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What LEGO pieces have “real-world” functionality?



Planned maintenance scheduled April 17/18, 2019 at 00:00UTC (8:00pm US/Eastern)
Announcing the arrival of Valued Associate #679: Cesar Manara
Unicorn Meta Zoo #1: Why another podcast?How can I distinguish floating versus sinking LEGO pieces?What's a good base collection of tiles?How does LEGO handle the breakage of Hero Factory sockets?Which “Real World” Company was the first to have its' name featured in an actual (numbered) Lego set?Help identifying Lego Set from bags!Is there a 2x12 size Lego Brick?Do you use the plastic buckets for purposes other than organizing your bricks?What are these LEGO pieces?Classic 9V battery box current limiter?Why are these hinged plates slightly different colors?Is there a listing of the Types of LEGO blocks?










32















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.
enter image description here



Another example is the 70001pb01 Compass, which works the same way you'd expect any "real-world" compass to function. (Although it's not always 100% accurate.)



Are there any other LEGO pieces that have "real-world" functionality?




There appears to be a bit of ambiguity regarding what quantifies a "real-world" use. I suppose the line between a "real-world" use and not a "real-world" use is a bit hazy, so I am going to attempt to clear this up. Firstly, it should be noted that this question is primarily asking about individual pieces. (Theoretically, you could make most anything with enough LEGO pieces.)



I think it is best to look at the overall intended purpose of the piece.



What is a LEGO Magnifying Glass for? Well, after a toy, it is for magnification. What is the intended purpose of, as Aziraphale mentioned, LEGO Power Functions Motors? To motorize. On the other hand, what is a LEGO hinge intended for? To... serve as a door hinge? No. It's to be a small, LEGO compatible, hinge. "LEGO compatible" are the two keywords here. Could you use a LEGO hinge to serve in the "real-world?" I suppose you could, with a lot of modifications, after which it would no longer be just a LEGO hinge.



Here are a couple more examples:



  • What is a LEGO wheel's intended purpose? To be a wheel for a real car or even a toy car? Nope. It's to be a LEGO Compatible wheel for LEGO axles and LEGO toy cars.

  • What is a LEGO door piece for? To be a "real-world" door for people? No. It's to be a LEGO Compatible door.

  • What is the purpose of a LEGO compass? To point North. Thusly, it would function in the "real-world."

  • What is the LEGO whistle's intended purpose? (As Uli mentioned) To be a whistle.

Lastly, please keep in mind that the quantification of "real-world" usability is more of a spectrum and not a "yes/no" system.










share|improve this question



















  • 4





    I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

    – chicks
    Apr 14 at 3:42







  • 18





    Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

    – Criggie
    Apr 14 at 4:34






  • 4





    @Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

    – Uli
    Apr 14 at 8:50







  • 1





    @Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:05






  • 1





    @chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:08















32















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.
enter image description here



Another example is the 70001pb01 Compass, which works the same way you'd expect any "real-world" compass to function. (Although it's not always 100% accurate.)



Are there any other LEGO pieces that have "real-world" functionality?




There appears to be a bit of ambiguity regarding what quantifies a "real-world" use. I suppose the line between a "real-world" use and not a "real-world" use is a bit hazy, so I am going to attempt to clear this up. Firstly, it should be noted that this question is primarily asking about individual pieces. (Theoretically, you could make most anything with enough LEGO pieces.)



I think it is best to look at the overall intended purpose of the piece.



What is a LEGO Magnifying Glass for? Well, after a toy, it is for magnification. What is the intended purpose of, as Aziraphale mentioned, LEGO Power Functions Motors? To motorize. On the other hand, what is a LEGO hinge intended for? To... serve as a door hinge? No. It's to be a small, LEGO compatible, hinge. "LEGO compatible" are the two keywords here. Could you use a LEGO hinge to serve in the "real-world?" I suppose you could, with a lot of modifications, after which it would no longer be just a LEGO hinge.



Here are a couple more examples:



  • What is a LEGO wheel's intended purpose? To be a wheel for a real car or even a toy car? Nope. It's to be a LEGO Compatible wheel for LEGO axles and LEGO toy cars.

  • What is a LEGO door piece for? To be a "real-world" door for people? No. It's to be a LEGO Compatible door.

  • What is the purpose of a LEGO compass? To point North. Thusly, it would function in the "real-world."

  • What is the LEGO whistle's intended purpose? (As Uli mentioned) To be a whistle.

Lastly, please keep in mind that the quantification of "real-world" usability is more of a spectrum and not a "yes/no" system.










share|improve this question



















  • 4





    I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

    – chicks
    Apr 14 at 3:42







  • 18





    Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

    – Criggie
    Apr 14 at 4:34






  • 4





    @Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

    – Uli
    Apr 14 at 8:50







  • 1





    @Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:05






  • 1





    @chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:08













32












32








32


6






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.
enter image description here



Another example is the 70001pb01 Compass, which works the same way you'd expect any "real-world" compass to function. (Although it's not always 100% accurate.)



Are there any other LEGO pieces that have "real-world" functionality?




There appears to be a bit of ambiguity regarding what quantifies a "real-world" use. I suppose the line between a "real-world" use and not a "real-world" use is a bit hazy, so I am going to attempt to clear this up. Firstly, it should be noted that this question is primarily asking about individual pieces. (Theoretically, you could make most anything with enough LEGO pieces.)



I think it is best to look at the overall intended purpose of the piece.



What is a LEGO Magnifying Glass for? Well, after a toy, it is for magnification. What is the intended purpose of, as Aziraphale mentioned, LEGO Power Functions Motors? To motorize. On the other hand, what is a LEGO hinge intended for? To... serve as a door hinge? No. It's to be a small, LEGO compatible, hinge. "LEGO compatible" are the two keywords here. Could you use a LEGO hinge to serve in the "real-world?" I suppose you could, with a lot of modifications, after which it would no longer be just a LEGO hinge.



Here are a couple more examples:



  • What is a LEGO wheel's intended purpose? To be a wheel for a real car or even a toy car? Nope. It's to be a LEGO Compatible wheel for LEGO axles and LEGO toy cars.

  • What is a LEGO door piece for? To be a "real-world" door for people? No. It's to be a LEGO Compatible door.

  • What is the purpose of a LEGO compass? To point North. Thusly, it would function in the "real-world."

  • What is the LEGO whistle's intended purpose? (As Uli mentioned) To be a whistle.

