How to store Lego instructions?

[legolijntje]

Hello,

I always had my Lego instructions books in a large box, but it are too many now.

So how can I storage my instructions properly without them wrinkle or something.

I have mostly medium and big sized instructions.

EDIT: Sorry, I misspelled the subtitle, maybe an admin can repair that?

Edited April 16, 2011 by legolijntje

[Big Cam]

Hmm, if you have so many they won't fit in a box, then my method may not work for you but here it goes..

I have a few big 3 inch, 3 ring binders, and then you buy the sleeves that are meant for a full size sheet of paper and then put one instruction in each sleeve. You could have a binder for each series or theme.

[legolijntje]

Hmm, if you have so many they won't fit in a box, then my method may not work for you but here it goes..

I have a few big 3 inch, 3 ring binders, and then you buy the sleeves that are meant for a full size sheet of paper and then put one instruction in each sleeve. You could have a binder for each series or theme.

I tried that, and now I have some small books stored like that, but my most books are too thick or too wide to go in sleeves.

[Masked Builder]

I have some of these, okay they might be a bit different, that I've emptied of Lego when I sorted them by color. I've got mine stored in a couple of the drawers now.

[Big Cam]

I tried that, and now I have some small books stored like that, but my most books are too thick or too wide to go in sleeves.

Wow, I think you need to start thinking bigger, like a book shelf.

[legolijntje]

Wow, I think you need to start thinking bigger, like a book shelf.

It's because (I think) it are mostly technic books.

[-R8-]

I have my instruction booklets sorted in manila folders, categorized by theme. Then within each folder, I just order the instruction booklets by sub-themes (like for Star Wars, all the Episode I booklets go together, Episode II booklets are separate, etc). They're usually ordered in ascending product number too. If most of your booklets are for Technic, you could categorize them by what kind of set they are - ie, group the construction sets together, the racers together, aerial vehicles together, and so on.

[dr_spock]

How about these for storage of instruction books and store on a bookshelf?

[Brickdoctor]

I keep them inside their boxes (with all the discarded sticker sheets, order forms, ads, and polybags, because I'm like that ), and download the digital copy to my computer. Much faster to access.

[Frolando22]

I have some of these, okay they might be a bit different, that I've emptied of Lego when I sorted them by color. I've got mine stored in a couple of the drawers now.

That's exactly what I do. I've got a drawer for Star Wars, drawer for CITY, drawer for Mars Mission, etc.

[brickmack]

I've got the same problem. I haven't gotten around to doing it myself, but I recommend dividing them based on theme that they are from, and then from that point put them in order based on either set number or year of release. That should make the pile a bit more manageable, and then you can just stick each smaller pile in a box or something.

[Pingles]

I'm afraid I've gone the non-sentimental route.

I've gone digital. PDFs of instructions only.

SACRILEGE!

[Davey]

I use a file box with hanging files. Something like this:

You can generally find them at your local "big box retailer" such as Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

-Davey

[legolijntje]

I use a file box with hanging files. Something like this:

You can generally find them at your local "big box retailer" such as Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

-Davey

I didn't knew that such things are also in such a format. I thought there were only big ones. It looks good

Unfortunatly I don't live in America, so I don't have a Target or Wal-mart. But I can search for something like that.

Does such a type of box have a special name, it will make searching much easier

[Brickdoctor]

Does such a type of box have a special name, it will make searching much easier

LIke he said, file box. Just Google that and you'll get some nice results.

[Modulex Guy]

I have 10 of these from Ikea for my instructions:

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/80167722

They are not too big, but multiple boxes will keep instructions organized and sorted well, plus wrinkle free.

[Zeya]

I'm afraid I've gone the non-sentimental route.

I've gone digital. PDFs of instructions only.

SACRILEGE!

I would probably do that too, but the pdf files from Lego's website are hard to read. I made an LDD recreation of the Kingdoms prison tower set using the Lego-supplied pdf and it was hard to tell the difference between reddish brown and black, even. The dark brown and black were almost impossible to tell apart. It made my build take 3x as long.

I keep my paper instructions in 3" or 4" binders with plastic sheets that are meant to hold standard 8.5"x11" paper. It's okay, but they really fill up quickly! I already have two full binders and I've only been an AFOL for less than a year. I think I might try that comic book style storage box that someone linked, where they stand upright. The only issue there is that I like to flip through them sometimes to see what sets I own. Then again, there's brickset for that too. Hmm.

[nychase]

I use a file box with hanging files. Something like this:

You can generally find them at your local "big box retailer" such as Target, Wal-Mart, etc.

-Davey

I can say with a fair bit of authority that this works very well. I also purchased some of the "file boxes" (In my case from staples) and they are perfect. I also use regular "letter" sized hanging folders with the tabs to tell me which set is inside. I have hundreds of technic sets and most are larger so this works very well to keep things CRISP, safe and organized (plus easy access). One thing to mention...letter sized hanging files are actually A4 which works perfectly as all old instructions and some current are A4 sized.

Just trust me on this...I had all the instructions in their own plastic covers but that didn't always work (multiple books per model, one book just way to big...etc.)

[legolijntje]

I can say with a fair bit of authority that this works very well. I also purchased some of the "file boxes" (In my case from staples) and they are perfect. I also use regular "letter" sized hanging folders with the tabs to tell me which set is inside. I have hundreds of technic sets and most are larger so this works very well to keep things CRISP, safe and organized (plus easy access). One thing to mention...letter sized hanging files are actually A4 which works perfectly as all old instructions and some current are A4 sized.

Just trust me on this...I had all the instructions in their own plastic covers but that didn't always work (multiple books per model, one book just way to big...etc.)

Yes, I thought also they would be useful, but I searched a bit on the internet, but I can't find any Dutch shop (because I'm from Netherlands ).

I think the reason is, I don't now the Dutch name for it (if it exists) :blush: ??

[Miss Kyle]

How about these for storage of instruction books and store on a bookshelf?

That's what I do, it keeps them safe and easily accessible.

[Starduck]

Yes, I thought also they would be useful, but I searched a bit on the internet, but I can't find any Dutch shop (because I'm from Netherlands ).

I think the reason is, I don't now the Dutch name for it (if it exists) :blush: ??

Legolijntje, the Dutch name for the system is 'hangmappen' or 'hangmappen box'. If you google these terms you'll find several Dutch sellers.

[legolijntje]

Legolijntje, the Dutch name for the system is 'hangmappen' or 'hangmappen box'. If you google these terms you'll find several Dutch sellers.

Thanks, but I already know the names since yesterday .

[phool]

I keep all my instructions stored in plastic sleeves in ring binders. I havent had any problems with fitting technic instructions in the plastic sleeves, even the old style single book instructions.

Edited May 1, 2011 by phool

[legolijntje]

I keep all my instructions stored in plastic sleeves in ring binders. I havent had any problems with fitting technic instructions in the plastic sleeves, even the old style single book instructions.

What format sleeves do you use? Mine are a little too small, and I think it's cheaper that a file box

Edited May 2, 2011 by legolijntje

[phool]

I use A4 plastic sleeves.