Separating a 2 x 2 plate from a base plate

[LegoBuilder]

Hello everyone, anyone have the idea on how to separate a 2x2 plate without any stud from a base plate.

eg, those plate that we use as floor tile on the baseplate. Hope I am not confusing anyone

[WhiteFang]

You can use a Brick Separator.

I will merge this topic into this discussion shortly.

[Aanchir]

You can use a Brick Separator.

I will merge this topic into this discussion shortly.

He actually is asking about studless tiles, not regular plates. I imagine a Brick Separator might help, but it's really intended for use with parts that have studs.

Often what I'll do is just bend the baseplate. But if you want to be more gentle with your parts, the best way to go is to use a minifig tool or some other piece with a pointy or tapered end to get up under the "lip" that all floor tiles tend to have. The LEGO Games sets use this piece, but any similarly pointy piece should do the trick.

You don't even have to stick to using LEGO; you could use something else with a tapered end to get up underneat the "lip". An X-acto knife or razor blade would do the trick, though you'd probably want to go with something less likely to scratch your pieces. So I don't know... perhaps a duller kitchen knife (i.e. the type you might use to spread butter).

[Fugazi]

He actually is asking about studless tiles, not regular plates. I imagine a Brick Separator might help, but it's really intended for use with parts that have studs.

Actually the brick separator is quite a clever tool, and it works for tiles too. I don't have a picture or drawing handy, but basically you would position it the same as if there were studs on the tile you want to separate from the baseplate. Then instead of lifting the separator you would push it downwards (towards the baseplate). The separator will grip in that little groove around the base of the tile and lift it neatly. No need to bend the baseplate or use non-Lego tools. Try it!

Edit: LegoBuilder, if you don't have a separator handy, see this post (and scroll down) for photos of the technique described by Aanchir above.

Edited September 9, 2010 by Fugazi

[Follows Closely]

[Aanchir]

That gif really explains the process well! Sorry for my ignorance, but it's been so long since I've used a brick separator. My family has several, but due to the perpetual disorganized mess that is our basement I never know where to look for them when I need one.

[Flare]

Actually the brick separator is quite a clever tool, and it works for tiles too. I don't have a picture or drawing handy, but basically you would position it the same as if there were studs on the tile you want to separate from the baseplate. Then instead of lifting the separator you would push it downwards (towards the baseplate). The separator will grip in that little groove around the base of the tile and lift it neatly. No need to bend the baseplate or use non-Lego tools. Try it!

Edit: LegoBuilder, if you don't have a separator handy, see this post (and scroll down) for photos of the technique described by Aanchir above.

Ah... I have been wondering how to remove tiles as well I didn't realize that the brick seperator works for that too... very clever LEGO company!

[Brickdoctor]

I just use my fingernails.

[Mr Meleca]

you can use a creditcard as a lever too.

insert the card in the botton of the piece and then use the stud on the side of the piece as aaxis.

MMy daughter loves to remove tiles since she was 2 yo, using cards

[Rick]

You can also use the screwdriver end of this:

It's what TLG also uses in the Games range for removing tiles from dice.

[gotoAndLego]

I bend the base plate slightly which breaks the brick's grip enough to easily pop off.

Edited September 9, 2010 by gotoAndLego

[wolfwing]

I bend the base plate slightly which breaks the brick's grip enough to easily pop off.

I used too 30 years or so ago, but there is always the small chance of breaking the baseplate, so have to be careful.

[LegoDad42]

You can also use the screwdriver end of this:

It's what TLG also uses in the Games range for removing tiles from dice.

That's exactly what I use Rick...I just got a couple of the games and didn't realize I could use the wrench tool that way. Works like a charm.

[gotoAndLego]

I used too 30 years or so ago, but there is always the small chance of breaking the baseplate, so have to be careful.

I'm not saying bend it in half, all you need to do is introduce enough minor flex to break the seal. If that's enough to break a baseplate then Lego is suffering from some serious quality control issues.