Lastly, please keep in mind that the quantification of "real-world" usability is more of a spectrum and not a "yes/no" system.










share|improve this question
















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.
enter image description here



Another example is the 70001pb01 Compass, which works the same way you'd expect any "real-world" compass to function. (Although it's not always 100% accurate.)



Are there any other LEGO pieces that have "real-world" functionality?




There appears to be a bit of ambiguity regarding what quantifies a "real-world" use. I suppose the line between a "real-world" use and not a "real-world" use is a bit hazy, so I am going to attempt to clear this up. Firstly, it should be noted that this question is primarily asking about individual pieces. (Theoretically, you could make most anything with enough LEGO pieces.)



I think it is best to look at the overall intended purpose of the piece.



What is a LEGO Magnifying Glass for? Well, after a toy, it is for magnification. What is the intended purpose of, as Aziraphale mentioned, LEGO Power Functions Motors? To motorize. On the other hand, what is a LEGO hinge intended for? To... serve as a door hinge? No. It's to be a small, LEGO compatible, hinge. "LEGO compatible" are the two keywords here. Could you use a LEGO hinge to serve in the "real-world?" I suppose you could, with a lot of modifications, after which it would no longer be just a LEGO hinge.



Here are a couple more examples:



  • What is a LEGO wheel's intended purpose? To be a wheel for a real car or even a toy car? Nope. It's to be a LEGO Compatible wheel for LEGO axles and LEGO toy cars.

  • What is a LEGO door piece for? To be a "real-world" door for people? No. It's to be a LEGO Compatible door.

  • What is the purpose of a LEGO compass? To point North. Thusly, it would function in the "real-world."

  • What is the LEGO whistle's intended purpose? (As Uli mentioned) To be a whistle.

Lastly, please keep in mind that the quantification of "real-world" usability is more of a spectrum and not a "yes/no" system.







piece-information






share|improve this question















share|improve this question













share|improve this question




share|improve this question








edited yesterday







Magnus

















asked Apr 13 at 16:18









MagnusMagnus

7641421




7641421







  • 4





    I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

    – chicks
    Apr 14 at 3:42







  • 18





    Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

    – Criggie
    Apr 14 at 4:34






  • 4





    @Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

    – Uli
    Apr 14 at 8:50







  • 1





    @Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:05






  • 1





    @chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:08












  • 4





    I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

    – chicks
    Apr 14 at 3:42







  • 18





    Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

    – Criggie
    Apr 14 at 4:34






  • 4





    @Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

    – Uli
    Apr 14 at 8:50







  • 1





    @Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:05






  • 1





    @chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

    – Magnus
    Apr 14 at 16:08







4




4





I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

– chicks
Apr 14 at 3:42






I realize this question is specific to parts/pieces, but it seems worth noting that there are lots of sets that are useful. I've been totally happy with my 40173 picture frame.

– chicks
Apr 14 at 3:42





18




18





Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

– Criggie
Apr 14 at 4:34





Isn't every item lego makes an effective caltrop when left on the floor? More-so on hard floors rather than carpet, and damage multiplier for bare-feet.

– Criggie
Apr 14 at 4:34




4




4





@Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

– Uli
Apr 14 at 8:50






@Criggie And now imagine an entire floor made of lego...! Bedtime in a Legohouse

– Uli
Apr 14 at 8:50





1




1





@Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

– Magnus
Apr 14 at 16:05





@Criggie That's probably the "real world" use that I am most familiar with! xD

– Magnus
Apr 14 at 16:05




1




1





@chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

– Magnus
Apr 14 at 16:08





@chicks That's a great point. If we're talking about sets, then I suppose the LEGO Board Games would be another thing that works in the "real-world!"

– Magnus
Apr 14 at 16:08










12 Answers
12






active

oldest

votes


















37














All Aboard!



I'd like to add my all-time favorite LEGO piece:



  • x870cc02, THE BLACK WHISTLE!

enter image description here



The white brick is a microphone. Attach it to your train's motor and BLOW THAT WHISTLE! Depending on how short (or LONG!) your whistling was, the train would go forwards or backwards.



  • Real-world use: Not only did it drive your train round the bend, but your parents too...!





share|improve this answer


















  • 1





    You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

    – djsmiley2k
    yesterday


















17














The holes in Lego Technic work very well as holes.



By which I mean, I have built very successful motor-driven cross slides for small machine tools using Technic pieces.



When paired with nominally 4.8mm metric ground rod (which tends to have a negative tolerance) the 4.8mm holes are a nice sliding fit. Imperial 3/16" rod at about 4.76mm also works, but is a bit sloppier.



Although the hole is a little undersized for tapping M6 (5.0 required), the soft plastic easily allows a taper tap to be run through. The 1mm pitch of the thread, together with the hard metric 8mm width of the brick means that the start and finish phase of the threads is identical. If an already tapped brick is pegged as a guide to a new brick, then (a) the guide will help ensure that thread goes in straight and (b) has the same phase in both bricks. I mark a guide brick, so there's no cummulative error in creating new tapped bricks.



A piece of 6mm studding can then be used as a lead screw. It can be fitted concentrically to Technic shafts by locknutting it to a tapped brick, then pegging the brick to a 40t gear.






share|improve this answer










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Neil_UK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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  • "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

    – V2Blast
    yesterday






  • 1





    @V2Blast thanks

    – Neil_UK
    yesterday


















16














One obvious answer is all components of the power functions family. all components of the power functions family



Lights can be used as lights, motors can be used as motors.






share|improve this answer
































    14














    I once published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal using data gathered using a remote translation stage constructed from Lego Technic.



    I could only get ~ +-1mm accuracy out of it, where the proper stages were more like +- 0.1mm, but it was good enough for a proof of concept and the proper stages were on back order.



    Of course many people would say that an X-Ray Physics lab is not the real world, but that's another matter!






    share|improve this answer








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    • 3





      citation needed ;-)

      – uhoh
      yesterday






    • 2





      lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

      – Joseph Rogers
      yesterday






    • 1





      non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

      – uhoh
      yesterday







    • 1





      nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

      – Joseph Rogers
      yesterday



















    11














    Minifig accessory "shovel" can be used for dispensing minute amounts of a powder. Urban legend attributes such usage to drug dealers.



