When you’re done building with your LEGO bricks, what do you do with the instructions? This is a question that many people have, and the answer isn’t always clear. Some people think that you should keep the instructions so that you can rebuild the model later, while others think that they are just taking up space and can be thrown away. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of keeping LEGO instructions and help you make a decision about what to do with yours!
The decision whether to keep LEGO instructions comes down to a personal preference. Some people prefer to keep the original paper instructions because they want to collect them. Other people would prefer to have the space and rely on digital instructions that do not require any physical space.
I personally like to keep the paper instructions that come with the set as it brings back memories from my childhood before there was any such thing as digital instructions.
If you have enough space to store them, and they are in good condition, then it might be a good idea to keep them. If you plan on rebuilding the set later, then you definitely need to keep the instructions! But if you don’t think you will ever rebuild the set, or if you don’t have enough space to store them, then you can probably get rid of them without any problems.
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Are LEGO Instructions Online?
LEGO instructions are available online at the LEGO website. Simply type the set number in the search bar and if the set is found, you will be presented with the instructions in a pdf format. The pdf file can be downloaded to your computer or device, or alternatively, it can be printed out.
Alternatively, you can request an original paper copy of the instructions from the LEGO website. This will take you to the bricks & pieces section where you can put in the set number and request the instructions as you would any other missing or broken piece in the set. This is a free service that LEGO provides.
This is only if the instructions are still available. Again, they don’t have instructions for a lot of older set instructions.
Where Can You Get Vintage LEGO Instructions?
Some older set instructions however are not available on the LEGO website so if you are seeking these, you will need to look elsewhere. Some other sites that have older LEGO set instructions are listed below.
If you would like a copy of the original paper instructions then Bricklink.com and Brickowl.com are secondary marketplaces where you can buy all kinds of things related to LEGO including instructions. These instructions are not free and you will have to pay for them. The older and rarer the set, the more you will expect to pay.
Is There An App For LEGO Instructions?
There is also an app available for LEGO instructions! The app is provided by the LEGO Group and is called LEGO Instructions Plus which is a free app that you can download on your smartphone or tablet. The app allows you to scan the barcodes on LEGO sets and access the instructions instantly. This is a great option if you don’t have any physical instructions available, or if they are lost or damaged.
You can download the app for apple or for android. The app has a lot of instructions available but still does not have many of the older instructions so you would need to go to a third-party website as mentioned above.
How Do You Store LEGO Instructions?
A good way to store LEGO instructions is to put them in bankers boxes. These are sturdy cardboard boxes made for storage and are very strong so will protect the instructions. Another way is to use plastic totes where you can see what is inside. If you don’t have too many instructions then putting them in binders with plastic sleeves is a good compact way to store and protect them.
This last method is what I actually use for all of my instructions. The plastic sleeves protect the pages from curling and the binders just stack on top of each other on a bookshelf or in the closet.
Can I Sell LEGO Instructions?
LEGO instructions are not typically sold separately from LEGO bricks, but there is a market for them online. If you have a set that you no longer want or need, and the instructions are in good condition, you can sell them online for a profit. Just make sure to do your research first so that you know what to charge!
Most of the websites and marketplaces you can buy LEGO instructions from that are mentioned above, you can also sell instructions on these sites. But because of the ease of downloading instruction pdf files for free, the only instructions that will really sell are the ones from older and rarer sets.
Are LEGO Instruction Manuals Worth Anything?
Some LEGO instruction manuals are worth more than others, depending on the set and the condition of the book. If you have a rare or vintage set, the instructions might be worth a lot of money. Generally speaking, though, they aren’t worth very much.
But if you decided you wanted to sell your LEGO instructions then you can sell them on sites like Bricklink, Brickowl and Rebrickable.
Final Thoughts
LEGO instructions are an invaluable resource in the LEGO-building process. Whether you’re a collector with vintage sets or just looking for some help when it comes to building your own creations, these instructions will be helpful if they’re kept organized and stored properly. With all of this information available online, from videos that walk you through each step to apps that let you scan barcodes on set packaging, there’s no reason not to keep them around! Your child may even grow up one day and want these precious memories back, or you may want to build that set from your childhood again!
The only question is if you are a little old school and like the original paper instructions or whether you prefer the digital, paperless instructions that don’t take up any space. The choice is up to you. I actually keep the instructions as I sell a lot of my sets once they are built. But otherwise, I prefer the pdf file instructions as they do not take up space. The decision is ultimately an individual preference and is different for everyone.