How to Care for Hollow Metal Dice Without Cracking Them
By Foam Brain Games - Plastic and Metal RPG Dice, Enamel Pins, and | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Tips & Care
Learn how to clean, store, and handle hollow metal dice to prevent cracks and maintain their unique look. Includes a step-by-step diagnosis guide.
Quick answer
Clean hollow metal dice with a soft cloth and mild soap, store them in a padded case or tray, and avoid dropping them on hard surfaces to prevent cracking.
Why hollow metal dice crack
Hollow metal dice are lighter than solid ones, which makes them easier to roll and carry. But that weight saving comes from a thin metal shell. A sharp drop on a tile floor or a hard table edge can dent or crack the shell. The same goes for stacking them tightly in a rigid container where they knock against each other.
The Mystic Bones - Hollow Metal RPG Dice Set, for example, uses a medium-weight hollow construction with a metallic rainbow finish. That finish is durable, but the underlying shell is still thin enough that a hard impact can cause damage.
What not to do
Avoid soaking hollow dice in water or using harsh chemical cleaners. Water can seep into the hollow interior through any tiny gap and cause internal corrosion or mold. Abrasive scrubbing pads can scratch the finish.
Also, don't store them loose in a bag or box with other metal objects. The constant bumping can chip the edges or create hairline cracks over time.
Diagnosis: Is your hollow metal dice at risk?
- Symptom: You see a small dent, a hairline crack, or the dice feels rough along an edge after a drop.
- Likely cause: The dice was dropped onto a hard surface (tile, stone, hardwood) from table height or higher. Hollow dice have less structural integrity than solid ones at the point of impact. If the crack is deep or the dice is leaking small metal fragments, stop using it immediately.
- Corrective action: For minor surface scuffs: gently buff with a microfiber cloth. For a small dent: do not try to reshape it yourself—this can cause the shell to split. Instead, place the dice in a padded container and avoid rolling it until you can inspect it under bright light for hidden cracks. If you see a visible crack that goes through the shell, the dice is compromised. Do not roll it. Retire it as a display piece or recycle it.
- Stop or choose another option: If you want dice that can handle regular table drops without worry, consider a solid metal set. Hollow dice are best for light use, display, or as a backup set. For daily gaming on hard surfaces, solid dice offer more impact resistance. Choose hollow dice when you value lighter weight and unique finishes over maximum durability.
Product spotlight
- Mystic Bones - Hollow Metal RPG Dice Set: Medium weight, making it a perfect feel for competitive players! The medium weight means the shell is thin enough to be lighter than solid dice, so you need to be more careful about drops and impacts.
Mystic Bones - Hollow Metal RPG Dice Set