    The fact that amazon lists digital pocket scale (0,1 g resolution, 100g max) and an airtight container as "frequently bought together" hints it's more than just a legend and LEGO shovels are indeed used in this way.



    printscreen






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    • 2





      This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

      – Aziraphale
      yesterday






    • 2





      Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

      – Aziraphale
      yesterday












    • @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

      – Agent_L
      yesterday












    • If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

      – Henrik
      18 hours ago


















    8














    Those shoehorn pieces worked. Technically, all of them serve their intended purpose as bricks. The ropes function. The ball shooting contraption present in the Lego Ninjago dragons (and other sets, I bet) functioned, as well as the spring-loaded cannon pieces. The axles technically worked (but not very well in actual cars).






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    • 3





      I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

      – Mazura
      Apr 14 at 16:53






    • 1





      What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

      – zovits
      2 days ago











    • The brick puller?

      – Jarmerson
      2 days ago


















    8














    The web pieces made of flexible string are perfectly serviceable real-life webs, even if they are too small for most applications.



    Of course the LEGO brand magnets are working real-life magnets as well.



    Some sets have included large air bellows that could be compressed manually (i.e. hit) to supply a burst of air to launch a projectile or a racecar.



    The light-up bricks are naturally serviceable as tiny flashlights.



    The rechargeable batteries are usable outside of the LEGO world as batteries.



    The large sawblade used in some constructible action figure lines (for example Bionicle) and System lines (for example Power Miners) with the right setup could be used as a table saw to cut through paper or other materials of comparable strength.



    The parachutes of the 2019 City Police sets are advertiesed as working parachutes, so I'd expect them to be ... working parachutes, at least for loads comparable to minifigures.



    Almost all LEGO propeller pieces are functional propellers (having pitch and accepting an axle), with admittedly terrible performance compared to purpose-engineered examples.



    The old-style 9V and newer PF electric extension wires could be used as real wires.



    The electrical switches (or polarity changers) are working too.



    In the same vein, the pneumatic components (pump, tube, valve, cylinder, tank, manometer) are working as well.



    The Technic shock absorbers (springs) would apply too, some are even adjustable.



    Naturally, all Technic gears are working gears, even if they have suboptimal shapes and materials compared to real-world examples.



    The LEGO City mugs can actually hold tiny amounts of liquids.



    The boat hull pieces that are advertised as being able to float, do of course float.



    The treasure chest, large barrel and letterbox pieces are tiny, but functional storage items.



    Some City sets include working car jacks.



    LEGO has produced mirror pieces with stickers that really reflect light and of course all transparent window panels let light through. On the same topic, many door elements have working hinges and the tiny fences could be used to separate tiny gardens and to keep tiny animals from crossing over. (Caveat: almost all animals that are small enough that can't just step over it can probably climb over or fit through the holes)



    Possibly the most boring example of all: the weighted brick does indeed weight quite a lot due to a metal insert and is thus usable as counterweight.






    share|improve this answer

























    • Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

      – Darrel Hoffman
      yesterday






    • 1





      @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

      – zovits
      yesterday


















    7














    Gears function quite well for creating mechanical devices such as functioning clocks:



    enter image description here
    Design by KEvronista



    Naturally you can use an electric motor for more accurate timekeeping.






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      4














      Disclaimer: this is cheating a bit.




      All of them!



      enter image description here



      I mean - even the most simple lego brick serves as a brick, so a creative mind can devise a real-world use for almost any brick if you have enough time, money and bricks at hand.






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        3














        I suppose several of the tools in Minifigure utensil wheel theoretically could be used in certain circumstances. I.e. you could hit things with the hammer, it would probably break before you got anything useful done with it, but it can still be said to have it's functionality.






        share|improve this answer






























          3














          LEGO rubber bands, O-rings, and belts can be used to grip things, for sealing pneumatic moving parts, and for transmitting power.



          LEGO sails actually catch wind on floating vessels, and the covered wagon covers and tents keep water off whatever's underneath them.






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            1














            Ultimately, all functional LEGO elements can be used in the "real world" for their function.



            • Hinges can be used as hinges

            • Wheels work well as wheels

            • Containers (e.g. drawers) can contain things

            • Magnets work as magnets

            • Decorative elements can be used for decoration

            ... and so on.






            share|improve this answer

























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              12 Answers
              12






              active

              oldest

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              12 Answers
              12






              active

              oldest

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              active

              oldest

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              37














              All Aboard!



              I'd like to add my all-time favorite LEGO piece:



              • x870cc02, THE BLACK WHISTLE!

              enter image description here



              The white brick is a microphone. Attach it to your train's motor and BLOW THAT WHISTLE! Depending on how short (or LONG!) your whistling was, the train would go forwards or backwards.



              • Real-world use: Not only did it drive your train round the bend, but your parents too...!





              share|improve this answer


















              • 1





                You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

                – djsmiley2k
                yesterday















              37














              All Aboard!



              I'd like to add my all-time favorite LEGO piece:



              • x870cc02, THE BLACK WHISTLE!

              enter image description here



              The white brick is a microphone. Attach it to your train's motor and BLOW THAT WHISTLE! Depending on how short (or LONG!) your whistling was, the train would go forwards or backwards.



              • Real-world use: Not only did it drive your train round the bend, but your parents too...!





              share|improve this answer


















              • 1





                You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

                – djsmiley2k
                yesterday













              37












              37








              37







              All Aboard!



              I'd like to add my all-time favorite LEGO piece:



              • x870cc02, THE BLACK WHISTLE!

              enter image description here



              The white brick is a microphone. Attach it to your train's motor and BLOW THAT WHISTLE! Depending on how short (or LONG!) your whistling was, the train would go forwards or backwards.



              • Real-world use: Not only did it drive your train round the bend, but your parents too...!





              share|improve this answer













              All Aboard!



              I'd like to add my all-time favorite LEGO piece:



              • x870cc02, THE BLACK WHISTLE!

              enter image description here



              The white brick is a microphone. Attach it to your train's motor and BLOW THAT WHISTLE! Depending on how short (or LONG!) your whistling was, the train would go forwards or backwards.



              • Real-world use: Not only did it drive your train round the bend, but your parents too...!






              share|improve this answer












              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer










              answered Apr 14 at 0:13









              UliUli

              74147




              74147







              • 1





                You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

                – djsmiley2k
                yesterday












              • 1





                You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

                – djsmiley2k
                yesterday







              1




              1





              You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

              – djsmiley2k
              yesterday





              You got two awesome items in one post!. The microphone is awesome too!

