All Questions
4,579
questions
152
votes
3
answers
89k
views
How much usage can a LEGO piece take before it loses its 'clutch power'?
In this article it's mentioned that one very important feature of the LEGO bricks are their 'clutch power' which is "the ability of its bricks to snap together tightly while also being easy to ...
- 13.5k
98
votes
8
answers
79k
views
Do any programs exist that allow you to build your own LEGO manuals?
What I'm looking for is a program or website/webapp that allows "virtual" building of a LEGO model, step-by-step, and allows you to save these single steps to get a complete building plan in the end. ...
- 5,603
89
votes
7
answers
252k
views
What are the dimensions of a LEGO brick?
What are the real world dimensions of bricks? (starting with 1x1 brick) Plates? Studs? Does LEGO think of this in metric or imperial units or something else?
- 4,261
76
votes
11
answers
280k
views
What's the most cost effective way to buy bulk LEGO bricks?
I've found a couple places to pick up bulk LEGO, but they all have various issues.
Bricklink - I found their user interface confusing, clunky, and straight out of 1998. I'm aware of a couple of ...
- 1,749
69
votes
4
answers
12k
views
Is it possible to build simple logic gates with LEGO mechanics?
I built a simple bitshifter in Minecraft yesterday. I wondered if something like this could be built with LEGO?
Maybe there is a possibility to build gates with rubber bands and those movable ...
- 2,175
63
votes
6
answers
61k
views
Are DUPLO blocks compatible with LEGO blocks in any way?
Can I build a model out of both DUPLO blocks and LEGO blocks? Do they fit together?
- 3,204
56
votes
2
answers
16k
views
Is there anything like a 'recipe generator' for LEGO models?
For me, most of the fun of LEGO toys, is building new things from the instructions. Rebuilding things can be fun, but if I know I have certain bricks (or even sets), is there somewhere to cross-...
- 2,149
54
votes
9
answers
16k
views
Has anyone made LEGO fly?
It may not be the ideal material. But has there ever been a LEGO model airplane with the ability to glide, under power maybe, or some other kind of successful lifting airship? Helicopter, blimp, kite, ...
- 4,261
53
votes
5
answers
14k
views
How do I center a 2x2 plate on a 3x3 plate?
I want to be able to center a 2x2 plate in the middle of a 3x3 plate - specifically to put minifig on. Another option would be to center a 2x1 plate on a 3x1 plate.
- 675
53
votes
13
answers
245k
views
What glue should I use for permanent LEGO construction?
The incredible precision of LEGO parts makes them attractive for building precise jigs, but the fact that they can come apart fairly easily isn't so helpful for this application. Can anyone recommend ...
- 1,055
48
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 ...
- 2,149
48
votes
7
answers
58k
views
Is there any other way to program the Lego Mindstorms NXT other than the provided software?
I'm curious to know if there is any way to program the NXT other than the provided software.
I don't necessarily have any issue with the software.
Does the program created by the software translate ...
- 583
48
votes
1
answer
14k
views
What is SNOT building?
I have seen reference on LEGO forums to "SNOT building". This sounds gross! Are there really squishy-sticky LEGO bricks, or what?
user23
48
votes
2
answers
40k
views
How do I identify a LEGO part?
Over the vast years of collecting bricks of various sizes and sets, I find that during my free builds I run low on a specific type of brick. How can I go about identifying what the brick is named and ...
- 583
46
votes
3
answers
34k
views
Can LEGO City Powered Up trains be automated?
I have a LEGO City train set (60336):
The set includes a remote control as well as an app that can be used to control the train. Is it possible to automate the operation of LEGO City trains, ideally ...
- 39.8k
45
votes
14
answers
22k
views
Do LEGO bricks float?
Is it possible to build a boat out of LEGO bricks? I appreciate you couldn't make it watertight but would a LEGO boat float by itself due to the buoyancy of the bricks themselves?
Pictures of any ...
- 3,204
45
votes
7
answers
8k
views
How can I invert the direction of blocks in a structure?
