To Disassemble or Not to Disassemble: The LEGO Dilemma
As an AFOL (Adult Fan of LEGO), deciding whether to disassemble a beloved set can feel like a crossroads. After spending hours (or days) meticulously assembling a masterpiece, the thought of taking it apart feels almost sacrilegious. But with limited space, a growing collection, and the allure of new builds, disassembly often becomes inevitable.
Here’s how to approach the decision, along with tips to make the process as smooth (and painless) as possible.
Why Disassembling Isn’t a Bad Thing
1. Make Room for New Builds
LEGO sets take up space—lots of it. If your shelves are groaning under the weight of modular buildings or UCS sets, disassembling older builds can free up precious real estate for exciting new projects.
2. Rediscover the Joy of Building
Rebuilding a set months or years later is like re-reading a favorite book. You already know the story, but you’ll still find moments of wonder in rediscovering the design techniques and details you might have forgotten.
3. Preserve the Quality of Your Sets
Long-term display can lead to dust, discoloration, or sagging bricks (we’re looking at you, LEGO Millennium Falcon landing gear). Disassembling and storing your sets properly helps maintain their condition for future enjoyment.
4. Fuel Your Creativity
Taking apart an old set provides you with a treasure trove of parts for creating your own MOCs (My Own Creations). Who knows? That modular police station might become the foundation for your dream sci-fi outpost.
How to Decide Which Sets to Disassemble
1. Sentimental Value
Does the set hold special meaning? Maybe it was your first LEGO purchase as an AFOL or a gift from someone important. If so, consider keeping it intact or on display.
2. Play and Display Time
If a set has been sitting in the corner collecting dust, it might be time to take it apart. Ask yourself: “When was the last time I interacted with this build?”
3. Future Relevance
Think about whether you’ll want to rebuild the set later. Iconic sets like the UCS Millennium Falcon or LEGO Ideas models might be worth storing rather than parting out.
Best Practices for Disassembling and Storing LEGO Sets
1. Use Tools
A brick separator is your best friend. It saves your fingers and ensures you don’t damage pieces while prying them apart.
2. Sort as You Go
Disassemble by color, piece type, or bag number (if you remember it). This makes rebuilding or repurposing the parts much easier later.
3. Label and Store
Use resealable bags or storage containers to keep parts organized. Label the bags with the set number, name, or even a quick note like “Millennium Falcon – Cockpit Pieces.”
4. Keep the Instructions
Whether you prefer digital copies or physical booklets, having the instructions on hand is crucial for a future rebuild.
5. Preserve Minifigures Separately
Minifigures often have unique accessories and parts that can be hard to track down later. Store them in their own labeled bag or container.
The Emotional Side of Disassembly
It’s okay to feel conflicted about taking apart a set you’ve poured your time and energy into. To make the process less bittersweet:
Take Photos: Document your builds before disassembling them. A photo album of past creations can be just as satisfying as having them displayed.
Reflect on the Journey: Remember, part of the joy of LEGO is the building experience itself. Taking a set apart opens the door to new adventures.
Disassembling LEGO sets isn’t the end—it’s a fresh start. Whether it’s to make room, spark creativity, or protect your collection, it’s all part of the evolving journey of being an AFOL. After all, LEGO is about more than just bricks—it’s about building, rebuilding, and imagining something new.
Would you disassemble your favorite set? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments!
Build, Display, Repeat.