              – djsmiley2k
              yesterday











              17














              The holes in Lego Technic work very well as holes.



              By which I mean, I have built very successful motor-driven cross slides for small machine tools using Technic pieces.



              When paired with nominally 4.8mm metric ground rod (which tends to have a negative tolerance) the 4.8mm holes are a nice sliding fit. Imperial 3/16" rod at about 4.76mm also works, but is a bit sloppier.



              Although the hole is a little undersized for tapping M6 (5.0 required), the soft plastic easily allows a taper tap to be run through. The 1mm pitch of the thread, together with the hard metric 8mm width of the brick means that the start and finish phase of the threads is identical. If an already tapped brick is pegged as a guide to a new brick, then (a) the guide will help ensure that thread goes in straight and (b) has the same phase in both bricks. I mark a guide brick, so there's no cummulative error in creating new tapped bricks.



              A piece of 6mm studding can then be used as a lead screw. It can be fitted concentrically to Technic shafts by locknutting it to a tapped brick, then pegging the brick to a 40t gear.






              share|improve this answer










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              • "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

                – V2Blast
                yesterday






              • 1





                @V2Blast thanks

                – Neil_UK
                yesterday















              17














              The holes in Lego Technic work very well as holes.



              By which I mean, I have built very successful motor-driven cross slides for small machine tools using Technic pieces.



              When paired with nominally 4.8mm metric ground rod (which tends to have a negative tolerance) the 4.8mm holes are a nice sliding fit. Imperial 3/16" rod at about 4.76mm also works, but is a bit sloppier.



              Although the hole is a little undersized for tapping M6 (5.0 required), the soft plastic easily allows a taper tap to be run through. The 1mm pitch of the thread, together with the hard metric 8mm width of the brick means that the start and finish phase of the threads is identical. If an already tapped brick is pegged as a guide to a new brick, then (a) the guide will help ensure that thread goes in straight and (b) has the same phase in both bricks. I mark a guide brick, so there's no cummulative error in creating new tapped bricks.



              A piece of 6mm studding can then be used as a lead screw. It can be fitted concentrically to Technic shafts by locknutting it to a tapped brick, then pegging the brick to a 40t gear.






              share|improve this answer










              New contributor




              Neil_UK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.




















              • "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

                – V2Blast
                yesterday






              • 1





                @V2Blast thanks

                – Neil_UK
                yesterday













              17












              17








              17







              The holes in Lego Technic work very well as holes.



              By which I mean, I have built very successful motor-driven cross slides for small machine tools using Technic pieces.



              When paired with nominally 4.8mm metric ground rod (which tends to have a negative tolerance) the 4.8mm holes are a nice sliding fit. Imperial 3/16" rod at about 4.76mm also works, but is a bit sloppier.



              Although the hole is a little undersized for tapping M6 (5.0 required), the soft plastic easily allows a taper tap to be run through. The 1mm pitch of the thread, together with the hard metric 8mm width of the brick means that the start and finish phase of the threads is identical. If an already tapped brick is pegged as a guide to a new brick, then (a) the guide will help ensure that thread goes in straight and (b) has the same phase in both bricks. I mark a guide brick, so there's no cummulative error in creating new tapped bricks.



              A piece of 6mm studding can then be used as a lead screw. It can be fitted concentrically to Technic shafts by locknutting it to a tapped brick, then pegging the brick to a 40t gear.






              share|improve this answer










              New contributor




              Neil_UK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.










              The holes in Lego Technic work very well as holes.



              By which I mean, I have built very successful motor-driven cross slides for small machine tools using Technic pieces.



              When paired with nominally 4.8mm metric ground rod (which tends to have a negative tolerance) the 4.8mm holes are a nice sliding fit. Imperial 3/16" rod at about 4.76mm also works, but is a bit sloppier.



              Although the hole is a little undersized for tapping M6 (5.0 required), the soft plastic easily allows a taper tap to be run through. The 1mm pitch of the thread, together with the hard metric 8mm width of the brick means that the start and finish phase of the threads is identical. If an already tapped brick is pegged as a guide to a new brick, then (a) the guide will help ensure that thread goes in straight and (b) has the same phase in both bricks. I mark a guide brick, so there's no cummulative error in creating new tapped bricks.



              A piece of 6mm studding can then be used as a lead screw. It can be fitted concentrically to Technic shafts by locknutting it to a tapped brick, then pegging the brick to a 40t gear.







              share|improve this answer










              New contributor




              Neil_UK is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
              Check out our Code of Conduct.









              share|improve this answer



              share|improve this answer








              edited yesterday





















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              answered Apr 14 at 6:08









              Neil_UKNeil_UK

              2714




              2714




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              New contributor





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              • "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

                – V2Blast
                yesterday






              • 1





                @V2Blast thanks

                – Neil_UK
                yesterday

















              • "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

                – V2Blast
                yesterday






              • 1





                @V2Blast thanks

                – Neil_UK
                yesterday
















              "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

              – V2Blast
              yesterday





              "Technic", not "Technik". (I don't know if there's anything else to fix in your answer, or I'd edit the fix in myself.)

              – V2Blast
              yesterday




              1




              1





              @V2Blast thanks

              – Neil_UK
              yesterday





              @V2Blast thanks

              – Neil_UK
              yesterday











              16














              One obvious answer is all components of the power functions family. all components of the power functions family



              Lights can be used as lights, motors can be used as motors.






              share|improve this answer





























                16














                One obvious answer is all components of the power functions family. all components of the power functions family



                Lights can be used as lights, motors can be used as motors.






                share|improve this answer



























                  16












                  16








                  16







                  One obvious answer is all components of the power functions family. all components of the power functions family



                  Lights can be used as lights, motors can be used as motors.






                  share|improve this answer















                  One obvious answer is all components of the power functions family. all components of the power functions family



                  Lights can be used as lights, motors can be used as motors.







                  share|improve this answer














                  share|improve this answer



                  share|improve this answer








                  edited Apr 13 at 20:34

























                  answered Apr 13 at 17:44









                  AziraphaleAziraphale

                  1,532728




                  1,532728





















                      14














                      I once published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal using data gathered using a remote translation stage constructed from Lego Technic.



                      I could only get ~ +-1mm accuracy out of it, where the proper stages were more like +- 0.1mm, but it was good enough for a proof of concept and the proper stages were on back order.



