Frustrated with a bent jigsaw puzzle piece? Or a ripped puzzle piece? It’s madness to have a wonderful jigsaw puzzle pieces mangled, especially if you are fond of the image. I have over 200 puzzles on my shelves. Some are new, some are old and a few are for my daily speed puzzling practice sessions. Yet, there are a number of jigsaw puzzles that have bent jigsaw puzzle pieces that I am reluctant to play.
Few things are more frustrating than reaching into your jigsaw puzzle box, ready to start assembling, only to discover a bent puzzle piece or ripped a piece. Whether it got damaged in the box, was accidentally stepped on, or suffered from an overzealous attempt to force it into place, a broken puzzle piece can feel like a disaster – especially when you’re close to completing the puzzle!
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But don’t worry! Not all hope is lost. Many bent, creased, or slightly ripped jigsaw puzzle pieces can be fixed with a little patience and the right tools. Before you throw that puzzle away in frustration, try these five quick tips to repair and salvage your puzzle pieces.
1. Fixing Bent Jigsaw Puzzle Piece (Also Called Creased)
If your bent jigsaw puzzle piece is a problem for solving or completing your puzzle, the good news is that you can usually flatten it back into shape. The key is applying gentle pressure over time to smooth out the bend without causing more damage.
How to Fix a Bent Puzzle Piece:
- Place the bent piece between two heavy books or a stack of magazines. Make sure it’s lying flat.
- If the piece is still stubborn, try placing a piece of wax paper over it and using a warm (not hot) iron on the lowest setting. Press lightly for a few seconds to soften the bend.
Leave the piece under the heavy books for a few hours or overnight for the best results. Keep in mind you may need to do this more than once for a bent jigsaw puzzle piece depending on how deep the crease is for the piece.
Pro Tip: If a crease has caused the top layer of the puzzle piece to start peeling, use a tiny bit of glue to smooth it back down before flattening.
2. Repairing Ripped or Torn Puzzle Pieces
A ripped puzzle piece can be heartbreaking, especially if the printed image is torn or peeling away. Evaluate the situation with the piece closely as you might need to spend a little extra time to get it right. Personally, I’ve fixed torn jigsaw puzzle pieces and I know with the right adhesive and a careful hand, you can make it almost as good as new!
How to Fix a Ripped Puzzle Piece
- Use a tiny dab of white glue (like school glue or craft glue) on the torn section. Avoid using too much – it can make the piece too thick!
- Carefully press the layers back together, aligning the edges as best as possible.
- Place a piece of wax paper over the glued section and press it under a book for a few hours to keep it flat while drying.
- If any excess glue seeps out, wipe it away gently with a damp cotton swab before it dries.
Pro Tip: If a small section of the printed image is missing, you can try using a fine-tip marker or colored pencil to lightly fill in the missing spot. It won’t be perfect, but it will help disguise the damage!
3. Strengthening Loose or Weak Puzzle Pieces
Sometimes, puzzle pieces become loose, flimsy, or feel like they might fall apart at any moment. This happens when the layers of cardboard start to separate due to wear and tear. While the bent jigsaw puzzle piece is easy to identify, spotting what exactly is making the piece loose it’s strength is another story.
How to Reinforce a Weak Puzzle Piece
- Apply a tiny amount of glue between the separating layers using a toothpick or a thin brush.
- Gently press the layers back together and wipe away any excess glue.
- Place the piece under a heavy book or a flat weight to help it dry without warping.
- Repeat this process as many times as needed
Pro Tip: Avoid using tape! It might seem like a quick fix, but it can make the piece too thick to fit properly in the puzzle. This will also cause the area to become a bent jigsaw puzzle piece as the weight doesn’t distribute correctly.
4. Fixing Puzzle Pieces That Don’t Fit Anymore
Sometimes, a puzzle piece warps or changes shape due to humidity, spills, or rough handling. If your piece suddenly doesn’t fit where it should, there are ways to adjust it.
How to Fix a Warped Puzzle Piece
- Try the heavy book trick mentioned above.
- If the edges have puffed up, gently sand them down with a fine nail file or sandpaper. This helps reshape the piece so it slides back into place.
- If the edges feel rough, you can use a tiny bit of glue to reinforce them before placing them back in the puzzle.
- Contact a professional who does a puzzle piece replacement (yes, there is such a thing as jigsaw puzzle replacement pieces and you can find them with a quick search but warning, these services are expensive.)
Pro Tip: Always handle puzzle pieces with clean, dry hands. Moisture from hands can contribute to warping over time!
5. Preventing Puzzle Damage in the Future
Now that you know how to fix damaged puzzle pieces, let’s talk about prevention! A little care can go a long way in keeping your puzzles in great shape for years to come.
How to Keep Puzzle Pieces in Perfect Condition
- Store puzzles in a dry place to prevent moisture damage.
- Keep pieces in resealable bags inside the box to prevent losing or bending them.
- Use a puzzle mat or board so pieces don’t get knocked onto the floor.
- Handle pieces gently – forcing pieces together can cause them to tear or bend.
- Teach young puzzlers to be careful – kids love puzzles, but little hands can sometimes be rough!
Final Thoughts: Every Piece Counts!
Having bent jigsaw puzzle piece, a ripped puzzle, or damaged puzzle pieces can be incredibly frustrating, but in most cases, they can be saved with a little patience and the right techniques. Whether you’re using a heavy book to flatten a bend, glue to fix a tear, or sanding down a warped piece, there’s usually a way to bring your puzzle back to life.
I Can’t Fix My Jigsaw Puzzle Piece! Now What?
While wanting to keep your puzzles is a great way to remember the playing memories, if a puzzle is missing pieces beyond repair, it might be time to let it go. While there is options of recycling puzzles (especially cardboard), contact your local municipality to see if you can recycle your puzzles properly.
Happy puzzling and may you stop finding bent jigsaw puzzle pieces in your future! Instead I hope all your puzzle pieces fit just right!
