The illegal LEGO building techniques to pay attention

When you read the title of this article, you may wonder if LEGO has some sort of police force that will arrest people for using unconventional building methods. Well, it’s not as serious as that! Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs) love to show their creativity when building a LEGO set. Sometimes, this creativity leads them to stray from the instructions. If you’ve ever tried building a set and found that some pieces were missing, it can be extremely frustrating. While LEGO bricks are produced to follow a specific structure, it’s also fun to use your imagination and create something that works in a new and innovative way.  

 

Understanding Illegal LEGO Techniques

Illegal LEGO building techniques are those methods that put stress on the bricks or use them in a way that is not recommended by the LEGO company. Although these techniques don’t break any laws, LEGO discourages using them as they can damage the pieces over time. Essentially, if you’re building in a way that LEGO designers didn’t intend, you’re considered to be using “illegal” techniques. However, it’s more about preserving the quality of the pieces than anything else.

 

 

Why Does LEGO Label Certain Techniques as “Illegal”?

When LEGO designers create a set, they outline specific building techniques for each piece. If you deviate from these methods, you’re entering the realm of “illegal” techniques. But don’t worry—no one is going to arrest you! The term “illegal” simply refers to building methods that put unnecessary stress on the bricks, which can cause them to warp or wear out more quickly. The goal is to ensure that the pieces maintain their structural integrity, keeping your builds both fun and safe.

 

1. Inserting 1x1 plates inside technic bricksWhile it might look cool, inserting plates with different studs into technic bricks is not recommended because it can damage the bricks over time.
   
   
2. Placing plates between studs
   This technique was allowed around 19 years ago, but LEGO now considers it illegal because it compromises the stability of the structure.
   
   
3. Not fully inserting technic pins into holes
   Leaving technic pins partially inserted causes unnecessary compression, which can lead to stress fractures in the bricks.
   
   
4. Mounting bricks using SNOT (Studs Not On Top) method improperly
   This technique, if used incorrectly, can cause misalignment, affecting the balance and appearance of your build.
   
   
5. Using transparent pieces together
   While it may look aesthetically pleasing, LEGO discourages using transparent pieces together due to the risk of creating a chemical bond.

 

 

Popular “Illegal” Techniques Among LEGO Fans

Some LEGO builders don’t see these rules as restrictions. Instead, they use them as a challenge to push their creativity further. Here are some of the most popular illegal building techniques used by Adult Fans of LEGO:

• Using a raspberry piece as a hat for a MinifigureThis may look creative, but LEGO discourages it because it makes the Minifigure appear more realistic than intended.
  
  
• Creating double-sided bricks
  Combining standard bricks with triangular pieces to create double-sided studs is considered illegal, as it compromises the structural integrity of the model.
  
  
• Making realistic walls and roofs
  Replicating brick or stone walls through unique piece combinations is frowned upon because it puts stress on the pieces and can lead to damage.
  
  
• Using LEGO pieces to form round structures
  Fitting studs into holes in a way that creates circular builds is another technique LEGO advises against, as it distorts the bricks.

 

Why Do Fans Love Using “Illegal” LEGO Techniques?

LEGO fans, particularly the Adult Fans of LEGO (AFOLs), often use illegal techniques to build more intricate and detailed models. They view these methods as a way to think outside the box and achieve designs that standard building techniques don’t allow. While some might argue that LEGO should encourage creativity, the company emphasizes maintaining the longevity and quality of its products.

 

LEGO Rules

There are indeed LEGO rules. If you feel thatyou can use any method you like to build your sets, then, you certainly mightbe doing it the wrong way, making the “LEGO Daddy” (if he actually existed) disappointed in you. There are a lot of people today who cannot tell which LEGO building technique is illegal or not. Well, you are fortunate because thisarticle will help you know the illegal building techniques. Below are some of them.