                      Of course many people would say that an X-Ray Physics lab is not the real world, but that's another matter!






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 3





                        citation needed ;-)

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday







                      • 1





                        nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday
















                      14














                      I once published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal using data gathered using a remote translation stage constructed from Lego Technic.



                      I could only get ~ +-1mm accuracy out of it, where the proper stages were more like +- 0.1mm, but it was good enough for a proof of concept and the proper stages were on back order.



                      Of course many people would say that an X-Ray Physics lab is not the real world, but that's another matter!






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 3





                        citation needed ;-)

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday







                      • 1





                        nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday














                      14












                      14








                      14







                      I once published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal using data gathered using a remote translation stage constructed from Lego Technic.



                      I could only get ~ +-1mm accuracy out of it, where the proper stages were more like +- 0.1mm, but it was good enough for a proof of concept and the proper stages were on back order.



                      Of course many people would say that an X-Ray Physics lab is not the real world, but that's another matter!






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.










                      I once published a paper in a peer reviewed scientific journal using data gathered using a remote translation stage constructed from Lego Technic.



                      I could only get ~ +-1mm accuracy out of it, where the proper stages were more like +- 0.1mm, but it was good enough for a proof of concept and the proper stages were on back order.



                      Of course many people would say that an X-Ray Physics lab is not the real world, but that's another matter!







                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer






                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      answered Apr 14 at 20:38









                      Joseph RogersJoseph Rogers

                      2413




                      2413




                      New contributor




                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.





                      New contributor





                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.






                      Joseph Rogers is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.







                      • 3





                        citation needed ;-)

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday







                      • 1





                        nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday













                      • 3





                        citation needed ;-)

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                        – uhoh
                        yesterday







                      • 1





                        nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                        – Joseph Rogers
                        yesterday








                      3




                      3





                      citation needed ;-)

                      – uhoh
                      yesterday





                      citation needed ;-)

                      – uhoh
                      yesterday




                      2




                      2





                      lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                      – Joseph Rogers
                      yesterday





                      lol, this is the paper scripts.iucr.org/cgi-bin/paper?aj5138, but oddly enough I didn't mention what the translation stage was made from in the text!

                      – Joseph Rogers
                      yesterday




                      1




                      1





                      non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                      – uhoh
                      yesterday






                      non-paywalled paper, where I can almost see the stage moving along the axis in Figure 1. ore.exeter.ac.uk/repository/bitstream/handle/10871/22169/… Speaking of X-rays and tracks, you may also like Where (if anywhere) were X-ray machines put on trains or trolleys to image “Everybody over 14 years old”?

                      – uhoh
                      yesterday





                      1




                      1





                      nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                      – Joseph Rogers
                      yesterday






                      nice find, that's actually a different paper from the same research group but it's the same geometry being exploited, that one's from after I left the group so they'll have been using proper equipment by then (so was I after the very first PoC experiments)

                      – Joseph Rogers
                      yesterday












                      11














                      Minifig accessory "shovel" can be used for dispensing minute amounts of a powder. Urban legend attributes such usage to drug dealers.



                      The fact that amazon lists digital pocket scale (0,1 g resolution, 100g max) and an airtight container as "frequently bought together" hints it's more than just a legend and LEGO shovels are indeed used in this way.



                      printscreen






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Agent_L is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 2





                        This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday












                      • @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                        – Agent_L
                        yesterday












                      • If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                        – Henrik
                        18 hours ago















                      11














                      Minifig accessory "shovel" can be used for dispensing minute amounts of a powder. Urban legend attributes such usage to drug dealers.



                      The fact that amazon lists digital pocket scale (0,1 g resolution, 100g max) and an airtight container as "frequently bought together" hints it's more than just a legend and LEGO shovels are indeed used in this way.



                      printscreen






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Agent_L is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 2





                        This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday












                      • @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                        – Agent_L
                        yesterday












                      • If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                        – Henrik
                        18 hours ago













                      11












                      11








                      11







                      Minifig accessory "shovel" can be used for dispensing minute amounts of a powder. Urban legend attributes such usage to drug dealers.



                      The fact that amazon lists digital pocket scale (0,1 g resolution, 100g max) and an airtight container as "frequently bought together" hints it's more than just a legend and LEGO shovels are indeed used in this way.



                      printscreen






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Agent_L is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.










                      Minifig accessory "shovel" can be used for dispensing minute amounts of a powder. Urban legend attributes such usage to drug dealers.



                      The fact that amazon lists digital pocket scale (0,1 g resolution, 100g max) and an airtight container as "frequently bought together" hints it's more than just a legend and LEGO shovels are indeed used in this way.



                      printscreen







                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Agent_L is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer






                      New contributor




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                      answered yesterday









                      Agent_LAgent_L

                      21114




                      21114




                      New contributor




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                      New contributor





                      Agent_L is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                      Check out our Code of Conduct.







                      • 2





                        This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday












                      • @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                        – Agent_L
                        yesterday












                      • If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                        – Henrik
                        18 hours ago












                      • 2





                        This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday






                      • 2





                        Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                        – Aziraphale
                        yesterday












                      • @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                        – Agent_L
                        yesterday












                      • If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                        – Henrik
                        18 hours ago







                      2




                      2





                      This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                      – Aziraphale
                      yesterday





                      This is the best answer. Welcome to Bricks.SE.

                      – Aziraphale
                      yesterday




                      2




                      2





                      Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                      – Aziraphale
                      yesterday






                      Look at the insane price for the shovel! Bricklink lists it as Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Round Stem End), not to be confused with the much more expensive Minifigure, Utensil Shovel (Flat Stem End).

                      – Aziraphale
                      yesterday














                      @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                      – Agent_L
                      yesterday






                      @Aziraphale When you're weighting a powder that's worth $100 per gram, $4.69 is reasonable investment : )

                      – Agent_L
                      yesterday














                      If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                      – Henrik
                      18 hours ago





                      If anyone are interested, I can probably find some of those shovels to sell for $4.00 (that's a discount on several times the average price on bricklink for those).

                      – Henrik
                      18 hours ago











                      8














                      Those shoehorn pieces worked. Technically, all of them serve their intended purpose as bricks. The ropes function. The ball shooting contraption present in the Lego Ninjago dragons (and other sets, I bet) functioned, as well as the spring-loaded cannon pieces. The axles technically worked (but not very well in actual cars).






