Questions tagged [tools]

Separating bricks? Cleaning parts? What should you use to do this without damaging your elements. This can also cover software tools used for cataloguing or designing.

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How to cross compile for ev3dev using Docker

How to add ev3dev libraries/headers to docker cross-compile setup? I have assembled ev3dev on BrickPi (with Raspberry Pi 1 - chip BCM2835). I think, it all should be pretty similar for EV3 brick too. ...
r0berts's user avatar
  • 141
8 votes
1 answer
260 views

Is there a way to keep large plates together more efficiently?

Whenever I'm building a baseplate for something such as a skyscraper, every time I put larger-scale pieces (such as an 8 by 4) onto the larger bottom piece (i.e. 16 by 16), there is always space under ...
Mason's user avatar
  • 143
6 votes
1 answer
539 views

How to visually search for specific parts in a 3D model?

For a missed/loose piece that needs to be reattached, I plan to check all the steps where the piece was used. If I can also get an overview of the possible piece locations from the existing 3D models, ...
prusswan's user avatar
  • 185
8 votes
4 answers
501 views

Compare part lists between Stud.io models?

I've created a MOC using Stud.io, bought the pieces and built it. Since it was unstable I've changed the model in Stud.io, and now I would like to buy just the pieces I've added. I could compare both ...
Christian's user avatar
  • 333
12 votes
2 answers
1k views

Is there a tool that can consistently remove hundreds of 2x2 Tiles?

I have hundreds of 2x2 Tiles that I use to create LEGO City scale footpaths and floors. They are arranged in a grid on baseplates in a similar way as shown below: Recently I had decided to rebuild ...
Ambo100's user avatar
  • 17.6k
2 votes
1 answer
329 views

Can using a hex key to disassemble LEGO Technic pieces cause damage?

Does using the right size hex key (Allen key) to speed up the disassembly process cause damage to the LEGO Technic pieces?
user275517's user avatar
5 votes
2 answers
957 views

Tools to unbuild a model more easily?

Are there any good tools out there to help unbuilding a model, for example removing axles from beams? Something like the famous brick separator, but for Technic models.
D.R.'s user avatar
  • 255
20 votes
6 answers
4k views

What are some creative uses of the orange brick separator tool?

I have these piling up around my LEGO corner: Any suggestions for creative uses? Especially multiple?
mostlyWright's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
61 views

LEGO cleaning dust? [duplicate]

I'm a LEGO seller and buy around 20-50kg of LEGO bricks a week. I need to clean these items before I sell them. Currently I'm using the standard method using a bucket and soapy water. However, this ...
pwghost's user avatar
  • 31
21 votes
4 answers
7k views

What tool can get the Technic pin out from a connection closed in the other end?

I'm having trouble removing these LEGO Technic pins apart from their connectors and I don't want to use carpenter tools like pliers which may damage the bricks. What tool can get the pieces separated ...
Tim's user avatar
  • 425
3 votes
2 answers
322 views

Is there a LEGO clamping tool?

Sometimes we cannot easily attach 2 LEGO pieces. Is there a tool to help clamp together LEGO pieces that are very tight?
Paul's user avatar
  • 31
18 votes
7 answers
9k views

How to unplug black friction pin connectors

Black friction pin without slots connectors are common in older Technic sets. Note that these were quickly replaced by the current version with slots that is much easier to remove. vs Especially ...
Gruber's user avatar
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22 votes
2 answers
47k views

Is there a way to convert a 3D model into a lego sculpture?

After researching this question for a few days, I want to post it here so I can share what I learned in an answer, and hopefully learn some new techniques too. If anyone has found another way to do ...
hmatt1's user avatar
  • 453
11 votes
6 answers
1k views

How do I remove a racing helmet from a garbage can?

We have a red Lego racing helmet that has become wedged with its round side up in a 2 handled Lego garbage can. I cannot access any of the visor indentations, the face slot or the neck circle. I tried ...
Major Stackings's user avatar
19 votes
9 answers
5k views

Cleaning between the studs of a build

I've unpacked a few of my models after moving home some time ago, these models have been in a cardboard boxes for several months and need cleaning: I've tried compressed air, which only makes some of ...
Ambo100's user avatar
  • 17.6k
11 votes
3 answers
485 views

How should I remove a Hinge Tile, especially in the middle of a plate?

I've recently had some trouble removing a 1x4 hinge tile from the middle of a plate: Even when they are on the edge of the plate there isn't a lot of areas you can use to gain the traction to remove ...
Zhaph - Ben Duguid's user avatar
27 votes
6 answers
5k views

Can an axle be removed from this Technic 'brick paradox'?

This blogpost on Technic Bricks briefly explains a few 'brick paradoxes' or dead ends. This particular model seems impossible to disassemble by hand: How can I remove the axle without damaging/...
Ambo100's user avatar
  • 17.6k
20 votes
3 answers
24k views

Is there any application to keep an inventory of owned sets and pieces?

I'm looking for a desktop application that keeps track of sets and pieces owned. Ideally something that would look up LEGO databases such as Peeron or others in order to add the pieces in a set ...
Reven's user avatar
  • 1,019
20 votes
6 answers
3k views

How can I easily remove a jumper plate without a brick separator?

How can I easily remove a jumper plate? I find it very difficult to remove this kind of brick with a brick separator.
Ambo100's user avatar
  • 17.6k
8 votes
2 answers
3k views

How do I create manuals in the same style as LEGO instruction manuals? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals? I want to create my own manuals, but I want them to look and feel like actual LEGO instruction manuals. So,...
Kriem's user avatar
  • 405
49 votes
17 answers
61k views

LEGO cleaning techniques and tools

Previously I've used toothbrushes but maybe these would eventually scratch the surface. What have you used? And was it easy? As well as cleaning, what about drying and buffing? Has anyone tried ...
Umber Ferrule's user avatar
27 votes
1 answer
770 views

Do tools exist to help me translate a real world object to a LEGO design?

It can be a big challenge to create a design for a large object. Are there techniques or tools to simplify this, and to help estimate numbers of blocks required?
Rory Alsop's user avatar
  • 1,166
38 votes
12 answers
26k views

What tool can get two 1x2 plates apart without damaging them?

Teeth and pliers tend to leave unsightly marks on the bricks. Fingernails don't work too well. What tool do you recommend to separate them?
Friend Of George's user avatar