I have a structure with some blocks facing in the 'normal' direction:
nn nn nn nn
| || || || |
-- -- -- --
I would like to somehow connect a layer above this that has the blocks ...
- 3,204
44
votes
9
answers
12k
views
What are the best LEGO storage options?
I have several Lego sets and I usually build them and then make them small enough so they fit back in the box for long term storage . . . but my dream is that I can take apart my model and organize ...
- 2,478
43
votes
4
answers
14k
views
How do I build a curved wall?
On my latest MOC I want to build a round tower.
This is a minifig-scale build, and the tower is going to have a diameter of about 20/30 studs.
How should I go about building the "curved" wall of the ...
- 19.5k
43
votes
5
answers
76k
views
Why are there extra pieces in my set?
I bought an advent calendar, with a minifig or part of a scene behind each door. Each piece is sealed in a plastic bag and needs to be assembled. Almost every bag has an extra piece in it. Is this ...
- 533
43
votes
2
answers
5k
views
What is this light grey LEGO plate with six sides (hexagon)?
I've been unable to find this specific piece's name, just for the reason that it is a very unorthodox piece.
41
votes
5
answers
30k
views
What is the largest single LEGO piece?
What is the largest single LEGO piece ever produced? This does not include LEGO affiliates like Duplo.
Clarifications
It must be a purchasable block.
By largest, I mean largest by Volume/Weight of ...
- 3,204
41
votes
7
answers
24k
views
How are LEGO sets designed?
I've often wondered how it is that LEGO goes about creating new sets. I can easily imagine a person sitting in a room all day with unlimited pieces of every shape but with some of the complicated sets ...
- 511
41
votes
2
answers
19k
views
What is the bley (blay) color?
I keep reading on various lego web sites about an elusive brick color called "bley" or "blay".
What is it and what is the story behind this?
- 3,242
40
votes
3
answers
23k
views
Where or how do I get replacement stickers for my LEGO set?
I have a BMW Williams F1 LEGO set 8461 that I built when I got it several years ago. I unfortunately let it sit out on my shelf for a long time. The stickers have peeled and cracked and some have ...
- 765
39
votes
16
answers
13k
views
What LEGO pieces have "real-world" functionality?
I have noticed that there are a few LEGO pieces that also function in the "real-world." For example, the 10830c01 Magnifying Glass can actually magnify.
Another example is the 70001pb01 Compass, ...
- 1,463
39
votes
6
answers
16k
views
Why was LEGO reluctant to use additional colours for regular bricks in former times?
Looking back to what LEGO offered in the 1980s and early 1990s (oh, those memories ...), it looks a lot like LEGO's colour palette had been limited to a small number of colours - unless I'm missing ...
- 1,940
39
votes
8
answers
29k
views
Has anyone automated the LEGO hand sorting process beyond "pawing & piling"?
I need to rephrase my question. Has anyone built or used a large pigeon hole/ chute/ bin collection system to sort LEGO elements? The sorting system doesn't need to be made of LEGO bricks. I just want ...
- 5,453
39
votes
4
answers
6k
views
What are proven methods to sort/categorize a large number of parts?
How would you recommend to sort your Lego parts? Finding a certain part in a box with parts of about 20 models takes ages.
Should I sort by color? Or by size? Another category?
- 493
39
votes
6
answers
56k
views
Why do LEGO boxes have a maximum age limit?
I am wondering why do LEGO boxes have a maximum age limit printed on them?
My girlfriend has just gifted me LEGO Starfighter (8088) and it has an age range of 8-14. Why not just write 8+? Are there ...
- 493
39
votes
4
answers
17k
views
How can I store LEGO bricks to prevent damage?
I have some LEGO bricks which are probably about 10 years old. They've neither changed color in any way nor dried out or anything, so it seems to be as stable as ever.
How should I store them so that ...
- 2,175
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?
- 1,146
38
votes
9
answers
16k
views
How do I change the color of a brick?
I have a uniquely-shaped brick that I would like to make a darker shade of gray (it's currently blue).
What media is the best in terms of durability for continued use (i.e. re-use, re-configuration)?...
