Hi! I just recently got into Lego and I'm interested in MOCs. I saw the Ninjago Overlord Dragon and was inspired to turn it into a mech. I've watched some videos about making mech frames, arms, legs etc but I need help identifying parts to make joints so I can purchase them individually in bricklink. I'm actually interested in balljoints for the shoulders and hips and the smaller ones for the wrists and ankles. Also, what is the best to use to connect the head to the body? Finally, I wanted to convert the wings into swords. So what parts would be good for hilts?

I suggest looking at some instructions for mechs. LEGO has made a number and there are free MOCs out there too. You can learn a lot by looking at what has gone before.

 

Welcome to the forum! You might be interested in this alternate build by fellow Eurobricks member @Ransom Fern.

A common technique for swords in Lego mechs is to attach the sword to the inside of the hand with a technic connector and then wrap the fingers around the hilt so it looks like the mech is holding the sword. See the instructions for 8103 Sky Guardian for an example of this. In that set, the hilt piece itself is Bricklink no. 32039.