Building a metal model kit is a rewarding experience, but for beginners, a few common mistakes can easily turn excitement into frustration. The good news? Most of these mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look out for.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the most common mistakes people make when building metal model kits—and how to avoid them for a smoother, more enjoyable build.
1. Skipping the Instructions Too Quickly
One of the most common mistakes is jumping straight into assembly without fully reviewing the instructions.
Metal model kits are designed with a specific build sequence, and skipping ahead can make later steps much harder—or even impossible.
How to avoid it:
- Read through the entire instruction manual before starting
- Pay attention to part numbers and orientation
- Understand the overall structure first
Spending a few extra minutes at the beginning can save hours later.
2. Not Organizing Parts Before Assembly
Metal model kits often include many small parts, screws, and connectors. Mixing them up is an easy way to slow yourself down or lose components.
How to avoid it:
- Lay out parts on a tray or mat
- Group similar parts together
- Keep unused parts in labeled sections
Good organization makes the entire build process calmer and more precise.
3. Using Too Much Force
Unlike plastic kits, metal parts do not flex easily. Forcing pieces into place can bend parts or damage threads.
How to avoid it:
- Gently align parts before tightening
- Never force a piece that doesn’t fit naturally
- Re-check the instructions if something feels wrong
When working with metal, precision always matters more than strength.
4. Over-Tightening Screws and Joints
It’s tempting to tighten everything as much as possible, but over-tightening can cause problems—especially with moving or articulated parts.
How to avoid it:
- Tighten screws until secure, not rigid
- Leave slight flexibility for joints and movable sections
- Test movement as you go
A well-built metal model should feel solid, not stiff.
5. Working in Poor Lighting or a Cluttered Space
Small metal parts require good visibility. Poor lighting or a messy workspace increases mistakes and frustration.
How to avoid it:
- Work under bright, direct lighting
- Use a clean, flat surface
- Avoid distractions during detailed steps
A comfortable workspace dramatically improves accuracy.
6. Rushing the Build
Metal model kits are not meant to be rushed. Trying to finish too quickly often leads to missed steps or misaligned parts.
How to avoid it:
- Break the build into multiple sessions
- Take short breaks if you feel tired
- Focus on enjoying the process, not just the result
The building experience is just as important as the finished model.
7. Choosing a Model That’s Too Advanced for a First Build
Starting with a highly complex model can be overwhelming for beginners.
How to avoid it:
- Begin with a model suited to your experience level
- Choose a design that excites you but isn’t overly complex
- Build confidence before moving on to larger kits
A successful first build makes future projects far more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
Mistakes are part of learning, but knowing what to avoid can make your first metal model build far more satisfying.
With patience, proper preparation, and attention to detail, metal model kits become an incredibly rewarding hobby—combining creativity, engineering, and craftsmanship.
If you’re just getting started, you may also find our beginner guide helpful: How to Build a Metal Model Kit: A Beginner’s Guide.
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5 comments
The main problem I had was fumble fingers allowing small parts to leap off the table and lose themselves in the carpet requiring much searching on hands and knees with a bright torch to find them! the only other minor issue was trying to identify the orientation and which small parts were actually needed in the assembly as sometimes the diagrams were a bit small and could have been printed more clearly. In spite of that it was still an enjoyable experience.
I learned to use a cocktail stick as a podger (look that one up if you havent heard it before- I had to!) for the multiple piece assemblies. I also had to use my husband to grip the no 6 locking nuts in place with pliers while I held and screwed the pieces together. Not enough hands. Gravity was also my friend when attaching the nuts – i moved the construction level to stop the nut falling off, sometimes very awkward, but successful. Seahorse light, now complete.
My friends at the Senior Center are amazed that at 83 I’m still working daily on 3-D models. I started with paper and eventually migrated to metal. Of the metal kits, I much prefer Metalkitor. I started with a couple of butterflies and worked up to the large praying mantis. Along the way, I purchased some finer tweezers and pliers and discovered the usefulness of slow drying glue. I finally decided I was ready for the giant lion. I soon found that I had met my match! Lots of pieces did not slide together easily, requiring squeezing or spreading of some. Hand-holding a series of six or seven pieces and subassemblies proved impossible. Using glue made it possible to add a piece at a time to the chain. For this hobbyist, putting complex, mirror image assemblies together is extremely difficult. The instructions only show the sequence for one side, leaving the builder to mentally reverse the orientation of the pieces for the other side. This takes me to the limits of my ability to create a reversed, 3-D image in my mind. Connecting major subassemblies has proven particularly hard, due to limited space, awkward positioning and only tiny bits of exposed screw thread to be connected. About a quarter of the way through, I put this one back in the box, for now. I hope to get it out again in a few months a give it another try. But for now, I think I’ve found my limit.
Hello,
I have carefully read the tips for proper construction.
After many years of experience in building models of all kinds and of course building 33 models from your website
Here are some additional recommendations:
1. Organizing the parts on the workbench according to the number indicated on the bags. Or by types such as screws, nuts, washers, similar parts or from the same family.
2. Preparing the required tools in an accessible and easy-to-use manner.
3. Using pliers or pliers to hold the parts and sometimes even a family member for a more comfortable grip.
4. Using a magnifying glass for a better and more accurate reading of the assembly and construction instructions of course.
5. Storing assembled and built parts in plastic boxes until used according to the instructions.
6. Ergonomics is a very important part of prolonged construction, i.e., a comfortable chair to sit on, the height of the chair and table, and of course good and appropriate lighting.
7. Marking on the assembly booklet every item and part that was removed from the bag or mold and every stage of construction and part that was assembled.
8. If you take a break, return the parts that were not used to their place in the packaging bags or molds so that they do not scatter and get lost, and marking in the assembly booklet where the assembly was stopped.
I hope I helped a little
Best regards,
Ran Marton
It doesn’t matter how advanced people are. Some of instructions is hard to understand. Too small a drawing and unclear arrow