LEGO Ruler and Sorting Tool
Learn more at brickarchitect.com or buy it now at Amazon.com.
This article is the second in the series about buying and selling used Lego.
I don’t know about you, but I can easily distinguish a 1×2 from a 1×3 at a glance, but I can’t tell the size of larger parts without counting the studs. Technic axles are even harder to tell apart at a glance since they don’t have visible studs. When I started sorting through my craigslist collection, I looked online to find a printable guide to help sort the various lengths of Technic Beams and Axles. I found a simple tool which I used for a while, but knew I could make something better.
My printable Lego sorting tool and ruler
Figuring that I could improve on the design, I have created the following printable tool to help you sort your Lego bricks. It has been enhanced to show Technics angled pieces, the basic dimensions of a Lego brick, and includes two rulers along the edges of the paper.
Lego sorting guide and ruler in use
To measure a plate, align it with the lower-left corner to see its width and height. To measure the height of a part, use the ruler on the right edge of the printout.
Measuring dimensions of a Plate using the included ruler.
Directions to make your own Lego sorting tool and ruler:
- Download my Lego sorting tool and ruler (version 1.1)
- Make sure to print it at “100%” scaling factor. I designed it to fit on both an 8.5×11 inch (US) and European A4 Paper.
- If you have access to a laminating machine, laminate the page to make it more rigid and durable. If not, try to print it on thick paper or cardstock.
The LEGO Architect is published in English, Français, & 日本語.
TOM ALPHIN builds
There is an enthusiastic discussion about this Lego Ruler and Sorting tool at bricksetforum…
Link: http://www.bricksetforum.com/discussion/14267/a-convenient-lego-ruler-and-sorting-guide-you-can-print-at-home#latest
This link is dead, and unarchived.
https://forum.brickset.com/discussion/14267/a-convenient-lego-ruler-and-sorting-guide-you-can-print-at-home
Tom, do you have a vector graphic format of this available? I’d like to use it with my laser engraver to make a slightly more sturdy version… and maybe something with enough depth that I can drop the Technic axles into a slot to measure.
Ian – take a look at this ruler. It has slots for Technic axles and works beautifully with all Lego. It’s made by Lego but very hard to find. I have a few of them and use them all the time.
http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Designer-Includes-Brick-Separator/dp/B004C336NO/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1395585771&sr=8-5&keywords=lego+ruler
This link is dead. You can see it here: https://www.amazon.ca/Lego-Designer-Brick-Separator-Ruler/dp/B004C336NO
Lego part numbers: 852690, 4559936, 4630298
Bricklink page: https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?G=852690
Thingiverse recreation: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5170036
Ian, a PDF file is a vector graphic file, just try to open it in Illustrator.
Hey Tom, I really liked your initiative to do a Lego challenge. I bought the set and I’m thinking in trying a project as yours, but weekly. 🙂
ok so my son has over 10k in Legos. I live in Kc and can’t seem to find anyone to buy incomplete sets. Would anyone know where to sell? Or should I start sorting? Do you take sets Apart? I don’t have some books to go with sets. Help!!!
Hi Jennifer,
You can sell anything on bricklink.com. It allows you to state whether it is new or used, and what is missing (such as the instructions, box, stickers and so on).
Thank you so much for this chart!!!! My husband and I have been looking everywhere for one of these. You have done a wonderful job on it and we are so appreciative of your time and effort in making this chart. Thank you again!!!!!
Thank you man
Awesome work!!!
Thanx for sharing
May your god loves you and the people you care for!
Thanks. Great chart!
Thanks! This graph also helps me organize the beams and axles.
Thanx! You just saved me 3 hours of support 🙂
Mindstorms is cool, but there is no ruler in the box.
Axel, Glad to hear that the ruler is helpful. I have two copies in the house, both laminated. One is upstairs with the LEGO collection, and another is in the office by the computer!
You are freaking awesome, Tom!! Thank you!
Any tips on wheels and rims? Thanks!
Many wheels have stud approximations, so measure using the stud rulers.
This is SO useful, thank you so much!
This is fantastic. Thank you for putting it up.
I’m so glad that I found your measuring tool for the Lego technic axles. I’m going to tell others that I know that are into Lego to check out your printable ruler for Lego.
Oh my goodness, this is sooooo useful! Wish I had run across it years ago! 🙂
Is there any tool for Angle Bricks
Does anyone have (or want to create) a 3d print model Tom’s tool? More common these days than a laser engraver.
Or does anyone have a 3d print model of the tool here:
https://brickset.com/sets/852690-1/Designers-Tool-Set
I saw a few but they are one-dimensional stud counters.
I don’t do a lot of technics, so I don’t need that reference as much. Am considering what else would be useful as a 2D or 3D print reference.
Thanks so much!!! This is going to be a super handy guide to have on hand.
awesome, thanks
works perfectly for me.