When it comes to building and displaying LEGO® sets, there's one debate that can really split the brick-loving community: to glue or not to glue? For some, the idea of gluing bricks together feels like sacrilege. For others, it's a practical solution to keep intricate sets safe, especially those prone to breakage or that are displayed in high-traffic areas.
In this guide, we'll explore the pros and cons of gluing your LEGO builds, what the community thinks, and some alternatives, including how display cases can preserve your creations without the need for adhesive.
What Do We Mean by "Gluing LEGO Sets"?
Gluing LEGO sets refers to the practice of using a strong adhesive to bond bricks together permanently. Builders typically use this method for:
- Permanent displays (home or commercial)
- Sets that travel or get moved frequently
- Protecting fragile builds from pets or children
Some even refer to this as "Kragling", a nickname that originated from The LEGO Movie's antagonist Lord Business and his obsession with preserving builds using Krazy Glue. Find out all about Lord Business, and his dark ways here.
✅ Pros of Gluing LEGO Sets
1. Long-Term Stability
If you have a large, detailed set that you plan to keep forever, gluing ensures that parts don't accidentally fall off or loosen over time.
“When LEGO builds are featured in public spaces—malls, conventions, theme parks—glue is often essential. These large-scale displays need to survive transport, vibrations, and curious hands. A dab of adhesive helps ensure models stay together under pressure.”
— Brick Zone Hub
2. Transport-Friendly
If you're showcasing models at expos or conventions, glued models can endure bumps and handling that would otherwise spell disaster.
3. Kid-Proofing
Some parents glue LEGO builds so younger children can play without pieces constantly falling off or getting lost.
❌ Cons of Gluing LEGO Sets
1. No Room for Error
Once it's glued, it's permanent. Make a mistake? You might need to start from scratch or even damage parts removing them.
2. Loss of Flexibility
One of LEGO's biggest joys is rebuilding and customising. Gluing takes away the ability to repurpose parts for future builds.
3. Reduced Value
Collectors usually prefer original, unaltered sets. Glued models can lose resale value, especially if glue residue is visible.
“Many fans feel that once a LEGO set is glued, it becomes more of a static model than a creative toy — limiting the joy of building, disassembling, and rebuilding.”
- Bricks.StackExchange discussion
What Kind of Glue Is Used?
If you're considering gluing, don't grab the first superglue you find. Most LEGO fans use:
- BrickShield: A non-permanent adhesive that allows for repositioning before curing.
- Plastic Weld: A permanent adhesive that melts the brick surfaces together for strong bonding. Buy on Amazon
- Loctite or Krazy Glue: Strong, fast-drying adhesives, but harder to apply without mess. Buy on Amazon
Important: Avoid hot glue or anything that could melt or discolour bricks.
Alternatives to Gluing
Instead of reaching for the glue bottle, consider a more elegant solution... protective display cases.
At BOXXCO, we offer a range of premium LEGO display cases that:
- Keep your sets dust-free
- Shield them from accidental knocks
- Allow safe display without altering or damaging your builds
Whether you're showcasing Hogwarts Castle, Rivendell, or your own custom MOC creation, our display cases provide peace of mind while maintaining full flexibility to rebuild or modify in future.
Final Verdict
Let’s be clear, at BOXXCO, we’re LEGO enthusiasts through and through. We believe LEGO is about imagination, creation, and the freedom to build, rebuild and share.
While gluing might have its place in a few very specific cases — like public exhibitions or sets prone to constant damage — for most collectors and hobbyists, it’s a last resort. The joy of LEGO lies in its versatility, and glue removes that key magic.
- Gluing removes the soul of LEGO, creativity and reinvention.
- Display cases offer protection without permanence.
So if you're debating the glue route, ask yourself, is it worth sacrificing what makes LEGO so special?
Our advice? Keep the bricks free and the spirit of LEGO alive.
Get Involved
Would you glue your LEGO sets, or is that crossing the line? Let us know in the comments and tag us in your display photos!
