to prevent rust at hinge points and connection hardware.
What to Avoid
A few things that will shorten the life of your gear:
High heat — PLA plastic is sensitive to temperature. Never leave pieces in a hot car, near a radiator, or in direct sunlight for extended periods. Anything above 60°C (140°F) can cause warping.
Harsh chemicals — bleach, acetone, and solvent-based cleaners will damage the surface finish and compromise the material over time. Stick to mild soap.
Abrasive scrubbing — it scratches the finish and can create rough edges where there weren't any.
Storage
Store pieces clean, dry, and away from direct sunlight. UV exposure over time can affect both color and material integrity.
A soft pouch or dedicated storage box keeps edges protected and hardware from scratching against other surfaces.
Keep pieces at room temperature — avoid garages, cars, or anywhere that experiences significant heat or cold swings.
IceLock-Specific Care
A few additional notes for IceLock users:
Dry the IceLock body completely between uses — residual moisture inside the mechanism can affect freeze consistency and melt timing.
Inspect the locking mechanism after each freeze cycle for any buildup or debris that might affect the release.
Never force a frozen IceLock into the cuff hardware — if resistance increases, check that the freeze is complete and the mechanism is properly aligned.
RopeBind-Specific Care
Inspect the cam-cleat mechanism regularly — keep it free of debris and confirm the pull-and-release action is smooth before every use.
Avoid pulling the cords at sharp angles during cleaning or storage, which can stress the braid over time.
The paracord cuffs can be hand-washed in cool water with mild soap and left to air dry completely before storage. We recommend a wet washcloth to perform this cleaning and advise against submerging the plastic housing in water.
When to Retire a Piece
No piece lasts forever. Stop using a BodyKind product if you notice:
- Warping or changes to the fit that affect comfort or security
- Any cracking, splitting, or structural change to the printed body
- Hardware that no longer operates smoothly after cleaning
- Persistent rough edges that can't be gently smoothed
When in doubt, reach out. We'd rather help you assess a piece than have you play with something that isn't performing right. We also offer free replacement of specific parts, so let us know how we can help!
A Note on Repairs
Because every BodyKind piece is made to order, we don't offer repair services — but we do offer guidance. If something isn't performing as expected, contact us before writing it off. Many issues are straightforward to diagnose and we're always happy to help.