Can You Cut LEGO Bricks? Here’s What You Need to Know

So you have a regular LEGO baseplate that you’d like to cut or shave down to use in your MOCs?

Sometimes you might feel guilty about modifying your LEGO parts—especially rare ones—but remember, they belong to you, and you can do anything you want with them. But the question is, can LEGO be cut?

The answer is yes. LEGO pieces are made from plastic and can be cut or modified to build a custom LEGO set. However, care should be taken when cutting LEGO pieces, as you might damage the brick or even injure yourself.

One thing to note is that most LEGO contests—official or fan-run—do not allow modified LEGO parts. According to LEGO system rules, only unmodified system parts are allowed, with a few exceptions like stickers or third-party accessories such as BrickArms, rubber bands, or strings.

Also, avoid using tools like circular saws as they may destroy the bricks or render them unusable.

lego bricks and a scissors

Tools You Can Use to Cut LEGO Bricks

Below are some tools that are great for cutting LEGO pieces without damaging them:

  • Stanley knife (thin-bladed craft knife) – Great for thin parts and making straight or curved cuts.

  • Bench grinder – Ideal for large parts where a flat surface is needed.

  • Dremel-type sander with small circular head – Best for smaller parts and curved surfaces.

  • Dremel cutter – Useful for trimming excess plastic before finishing with sandpaper or a grinder.

  • Hotwire cutter – Excellent for concave, straight, and angular grooves. Can produce clean 90-degree cutouts.

  • Bench sander/grinder (friction method) – Allows hands-free operation and melts plastic for a semi-smooth finish that can be buffed with a cloth wheel.

  • Exacto knife – Precise for detailed trimming and cutting.

  • Grooving tools – Optional, depending on your custom build needs.

How to Cut a LEGO Baseplate in Half

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting a LEGO baseplate:

Step 1: Score with a Knife

Use a sharp cutter (Stanley or Exacto) and a steel ruler to make a deep score along the cut line. Repeat until it’s deep enough.

Step 2: Bend the Plate

Carefully bend the baseplate along the scored line. If it doesn’t bend easily, score deeper.

Step 3: Flex and Snap

Gently move the two sides back and forth until the plate separates. You may need to pull slightly to finish the cut.

Step 4: Smooth the Edges

Sand or file both edges with fine sandpaper to smooth them out and remove any roughness.

Now your cut LEGO baseplate is ready for custom use.

What Can You Do With Broken LEGO Bricks?

If your LEGO piece is broken and unusable, here are a few options:

  • Modify It – Turn it into a custom piece by cutting, reshaping, or adding decals or paint.

  • Donate It – Give it to someone who can use it creatively.

  • Recycle It – If the piece is beyond use, recycle it. Check our article on LEGO recycling for proper methods.

Final Thoughts

Yes, you can cut LEGO pieces, but avoid using destructive tools like circular saws. Instead, opt for tools like Stanley knives, Dremel cutters, and hotwire cutters to make clean and controlled cuts.

Keep in mind that modifying LEGO bricks may disqualify you from entering official LEGO contests, which usually require unaltered pieces.

But if you’re customizing your own builds or just experimenting, feel free to cut and get creative!