The lightsaber is one of the most iconic weapons the Star Wars franchise has blessed its fans with. In fact, as a true Star Wars fan, your collection is incomplete without a replica lightsaber. Apart from being great display pieces, some types of replica lightsabers such as a neopixel lightsaber, can be used for cosplaying and lightsaber dueling.
So, if you own a replica of this ultimate movie weapon, it only makes sense that you would want it to stay in the best condition for as long as possible. Below are some top maintenance tips for your Star Wars lightsaber replica.
Ensure That Your Lightsaber is Stored Properly
When your replica lightsaber is not in use, it is important that you find proper storage for it – even in the Star Wars franchise Obi Wan stored his lightsaber properly on the desert planet of Tatooine. This way, you can prevent the collection of dirt on the surface of the lightsaber’s blade. Ensuring that your replica lightsaber is properly stored and not just laying around also helps to prevent potential accidents that could harm you or damage the lightsaber.
Many lightsaber owners prefer to mount their sabers either on walls or in display cases where they can protect and still show them off. If you do not want to take this route, you can opt for creating a custom box where you can safely store your lightsaber. Also, if you plan on traveling with your lightsaber, then it might be a good idea to invest in a lightsaber case, preferably one with foam inserts for stabilizing your saber during transport.
Always Clean the Blades of Your Replica Lightsaber
Obviously, real lightsaber blades from the franchise didn’t require cleaning, but cleaning the blade of your replica lightsaber is another way to ensure that it remains in good condition. The cleaning process is quite straightforward and doesn’t require the use of any special cleaning agent. Plain water or any non-abrasive and mild cleaning products should be just fine. Simply spray a little amount of water or the cleaning product on the blade and wipe it off with a soft cloth. Never submerge your lightsaber blade in water in an attempt to wash it.
This will only damage its electronics and void any warranty you have on the saber. Apart from hitting other lightsabers during duels, avoid using your lightsaber to hit hard surfaces, as they can lead to scuff marks on the blade.
Check the Batteries Regularly
Even if you haven’t used your lightsaber for a while, it is still important that you routinely check the condition of its batteries. This is to make sure that the batteries are not damaged, as in some cases, damaged batteries can damage your lightsaber.
For lightsabers powered with an alkaline battery, it is recommended that you take out the battery from the saber if you do not intend to use it for an extended period of time. This is because alkaline batteries can sometimes leak battery acid when left inside a battery holder for too long, and this battery acid can get into and damage your saber’s electronics.
With lightsabers that use lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, it is recommended that you charge the battery at least once a month. This is because even with a kill key (which stops the flow of current to your saber’s soundboard), the Li-ion battery continues to discharge when not in use, and if its voltage gets too low, you may not be able to charge it again.
Proper maintenance is necessary for keeping your replica lightsaber in good condition for a long period of time. By following the easy maintenance tips above, your lightsaber will continue to remain in the best condition.