- 682
38
votes
8
answers
30k
views
What are the best options for building a LEGO RC car?
I would like to build a remote controlled car. And if someone already has a good solution for that I would be glad to try it.
It's been a while since I had the time and material to build some LEGO ...
- 1,336
38
votes
6
answers
3k
views
Does longterm storage in a connected state harm the studs/tubes?
Does storing bricks in a connected state lessen their longevity?
- 5,453
38
votes
3
answers
5k
views
How has the basic brick changed over the years?
The basic 2x4 brick has many versions. For example the modern one has thinner walls and funny shaped tubes compared to an early 1980s brick. What were the changes over the years and how did they ...
- 4,261
37
votes
4
answers
12k
views
When did LEGO decide that it was okay to put a stud into a Technic hole?
At one point, LEGO didn't really support putting a stud into a Technic hole, stating that it caused too much stress on the bricks. And for a while, there were no sets where that's the case. However, ...
- 1,839
36
votes
7
answers
3k
views
Where can I find instruction booklets?
Is there any place where scans or PDFs of instruction booklets can be downloaded?
- 1,019
36
votes
2
answers
10k
views
What is an Erling brick?
I have seen people refer to the "Erling brick" or "headlight brick" on LEGO forums. What kind of brick are they talking about?
user23
36
votes
3
answers
11k
views
What is inside the "weight element" brick?
I own a few bricks that contain a weight inside of them. 52g according to Lego.
What exactly is inside of these bricks that makes them heavy?
- 5,216
35
votes
6
answers
8k
views
Does the LEGO Group condone war toys?
What is the LEGO Group's position on war toys? Other brands make tanks and army stuff. I noticed LEGO sets include more realistic guns in the Star Wars range than they used to. What's up with that?
- 4,261
35
votes
6
answers
13k
views
Why does LEGO now use studless technic designs?
It seems to me that sometime between 1998 and 2006 (between the Mindstorms RCX and NXT), LEGO switched from using studded technic bricks (like this:)
to studdless beams (like this):
In my experience,...
- 1,304
34
votes
4
answers
31k
views
How many different colours of LEGO bricks are there?
Excluding translucent pieces, how many colours of official LEGO bricks are there?
- 3,204
34
votes
1
answer
41k
views
What different types of LEGO train tracks exist?
I would like to purchase some used LEGO train tracks off of ebay. I am not, however, very familiar with the different choices of track systems are out there that I might come across. So I would like ...
- 2,105
33
votes
8
answers
8k
views
Why did Technic bricks have holes in the studs?
Lego Technic (/ Expert Builder) bricks have always had a very different design than the normal Lego brick, with peg holes lining the sides serving fairly obvious purposes, but they also have had (as ...
user23
33
votes
6
answers
5k
views
Which hand is this minifigure extending normally?
I remember more than one argument with a friend over which way LEGO minifigures' hands should be oriented to be correct (with the thumb pointed upward/inward, like a human hand's neutral position).
...
user23
33
votes
3
answers
11k
views
Are there LEGO plates without the word "LEGO" on the studs?
I came across this image of the "LEGO Stack Overflow Hat" which is a hat made out of LEGO.
The individual who made the hat asserted, "it's 100% LEGO," but if you look closely at the hat, you'll see ...
- 432
33
votes
4
answers
14k
views
Has anyone made their own custom LEGO bricks?
As I've just learned, LEGO bricks are made from ABS plastics.
I wonder if it would be possible to make some simple molds at home, get some ABS pellets, melt them up and make your own custom bricks? ...
- 1,350
33
votes
7
answers
65k
views
How do I print images onto minifig body parts?
I have seen a few custom minifigures out there with images on certain body parts never produced by LEGO. What is the best way to achieve this? I have heard of some people printing out the image on ...
- 2,840
32
votes
9
answers
8k
views
What is the smallest LEGO component?
When I purchase bulk LEGO bricks, one of the first things I do is to tip the whole lot into a mesh bag and give them a good soak in the bath (of course, I remove all the electrical bits etc. first). ...
- 9,121