Inspecting Used LEGO® Bricks: A Checklist for Quality and Completeness

Buying used LEGO® bricks and sets is a fantastic way to expand your collection without breaking the bank, and with LEGO®’s high durability, second-hand sets can offer excellent value. However, to ensure you’re getting a great deal, it's important to thoroughly inspect the LEGO® parts for both quality and completeness before making your purchase.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through a detailed checklist to help you evaluate second-hand LEGO® sets. Whether you’re buying from online marketplaces like eBay, Bricklink, Brick Owl, or local sellers, these tips will help ensure you get high-quality LEGO® that’s worth every penny.

1. Check for Missing Pieces

The most common issue with used LEGO® sets is missing pieces, especially if the set is complex or contains unique parts. A missing piece could ruin the experience, particularly if it’s essential to the structure or involves a rare element.

How to Ensure Completeness:

• Compare the Piece Count: The easiest way to start is by verifying the total piece count against the original set’s specifications. You can check the official LEGO® website or Bricklink for an exact breakdown of the set's components.
• Ask for an Inventory or Parts List: Some sellers will list the exact number of pieces in the set, and if possible, ask for a detailed parts list. Certain websites like Bricklink provide inventories for most sets, which can be used to cross-check with the seller's listing.
• Look for Common Missing Pieces: Minifigure accessories, smaller bricks, and unique pieces like special hinges or printed tiles are often the first to go missing. It’s a good idea to ensure that the seller has included photos or detailed information about such pieces.

2. Inspect for Damage or Wear

Although LEGO® bricks are incredibly durable, used sets can sometimes show signs of wear or damage. It’s important to carefully inspect the pieces to ensure the set is still in good condition.

What to Look For:

• Cracks or Breakages: Inspect the pieces for cracks, particularly along thin parts like rods, clips, and minifigure hands. Cracked pieces might not fit together properly and could compromise the overall stability of your build.
• Fading or Discoloration: Sunlight or improper storage can cause LEGO® bricks to fade or discolour over time. Ensure the colours are vibrant and consistent, especially if you’re looking for display pieces.
• Loose or Stiff Joints: For minifigures, check the arms, legs, and head joints for stiffness or looseness. Over time, excessive use can cause minifigures to become loose and floppy, which diminishes their appeal for collectors.
• Scratches and Wear: Some pieces, particularly flat tiles and printed parts, may have scratches from play or improper storage. While this might not affect the build, it’s worth considering if you’re purchasing for display purposes.

3. Confirm the Presence of Unique and Rare Parts

One of the key elements that adds value to LEGO® sets - especially for collectors - is the presence of unique, rare, or exclusive pieces. These can include printed elements, specialised mini-figures, and parts that are unique to a specific set or theme.

Key Items to Check:

• Minifigures: Many sets include exclusive minifigures that can significantly increase their value. For instance, licensed sets like Star Wars or Harry Potter often come with minifigures that are not available in other sets.
• Printed and Stickered Pieces: Some sets feature printed tiles or pieces with stickers that are integral to the set's design. Be sure that these are included and in good condition.
• Specialised Parts: Larger sets often contain parts that are unique to that set or hard to find elsewhere, like curved elements, gears, or transparent pieces. These are typically harder to replace, so make sure they are accounted for in the listing.

4. Check for Instructions and the Original Box

For many collectors, having the original instruction manual and box adds significant value to a used LEGO® set. While these may not be essential for builders, they can enhance the overall experience of owning the set, particularly if you plan to resell it later.

Why They Matter:

• Instructions: The instruction manual is important for building the set as intended. While many instructions can be downloaded from LEGO®’s official website, having the original physical booklet is often preferred by collectors.
• Original Box: If you’re a serious collector, having the original packaging can increase the set’s resale value. Even if you’re not, a well-preserved box can be a nice addition, especially if you’re giving the set as a gift.

Tip: If the set doesn’t come with its instruction manual, you can download digital copies from the LEGO® website for most sets. This can be useful for older sets where the manuals are hard to find.

5. Verify LEGO® Bricks Authenticity

One of the risks of buying used LEGO® parts is encountering counterfeit sets. Knock-offs, such as LEPIN, have become more common in recent years, so it's important to verify that what you're buying is the real deal.

How to Spot Authentic LEGO® Bricks:

• LEGO® Logo: Every genuine LEGO® brick has the word "LEGO®" embossed on the top of each stud. Be sure to check photos carefully, or ask the seller to provide close-up images of the pieces to confirm this.
• Minifigure Detailing: LEGO® Minifigures are known for their high-quality printing and precision. If the printing on the minifigures looks blurry or low-quality, you might be dealing with a knock-off.
• Ask About the Source: Buying from trusted sellers like WeBuyBricks or reputable platforms like Bricklink and Brick Owl can provide peace of mind when it comes to authenticity.

6. Review Seller Feedback and Listings

If you're buying from an online marketplace like eBay or Bricklink, always check the seller’s feedback and history to get a sense of their reliability. Sellers with high ratings and plenty of reviews are usually a safe bet, but it’s always good to do a bit of research.

What to Look For:

• Detailed Listings: Reputable sellers will provide clear, high-resolution photos and detailed descriptions of the set’s condition. If the listing seems vague or lacks information, don't hesitate to ask questions.
• Feedback and Reviews: Check the seller’s feedback for any red flags. Look for sellers who have consistently positive reviews and plenty of sales experience in selling LEGO®.

7. Consider the Build It Box from WeBuyBricks

For those looking for a hassle-free way to buy high-quality LEGO® bricks in bulk, the Build It Box from WeBuyBricks is a great option. This curated box is packed with a wide variety of pre-owned LEGO® pieces, making it ideal for builders who need a diverse range of bricks at an affordable price.

• Great Value for Money: The Build It Box offers incredible value, providing a large number of pieces at a much lower cost than buying new sets.
• Thoroughly Inspected: Each piece is cleaned and inspected, so you don’t have to worry about quality or completeness.
• Perfect for Custom Builds: Whether you’re working on a large project or just want to add variety to your collection, the Build It Box delivers a versatile selection of bricks.

8. Be Ready to Make Repairs

If you do find that a set is missing pieces or has damaged parts, don't worry - it’s often easy to make repairs or find replacements.

How to Fix Common Issues:

• Order Replacement Parts: Missing or damaged pieces can be replaced via Bricklink, or in some cases, directly from LEGO®'s parts replacement service.
• Clean Up Scratches: If you’re dealing with scratched transparent pieces, you can gently buff out minor scratches using a soft cloth and a mild plastic polish.

By following this checklist, you’ll be able to confidently inspect used LEGO® sets to ensure you’re getting the quality and completeness you expect. Whether you're buying for a collection, resale, or just for fun, taking the time to inspect the pieces can save you from any unpleasant surprises down the road.