17+ Illegal LEGO® Building Techniques to Avoid

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There is no doubt that LEGO is a childhood classic. What could be more fun than taking these colorful blocks and building anything imaginable?

As it turns out, quite a lot – at least if you want to stay within the law. In this article, we will take a look at 17 illegal LEGO® building techniques to avoid.

If you use these techniques then there is a higher chance of putting too much stress on your LEGO® bricks. It can result in damaging and permanently destroying your LEGO.

So without any further ado, let’s get into it and see what illegal LEGO® building techniques you should avoid.

Key Takeaways

Avoid using illegal LEGO® building techniques, as they can cause permanent damage to your LEGO® bricks.
Clear bricks should be avoided for building a house, as they are not as sturdy as regular bricks.
Technic and modified bricks should not be used together, as this can cause permanent damage to the pieces.
Plates with holes should not be used as bricks, as they are designed to be used only for structural support.
Be aware of the effects of illegal LEGO® building techniques before using them in your creations.

What is an Illegal LEGO® Building Technique?

Before we go out any further, let’s see what the term illegal means. When we talk about illegal LEGO® building, we are referring to

any techniques that do not follow the company’s building guidelines. This can include using third-party bricks or products, as well as certain building methods that can damage your LEGO.

While the term illegal is quite strong but that doesn’t mean anything against the “real laws of the country”.

Why Is LEGO Brick Bending Illegal?

LEGO bricks are designed to fit together tightly, using a system of interlocking studs and tubes that allows them to connect and stay in place. When LEGO bricks are bent, this interlocking system is compromised, which can cause the bricks to become loose and fall apart. This can be frustrating for children who are trying to build something, and it can also be dangerous if a structure made from LEGO bricks falls apart unexpectedly.

In addition to the risk of bricks falling apart, bending LEGO bricks can also damage them. When a LEGO brick is bent, it can become warped or deformed, which can make it difficult or impossible to use in future building projects. This means that bent LEGO bricks are essentially useless, which can be a waste of money for parents who have invested in LEGO sets for their children.

Are there any risks associated with using illegal LEGO building techniques?

I’m sure you won’t go to jail just for utilizing the illegal LEGO® construction methods. However, you may get your pieces damaged or even permanently destroyed if you’re not careful. So it’s still important to be aware of the legal methods and try to avoid them.

List of 17 Illegal LEGO® Building Techniques to Avoid

Here’s a list of 17 methods that I’ve compiled for you. I would highly recommend avoiding these methods to preserve your beloved LEGO.

There are risks associated with using illegal LEGO building techniques. These include potential damage to your LEGO pieces, instability of the creation due to poor connections or weak materials, and increased costs for specialized pieces.

1. Drilling Holes

This one is pretty straightforward. You should never drill holes into your LEGO® bricks as it will damage them permanently. There is no way to fix this once you’ve done it, so avoid it at all costs!

2. Using Superglue With LEGO® Bricks

Just like with drilling holes, using super glue on your LEGO® bricks will damage them permanently. It is not meant to be used on LEGO and will ruin the plastic.

3. Cutting LEGO® Bricks

Cutting LEGO® bricks is also a big no-no. This includes using a knife or any other sharp object to cut the bricks. Not only will this damage the bricks, but it can also be quite dangerous.

4. Using Third-Party LEGO® Bricks

One of the most common illegal LEGO® building techniques is using third-party bricks. These are LEGO-compatible products that are not made by the LEGO® group.

This can include any aftermarket products, such as Decool, MEGA Bloks, or KRE-O. While these products may be similar in appearance to LEGO, they are not held to the same quality standards.

As a result, they may not fit together as snugly or last as long as LEGO. In addition, using third-party bricks can void your LEGO® warranty.

5. Modifying LEGO® Bricks

Another illegal LEGO® building technique is modifying the bricks themselves. This can include drilling holes, cutting bricks, or painting them. While this may not seem like a big deal, it can cause some serious damage to your LEGO.

For example, painting LEGO® bricks can make them more susceptible to fading and peeling over time. Drilling holes or cutting bricks can also weaken them, making them more likely to break.

So if you want to modify your LEGO® bricks, then it is best to do so sparingly and only for decorative purposes.