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Bricky McBrickface is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 3





                        I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                        – Mazura
                        Apr 14 at 16:53






                      • 1





                        What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                        – zovits
                        2 days ago











                      • The brick puller?

                        – Jarmerson
                        2 days ago















                      8














                      Those shoehorn pieces worked. Technically, all of them serve their intended purpose as bricks. The ropes function. The ball shooting contraption present in the Lego Ninjago dragons (and other sets, I bet) functioned, as well as the spring-loaded cannon pieces. The axles technically worked (but not very well in actual cars).






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Bricky McBrickface is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.















                      • 3





                        I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                        – Mazura
                        Apr 14 at 16:53






                      • 1





                        What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                        – zovits
                        2 days ago











                      • The brick puller?

                        – Jarmerson
                        2 days ago













                      8












                      8








                      8







                      Those shoehorn pieces worked. Technically, all of them serve their intended purpose as bricks. The ropes function. The ball shooting contraption present in the Lego Ninjago dragons (and other sets, I bet) functioned, as well as the spring-loaded cannon pieces. The axles technically worked (but not very well in actual cars).






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      Bricky McBrickface is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.










                      Those shoehorn pieces worked. Technically, all of them serve their intended purpose as bricks. The ropes function. The ball shooting contraption present in the Lego Ninjago dragons (and other sets, I bet) functioned, as well as the spring-loaded cannon pieces. The axles technically worked (but not very well in actual cars).







                      share|improve this answer








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                      Check out our Code of Conduct.









                      share|improve this answer



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                      answered Apr 14 at 5:17









                      Bricky McBrickfaceBricky McBrickface

                      811




                      811




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                      • 3





                        I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                        – Mazura
                        Apr 14 at 16:53






                      • 1





                        What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                        – zovits
                        2 days ago











                      • The brick puller?

                        – Jarmerson
                        2 days ago












                      • 3





                        I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                        – Mazura
                        Apr 14 at 16:53






                      • 1





                        What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                        – zovits
                        2 days ago











                      • The brick puller?

                        – Jarmerson
                        2 days ago







                      3




                      3





                      I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                      – Mazura
                      Apr 14 at 16:53





                      I've seen them serve their 'intended' purpose in the real world. My favorite piece though: the winch.

                      – Mazura
                      Apr 14 at 16:53




                      1




                      1





                      What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                      – zovits
                      2 days ago





                      What do you mean by "Those shoehorn pieces"?

                      – zovits
                      2 days ago













                      The brick puller?

                      – Jarmerson
                      2 days ago





                      The brick puller?

                      – Jarmerson
                      2 days ago











                      8














                      The web pieces made of flexible string are perfectly serviceable real-life webs, even if they are too small for most applications.



                      Of course the LEGO brand magnets are working real-life magnets as well.



                      Some sets have included large air bellows that could be compressed manually (i.e. hit) to supply a burst of air to launch a projectile or a racecar.



                      The light-up bricks are naturally serviceable as tiny flashlights.



                      The rechargeable batteries are usable outside of the LEGO world as batteries.



                      The large sawblade used in some constructible action figure lines (for example Bionicle) and System lines (for example Power Miners) with the right setup could be used as a table saw to cut through paper or other materials of comparable strength.



                      The parachutes of the 2019 City Police sets are advertiesed as working parachutes, so I'd expect them to be ... working parachutes, at least for loads comparable to minifigures.



                      Almost all LEGO propeller pieces are functional propellers (having pitch and accepting an axle), with admittedly terrible performance compared to purpose-engineered examples.



                      The old-style 9V and newer PF electric extension wires could be used as real wires.



                      The electrical switches (or polarity changers) are working too.



                      In the same vein, the pneumatic components (pump, tube, valve, cylinder, tank, manometer) are working as well.



                      The Technic shock absorbers (springs) would apply too, some are even adjustable.



                      Naturally, all Technic gears are working gears, even if they have suboptimal shapes and materials compared to real-world examples.



                      The LEGO City mugs can actually hold tiny amounts of liquids.



                      The boat hull pieces that are advertised as being able to float, do of course float.



                      The treasure chest, large barrel and letterbox pieces are tiny, but functional storage items.



                      Some City sets include working car jacks.



                      LEGO has produced mirror pieces with stickers that really reflect light and of course all transparent window panels let light through. On the same topic, many door elements have working hinges and the tiny fences could be used to separate tiny gardens and to keep tiny animals from crossing over. (Caveat: almost all animals that are small enough that can't just step over it can probably climb over or fit through the holes)



                      Possibly the most boring example of all: the weighted brick does indeed weight quite a lot due to a metal insert and is thus usable as counterweight.






                      share|improve this answer

























                      • Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                        – Darrel Hoffman
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                        – zovits
                        yesterday















                      8














                      The web pieces made of flexible string are perfectly serviceable real-life webs, even if they are too small for most applications.



                      Of course the LEGO brand magnets are working real-life magnets as well.



                      Some sets have included large air bellows that could be compressed manually (i.e. hit) to supply a burst of air to launch a projectile or a racecar.



                      The light-up bricks are naturally serviceable as tiny flashlights.



                      The rechargeable batteries are usable outside of the LEGO world as batteries.



                      The large sawblade used in some constructible action figure lines (for example Bionicle) and System lines (for example Power Miners) with the right setup could be used as a table saw to cut through paper or other materials of comparable strength.



                      The parachutes of the 2019 City Police sets are advertiesed as working parachutes, so I'd expect them to be ... working parachutes, at least for loads comparable to minifigures.



                      Almost all LEGO propeller pieces are functional propellers (having pitch and accepting an axle), with admittedly terrible performance compared to purpose-engineered examples.



                      The old-style 9V and newer PF electric extension wires could be used as real wires.



                      The electrical switches (or polarity changers) are working too.



                      In the same vein, the pneumatic components (pump, tube, valve, cylinder, tank, manometer) are working as well.



                      The Technic shock absorbers (springs) would apply too, some are even adjustable.



                      Naturally, all Technic gears are working gears, even if they have suboptimal shapes and materials compared to real-world examples.



                      The LEGO City mugs can actually hold tiny amounts of liquids.



                      The boat hull pieces that are advertised as being able to float, do of course float.



                      The treasure chest, large barrel and letterbox pieces are tiny, but functional storage items.



                      Some City sets include working car jacks.



