Arm and leg switching.

[masterdoctorten]

This may appear to be a stupid question for which I apologise. I just want to know is it considered 'legal', and are the parts designed so that:

1) Can you switch the arms around so that the torso is essentially 'back to front'?

2) Can you take legs of the hips in order to customise leg assemblies?

Thanks.

[Eggyslav]

Yes to both, but you need to apply lots of strength to do it, and in case of arms, be careful to not crack the sides of the torso.

[masterdoctorten]

Yes to both, but you need to apply lots of strength to do it, and in case of arms, be careful to not crack the sides of the torso.

Thanks very much.

[AmperZand]

It's not considered 'legal' in the sense that TLG doesn't approve of it. As far as they are concerned, torso and leg assemblies are meant to be used as sold. AFOLs, of course, have their own ideas.

I have found that the best way of removing arms is to rotate them back and then use the forearm, but never the hand, to slowly lever the arm out of its socket. Putting arms into sockets is similar to the removal procedure in reverse except that pressure needs to be applied to the top of the arm, by the shoulder.

The elf on the right in this picture has a torso that's back-to-front: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/AmperZand/Fantasy/mirkwood_elves_small.jpg

Edited April 24, 2016 by AmperZand

[Unijob]

This is a very interesting topic to me, as I happen to own many torsos with little cracks on the side, and now I'm starting to believe some arm removals might have been the culprits. Is there any fool-proof way of removing arms, leaving no cracks at all?

I have found that the best way of removing arms is to rotate them back and then use the forearm, but never the hand, to slowly lever the arm out of its socket.

For some reason this sounds like it would apply a lot of stress in the torso somehow. Is it the best arm removal procedure?

[Buildingwon]

I don't know what you may consider "legal" as you do not specify the country you reside in. However, I cannot see any "legal" issue with using a product you purchased however you deem necessary. You could light the lego on fire and it would still be "legal" (so long as you do not commit arson or burn down a neighbor's home.)

[Calanon]

I don't know what you may consider "legal" as you do not specify the country you reside in. However, I cannot see any "legal" issue with using a product you purchased however you deem necessary. You could light the lego on fire and it would still be "legal" (so long as you do not commit arson or burn down a neighbor's home.)

In terms of Lego, illegal techniques are ones that put excess stress on Lego elements.

A presentation on it.

As for the original post, I've been arm switching and leg/hip switching for years. You may notice if you do it a lot that they will become looser.

[nine09nueve]

This is a very interesting topic to me, as I happen to own many torsos with little cracks on the side, and now I'm starting to believe some arm removals might have been the culprits. Is there any fool-proof way of removing arms, leaving no cracks at all?

For some reason this sounds like it would apply a lot of stress in the torso somehow. Is it the best arm removal procedure?

Yup - thats how I do it... you need to be more careful with older arms - in case they themselves are brittle... and as AmperZand said: "never from the hands"

Yes to both, but you need to apply lots of strength to do it, and in case of arms, be careful to not crack the sides of the torso.

I wouldn't say lots of strength for the legs - otherwise you bork the pin inside which is delicate... it needs a sustained pressure (kinda) in the right way... as in not at a funny angle --> I'll see if I can find a video on it somewhere

[Buildingwon]

In terms of Lego, illegal techniques are ones that put excess stress on Lego elements.

Wow, I'm quite embarrassed. Thank you for the correction I appreciate it!

In regard to my <newly> found definition of the word, I have a personal policy with removal of arms; only remove them twice. I've found anymore than that begins to harm the piece. As for the legs i've seen many people pull them out in a downwards motion. This tends to wear the hip joint rather than the legs themselves because it bends the connector downwards.

[pittpenguin123]

In terms of Lego, illegal techniques are ones that put excess stress on Lego elements.

A presentation on it.

As for the original post, I've been arm switching and leg/hip switching for years. You may notice if you do it a lot that they will become looser.

We need a updated one because the 1x1 top clip and plate is now legal. (along with a few others)

[MAB]

For the legs, I find bending one backwards then gently pulling it off sideways, then the same with the other leg. As noted above, don't jerk it, do it smoothly with sustained but weak pressure or you damage the hips.

[Imsadtodothat]

I do that sometimes, but you really need to be careful with the Legs !