6. Permanently Attach LEGO® Bricks

Another illegal LEGO® building technique is permanently attaching bricks. This can be done using glue, tape, or any other adhesive material.

While this may seem like a good way to make your LEGO® creations more sturdy, it can cause some serious damage to your LEGO.

For example, permanently connecting bricks might make them more prone to fading and crumbling with time.

7. Using Excess Force when Connecting LEGO® Bricks

Another illegal LEGO® building technique is using excessive force when connecting bricks. This can damage the bricks and make them more likely to break.

In addition, it can void your LEGO® warranty. So if you are having trouble connecting two bricks, then it is best to seek out a LEGO-certified professional.

Chances are you might be joining pieces the wrong way and trying to fit something that shouldn’t suppose to be there.

8. Making A LEGO® Roof

With just a little bit of creativity, you can easily make a surprisingly good-looking roof for your LEGO® buildings. However, unfortunately, this is not an approved LEGO® building technique and is quite illegal.

The main reason for this is that roofs can be very dangerous if not done correctly. You will need to ensure it is not load-bearing as the LEGO® pieces are not meant to be combined this way.

A great example of how a roof can be built with an illegal building method can be seen below.

Andreas Lenander Illegal LEGO Building Techniques

9. Using A LEGO® Axle to Make a Two-Way Stud

Another fascinating trick is to join two LEGO® bricks with the help of a LEGO® axle. This will help you create a structure with studs on both sides. Having said that this is an illegal method and shouldn’t be used often.

You must be thinking why? doing so will put too much stress on the axle sometimes. It can easily bend or break the axle and as a result, you will lose a functional part.

10. LEGO® Accessories That Are Not Meant to Be Connected

Some LEGO® accessories are not meant to be connected together. An example of this would be the headlight bricks.

These should not be connected together as they can damage the light element inside and prevent it from working correctly.

11. Using Illegal LEGO® Accessory Displays

If you have a lot of mini-figures, then you will get different weapons and accessories that come with each character. There is a way to create a display rack for all these items using your LEGO® bricks.

However, this is done by an illegal method and I don’t recommend it. Why? because accessories and weapons come in different shapes and sizes. Most of them have delicate edges.

While storing them in your LEGO-made rack, there is a higher possibility of breaking them or clipping different parts.

12. Making a Transparent LEGO® House

One of the coolest illegal LEGO® building techniques is to make a transparent LEGO® house. This can be done by using clear bricks or plates.

While this may seem like a fun way to show off your LEGO® creations, it is quite dangerous. The main reason for this is that clear bricks are not as sturdy as regular bricks.

So if you use them to build a house, then there is a higher chance that it will collapse. In addition, clear bricks can be very difficult to find and are quite expensive.

13. Illegally Using LEGO® Technic Bricks

Technic bricks are a type of LEGO® that is designed for use with the LEGO® Technic line. These bricks are often used in such a way that they produce new possibilities. While they help make cool designs, they can be damaged permanently in the process.

For instance, when you are using a 1×2 brick with a 1×2 technic brick the stud with the LEGO® logo on it will be in contact with the side of the brick. Because these pieces will be rubbing with each other thus, it will cause permanent damage.

14. Using LEGO® Technic Bricks with Modified Bricks

People have found cool methods of using technic bricks to make different amazing designs. Most of the time it involves using technic bricks with some other type of bricks that have studs on the side.

The stud is used to connect other pieces and make a chain. However, it is illegal and should be avoided. This is because it can cause permanent damage to the technic bricks.

15. Using Modified LEGO® Plates with An Angle

When you use a 1×2 plate with an angle, you will notice that it doesn’t fit perfectly. It is quite loose and can easily fall off.

The reason for this is that the LEGO® company has not designed these plates to be used with angles. So if you use them, then it will cause permanent damage to the plate.

16. Using LEGO® Bricks as Plates

If you have a lot of 1×1 bricks, then you might be tempted to use them as plates. However, this is not a good idea and is actually illegal.

The reason for this is that plates are designed to be used as structural support. They are not meant to be used as bricks.

If you use them as bricks, then it can cause your LEGO® creation to collapse.

17. Using LEGO® Plates with Holes as Bricks

Another illegal way of using LEGO® bricks is to use plates with holes as bricks. The reason for this is that plates are not meant to be used as bricks.

