Another LEGO storage question...

[WhiteHexagon]

I recently started storing unused bricks in colour based stacks. Mainly because I'm still at the collection size where all my 2x1's for example fit into a single compartment. I was quite happy with this approach until today when I noticed some hairline cracks on a few of my bricks. Now I'm wondering if storing them stacked is adding unnessesary presure on the bricks. I know that they would be in the same situation if the were assembled into a model, and the cracks could have been there already, but somehow it's left me feeling a bit uncomfortable. None of my bricks are very old. Does anyone else store bricks in a stacked manner? or share this concern? or noticed more cracked bricks these days?

Cheers

peter

[Yloquen]

I've had problems with my 1x1 headlight bricks. You can look at this topic. I believe that smaller bricks are more susceptible to cracking than larger ones. Also, there seem to be batches of lower quality bricks that crack more easily. As you pointed out, storing them locked does not stress them more than using them in a model. So I don't think it's wrong. And I think it's a lot more convenient (well, depending on the type and number of the bricks from a specific type of course).

[brickzone]

Hmmm... I know it's the same as if the bricks are in a model, but one would imagine that because the bricks are capable of gripping on another at all, there is some small stress from that. So presumably the bricks would store better loose, rather than stacked *or* indeed in a model (the latter if it's a large model surely makes an impact on the bricks, especially if they are at the base supporting the model).

Of course, bricks can scratch when loose - but they don't really get that heavy wear and tear - sure they jumble around loose even at Lego factory or in bags in the box. Sure there are some signs of wear, but you shouldn't get much more just having them sit in a bin and occasionally moved about. I make sure not to overstock any bins, so I don't have to scrabble - just move them around a bit.

[SuvieD]

Never store lego stacked if you can avoid it. The plastic will stretch and loose its grip over time. This is not universal but all LEGO parts are better stored unbuilt and unstacked.

[WhiteHexagon]

...all LEGO parts are better stored unbuilt and unstacked.

Nice quote! :) maybe in a dark environmentally controlled room too!

The reason I started stacking them was to quickly see how many of a brick type/colour combination I have. I hate getting part way through a MOC and running out, allthough that seems to happen no matter how I plan the build :)

[KimT]

Never store lego stacked if you can avoid it. The plastic will stretch and loose its grip over time. This is not universal but all LEGO parts are better stored unbuilt and unstacked.

Goddammit.

And I've just finished stacking all my plates 2x6+...

Do you even realise how long that took me to sort them by size and then stack them.

Thanks for destroying my slightly neurotic system

Now I have to take them all apart again.

Oh well....I like it

[CP5670]

Never store lego stacked if you can avoid it. The plastic will stretch and loose its grip over time. This is not universal but all LEGO parts are better stored unbuilt and unstacked.

This is true in general, but it depends more on the temperature than the amount of time the bricks stay together. If you make sure the room doesn't get too hot, it's generally not a significant issue. I have some sets that have been built up for at least 10 years but the parts grip just as well as unused ones.

I typically stack small parts (1x1 and some 1x2 size pieces) that can be easily taken apart, but not anything bigger, just because it becomes annoying to remove 2x2 or larger ones.

[Yloquen]

Oh, I have all my parts stacked. It's a lot more convenient when searching and also it takes a lot less space. Do you mean to tell me I'm ruining them? As for stacking 2x2 and larger:

I use this technique. It's very easy to take apart and it only uses a bit more room.

[Guss]

I actually use the same technique, and I need to know too if it ruin my parts!

[brickzone]

Well, I "stack" my black plates in their storage tub - but I don't actually connect them - they just sit loose next to each other on their ends and sorted by size. The 4x4s are loose in the leftover space not taken up by the other carefully arranged larger plates.

[snefroe]

well to be honest, it shouldn't be a problem to stack them like this. Lego bricks are severely tested on a regular basis to see if problems of haircracks occur because of this type of usage. besides, many people build models and keep those assembled for many years, so if there were a problem, it would be wide spread and serious enough for lego to communicate about it and improve the production process in such a way that the problem would be resolved...

however, if it makes you feel better not to stack them like this, then don't... i also find that current plates and bricks aren't as strong as the old ones, so maybe it is better to find another way of stacking.

[Fluyt]

Keeping them stacked will put some strain on them. I don't really have a problem with my "old" parts if I keep them stacked, grip is still good and hardly any fractures, but on my newer parts (like sets from the last 5 years or so) some of them get a hairline crack almost instantly, even when I put them together 1 time.

[julencin2000]

I do not use this technique because if you keep them stacked for a very long time, bricks loose their 'tightness" (don't know how to say it in english); into piles or into MOCs, it's the same.

[KimT]

I do not use this technique because if you keep them stacked for a very long time, bricks loose their 'tightness" (don't know how to say it in english); into piles or into MOCs, it's the same.

Tightness is a good word here, at least I understand what you mean...or I think that I do

[JopieK]

we use zip bags nowadays to make it easy for us to see how many we have from a certain part.

I used to stack before my dark ages. Then we started sorting special parts / windows / wheels / technic / plates (by color) / bricks (by color). Now we are also sorting inside those cathegories.