                      LEGO has produced mirror pieces with stickers that really reflect light and of course all transparent window panels let light through. On the same topic, many door elements have working hinges and the tiny fences could be used to separate tiny gardens and to keep tiny animals from crossing over. (Caveat: almost all animals that are small enough that can't just step over it can probably climb over or fit through the holes)



                      Possibly the most boring example of all: the weighted brick does indeed weight quite a lot due to a metal insert and is thus usable as counterweight.






                      share|improve this answer

























                      • Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                        – Darrel Hoffman
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                        – zovits
                        yesterday













                      8












                      8








                      8







                      The web pieces made of flexible string are perfectly serviceable real-life webs, even if they are too small for most applications.



                      Of course the LEGO brand magnets are working real-life magnets as well.



                      Some sets have included large air bellows that could be compressed manually (i.e. hit) to supply a burst of air to launch a projectile or a racecar.



                      The light-up bricks are naturally serviceable as tiny flashlights.



                      The rechargeable batteries are usable outside of the LEGO world as batteries.



                      The large sawblade used in some constructible action figure lines (for example Bionicle) and System lines (for example Power Miners) with the right setup could be used as a table saw to cut through paper or other materials of comparable strength.



                      The parachutes of the 2019 City Police sets are advertiesed as working parachutes, so I'd expect them to be ... working parachutes, at least for loads comparable to minifigures.



                      Almost all LEGO propeller pieces are functional propellers (having pitch and accepting an axle), with admittedly terrible performance compared to purpose-engineered examples.



                      The old-style 9V and newer PF electric extension wires could be used as real wires.



                      The electrical switches (or polarity changers) are working too.



                      In the same vein, the pneumatic components (pump, tube, valve, cylinder, tank, manometer) are working as well.



                      The Technic shock absorbers (springs) would apply too, some are even adjustable.



                      Naturally, all Technic gears are working gears, even if they have suboptimal shapes and materials compared to real-world examples.



                      The LEGO City mugs can actually hold tiny amounts of liquids.



                      The boat hull pieces that are advertised as being able to float, do of course float.



                      The treasure chest, large barrel and letterbox pieces are tiny, but functional storage items.



                      Some City sets include working car jacks.



                      LEGO has produced mirror pieces with stickers that really reflect light and of course all transparent window panels let light through. On the same topic, many door elements have working hinges and the tiny fences could be used to separate tiny gardens and to keep tiny animals from crossing over. (Caveat: almost all animals that are small enough that can't just step over it can probably climb over or fit through the holes)



                      Possibly the most boring example of all: the weighted brick does indeed weight quite a lot due to a metal insert and is thus usable as counterweight.






                      share|improve this answer















                      The web pieces made of flexible string are perfectly serviceable real-life webs, even if they are too small for most applications.



                      Of course the LEGO brand magnets are working real-life magnets as well.



                      Some sets have included large air bellows that could be compressed manually (i.e. hit) to supply a burst of air to launch a projectile or a racecar.



                      The light-up bricks are naturally serviceable as tiny flashlights.



                      The rechargeable batteries are usable outside of the LEGO world as batteries.



                      The large sawblade used in some constructible action figure lines (for example Bionicle) and System lines (for example Power Miners) with the right setup could be used as a table saw to cut through paper or other materials of comparable strength.



                      The parachutes of the 2019 City Police sets are advertiesed as working parachutes, so I'd expect them to be ... working parachutes, at least for loads comparable to minifigures.



                      Almost all LEGO propeller pieces are functional propellers (having pitch and accepting an axle), with admittedly terrible performance compared to purpose-engineered examples.



                      The old-style 9V and newer PF electric extension wires could be used as real wires.



                      The electrical switches (or polarity changers) are working too.



                      In the same vein, the pneumatic components (pump, tube, valve, cylinder, tank, manometer) are working as well.



                      The Technic shock absorbers (springs) would apply too, some are even adjustable.



                      Naturally, all Technic gears are working gears, even if they have suboptimal shapes and materials compared to real-world examples.



                      The LEGO City mugs can actually hold tiny amounts of liquids.



                      The boat hull pieces that are advertised as being able to float, do of course float.



                      The treasure chest, large barrel and letterbox pieces are tiny, but functional storage items.



                      Some City sets include working car jacks.



                      LEGO has produced mirror pieces with stickers that really reflect light and of course all transparent window panels let light through. On the same topic, many door elements have working hinges and the tiny fences could be used to separate tiny gardens and to keep tiny animals from crossing over. (Caveat: almost all animals that are small enough that can't just step over it can probably climb over or fit through the holes)



                      Possibly the most boring example of all: the weighted brick does indeed weight quite a lot due to a metal insert and is thus usable as counterweight.







                      share|improve this answer














                      share|improve this answer



                      share|improve this answer








                      edited yesterday

























                      answered 2 days ago









                      zovitszovits

                      4,170925




                      4,170925












                      • Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                        – Darrel Hoffman
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                        – zovits
                        yesterday

















                      • Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                        – Darrel Hoffman
                        yesterday






                      • 1





                        @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                        – zovits
                        yesterday
















                      Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday





                      Not sure the boat hull pieces really count - I mean, LEGOs are made of plastic, and thus all float (possible exception of the weighted brick). Being boat hull-shaped does not necessarily make any difference in that respect...

                      – Darrel Hoffman
                      yesterday




                      1




                      1





                      @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                      – zovits
                      yesterday





                      @DarrelHoffman Certainly not all bricks float and lots of them do so only as long as the air bubbles trapped on the underside are not dissolved in the water. See for example: bricks.stackexchange.com/a/9013/3631

                      – zovits
                      yesterday











                      7














                      Gears function quite well for creating mechanical devices such as functioning clocks:



                      enter image description here
                      Design by KEvronista



                      Naturally you can use an electric motor for more accurate timekeeping.






                      share|improve this answer








                      New contributor




                      qwr is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                      Check out our Code of Conduct.
























                        7














                        Gears function quite well for creating mechanical devices such as functioning clocks:



                        enter image description here
                        Design by KEvronista



                        Naturally you can use an electric motor for more accurate timekeeping.






                        share|improve this answer








                        New contributor




                        qwr is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                        Check out our Code of Conduct.






















                          7












                          7








                          7







                          Gears function quite well for creating mechanical devices such as functioning clocks:



                          enter image description here
                          Design by KEvronista



                          Naturally you can use an electric motor for more accurate timekeeping.






                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          qwr is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.