They are designed to be used as structural support. If you use them as bricks, then it can cause your LEGO® creation to collapse.

More Info

How can I avoid using illegal LEGO building techniques?

To avoid using illegal LEGO building techniques, you should stick to following the official LEGO instructions. Make sure to use only pieces designed specifically for LEGO, and be aware of any modifications that could cause problems.

Additionally, it is important to keep an eye on the quality of connections between pieces when building, as this can have a significant impact on the stability of your creation.

Are there legal alternatives to illegal LEGO building techniques?

Yes, there are many legal alternatives to illegal LEGO building techniques. Depending on what type of effect you are looking for, these can include using different colors or sizes of bricks and pieces, using special connecting elements like pins or axles instead of brick-to-brick connections, or utilizing unique components such as turntables or motors.

What should I do if my LEGO creation collapses?

If your LEGO creation collapses, you should first look to see if any illegal building techniques were used that could have caused the collapse. If so, it is important to ensure these techniques are not used in future builds.

Additionally, you may need to make adjustments such as strengthening connections or using more appropriate pieces. Finally, if necessary, you can start from scratch and rebuild your LEGO creation using legal techniques.

What is the best way to ensure my LEGO creations are stable?

The best way to ensure your LEGO creations are stable is to use only legal building techniques and follow official instructions.

Additionally, you can take extra steps such as reinforcing connections with additional pieces or adding support structures for taller builds. Finally, it is important to be aware of any modifications that could impact stability and avoid these if possible.

Is it possible to use illegal LEGO building techniques without damaging my bricks?

While it is possible to use some illegal LEGO building techniques without causing permanent damage, these should be used with caution. It is important to assess the potential risks and make sure that any modifications you make are not going to compromise the stability of your creation.

Additionally, if using clear pieces or modified blocks, it is best to avoid using them as structural components in your build. Doing so can cause the structure to collapse due to weak connections.

What types of parts should I never use when building with LEGO?

You should never use modified parts such as glue or tape, regular household items such as rubber bands, or any parts not made specifically for LEGO. Additionally, you should never attempt to add further modifications to the pieces themselves, as this could cause damage and compromise the stability of your creation.

Finally, it is important to steer clear of pieces designed for other building systems, such as those meant for K’nex or Megablocks sets. These are not compatible with LEGO and could cause permanent damage if used in a build.

What types of tools can I use when building with LEGO?

You can use tools such as tweezers or pliers to help place small pieces and connect them securely, but be careful not to over-tighten connections.

Additionally, sandpaper or a file can be used to remove any sharp edges on pieces that may interfere with the stability of your build. However, you should never use tools such as drills or saws, as these can cause permanent damage to LEGO pieces and compromise the integrity of your creation.

Is there anything else I should consider when building with LEGO?

It is important to remember that LEGO bricks are designed for creative play, not engineer-level precision. As such, it is best to keep an eye on the overall look and feel of your creation rather than focusing too much on small details.

Finally, always double-check that all parts are connected securely before adding additional layers so that your builds remain strong and stable.

What Are the Consequences of Bending LEGO Bricks?

The consequences of bending LEGO bricks can be significant. If a child bends a LEGO brick and it becomes loose, the structure they have built could fall apart, which can be frustrating and discouraging. This can lead to a loss of interest in LEGO and other building toys, which can have long-term effects on their creativity and problem-solving skills.

In addition to the negative impact on children, bending LEGO bricks can also be costly. If a child bends a LEGO brick and it becomes unusable, parents will have to replace the brick or the entire set, which can be expensive. This can be a financial burden for many families, especially those who are already struggling to make ends meet.

When Can I Bend LEGO Bricks Legally?

While it is generally illegal to bend LEGO bricks, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, LEGO bricks can be cut or modified in certain ways to create custom shapes or sizes. However, these modifications should only be made by experienced builders who understand the risks and consequences of altering LEGO bricks.

Conclusion

So those were 17 illegal LEGO® building techniques that you should avoid. While some of them may seem cool, they can actually cause permanent damage to your LEGO® bricks.

So it is best to avoid them and stick to the legal methods of building LEGO® creations. You can sometimes use illegal methods but make sure to know how will it affect your blocks and bricks before using them.

If you want to read more go to the Hardest LEGO Sets which don’t include illegal building techniques but still interest your curiosity.

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