Step 3 · Soften Stubborn Putty with Heat

This is the step people usually slow down on. Go finger-tight first, then a quarter turn. No rush — replay the clip whenever it helps.

For the stubborn putty that remains, apply gentle heat to soften it. Set a hairdryer to its highest heat setting or a heat gun to its lowest. Hold the appliance 3-5 inches away from the putty and move it in a constant back-and-forth or circular motion to distribute the heat evenly. Heat a small section for 30-60 seconds. The putty should become noticeably softer and more pliable. Avoid concentrating heat in one spot for too long, as this could lead to thermal shock and crack the porcelain or melt adjacent plastic components.