                          Gears function quite well for creating mechanical devices such as functioning clocks:



                          enter image description here
                          Design by KEvronista



                          Naturally you can use an electric motor for more accurate timekeeping.







                          share|improve this answer








                          New contributor




                          qwr is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                          Check out our Code of Conduct.









                          share|improve this answer



                          share|improve this answer






                          New contributor




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                          answered 2 days ago









                          qwrqwr

                          1913




                          1913




                          New contributor




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                          New contributor





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                              4














                              Disclaimer: this is cheating a bit.




                              All of them!



                              enter image description here



                              I mean - even the most simple lego brick serves as a brick, so a creative mind can devise a real-world use for almost any brick if you have enough time, money and bricks at hand.






                              share|improve this answer








                              New contributor




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                                4














                                Disclaimer: this is cheating a bit.




                                All of them!



                                enter image description here



                                I mean - even the most simple lego brick serves as a brick, so a creative mind can devise a real-world use for almost any brick if you have enough time, money and bricks at hand.






                                share|improve this answer








                                New contributor




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                                  4












                                  4








                                  4







                                  Disclaimer: this is cheating a bit.




                                  All of them!



                                  enter image description here



                                  I mean - even the most simple lego brick serves as a brick, so a creative mind can devise a real-world use for almost any brick if you have enough time, money and bricks at hand.






                                  share|improve this answer








                                  New contributor




                                  T. Sar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                  Disclaimer: this is cheating a bit.




                                  All of them!



                                  enter image description here



                                  I mean - even the most simple lego brick serves as a brick, so a creative mind can devise a real-world use for almost any brick if you have enough time, money and bricks at hand.







                                  share|improve this answer








                                  New contributor




                                  T. Sar is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                  share|improve this answer



                                  share|improve this answer






                                  New contributor




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                                  answered 2 days ago









                                  T. SarT. Sar

                                  1413




                                  1413




                                  New contributor




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                                  New contributor





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                                      3














                                      I suppose several of the tools in Minifigure utensil wheel theoretically could be used in certain circumstances. I.e. you could hit things with the hammer, it would probably break before you got anything useful done with it, but it can still be said to have it's functionality.






                                      share|improve this answer



























                                        3














                                        I suppose several of the tools in Minifigure utensil wheel theoretically could be used in certain circumstances. I.e. you could hit things with the hammer, it would probably break before you got anything useful done with it, but it can still be said to have it's functionality.






                                        share|improve this answer

























                                          3












                                          3








                                          3







                                          I suppose several of the tools in Minifigure utensil wheel theoretically could be used in certain circumstances. I.e. you could hit things with the hammer, it would probably break before you got anything useful done with it, but it can still be said to have it's functionality.






                                          share|improve this answer













                                          I suppose several of the tools in Minifigure utensil wheel theoretically could be used in certain circumstances. I.e. you could hit things with the hammer, it would probably break before you got anything useful done with it, but it can still be said to have it's functionality.







                                          share|improve this answer












                                          share|improve this answer



                                          share|improve this answer










                                          answered Apr 13 at 19:28









                                          HenrikHenrik

                                          1,961312




                                          1,961312





















                                              3














                                              LEGO rubber bands, O-rings, and belts can be used to grip things, for sealing pneumatic moving parts, and for transmitting power.



                                              LEGO sails actually catch wind on floating vessels, and the covered wagon covers and tents keep water off whatever's underneath them.






                                              share|improve this answer








                                              New contributor




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                                                3














                                                LEGO rubber bands, O-rings, and belts can be used to grip things, for sealing pneumatic moving parts, and for transmitting power.



                                                LEGO sails actually catch wind on floating vessels, and the covered wagon covers and tents keep water off whatever's underneath them.






                                                share|improve this answer








                                                New contributor




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                                                  3












                                                  3








                                                  3







                                                  LEGO rubber bands, O-rings, and belts can be used to grip things, for sealing pneumatic moving parts, and for transmitting power.



                                                  LEGO sails actually catch wind on floating vessels, and the covered wagon covers and tents keep water off whatever's underneath them.






                                                  share|improve this answer








                                                  New contributor




                                                  Zemyla is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
                                                  Check out our Code of Conduct.










                                                  LEGO rubber bands, O-rings, and belts can be used to grip things, for sealing pneumatic moving parts, and for transmitting power.



                                                  LEGO sails actually catch wind on floating vessels, and the covered wagon covers and tents keep water off whatever's underneath them.







                                                  share|improve this answer








                                                  New contributor




                                                  Zemyla is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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                                                  share|improve this answer



                                                  share|improve this answer






                                                  New contributor




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                                                  answered yesterday









                                                  ZemylaZemyla

                                                  1312




                                                  1312




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                                                      1














                                                      Ultimately, all functional LEGO elements can be used in the "real world" for their function.



                                                      • Hinges can be used as hinges

                                                      • Wheels work well as wheels

                                                      • Containers (e.g. drawers) can contain things

                                                      • Magnets work as magnets

                                                      • Decorative elements can be used for decoration

                                                      ... and so on.






                                                      share|improve this answer





























                                                        1














                                                        Ultimately, all functional LEGO elements can be used in the "real world" for their function.



                                                        • Hinges can be used as hinges

                                                        • Wheels work well as wheels

                                                        • Containers (e.g. drawers) can contain things

                                                        • Magnets work as magnets

                                                        • Decorative elements can be used for decoration

                                                        ... and so on.






                                                        share|improve this answer



























                                                          1












                                                          1








                                                          1







                                                          Ultimately, all functional LEGO elements can be used in the "real world" for their function.



                                                          • Hinges can be used as hinges

                                                          • Wheels work well as wheels

                                                          • Containers (e.g. drawers) can contain things

                                                          • Magnets work as magnets

                                                          • Decorative elements can be used for decoration

                                                          ... and so on.






                                                          share|improve this answer















                                                          Ultimately, all functional LEGO elements can be used in the "real world" for their function.



                                                          • Hinges can be used as hinges

                                                          • Wheels work well as wheels

                                                          • Containers (e.g. drawers) can contain things

                                                          • Magnets work as magnets

                                                          • Decorative elements can be used for decoration

                                                          ... and so on.







                                                          share|improve this answer














                                                          share|improve this answer



                                                          share|improve this answer








                                                          edited yesterday

























                                                          answered yesterday









                                                          KramiiKramii

                                                          6,59612970




                                                          6,59612970



























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