Answers.Body: <p>Minifigure hands are very small:</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/zlHth.jpg" alt="">
  (picture not to scale)</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-28T17:14:25.423Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2011-11-28T17:14:25.423Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Pubby
Answers.Body: <p>One of the smallest pieces is the detachable handle on the <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/4593" rel="noreferrer">1 stud gear shift element</a>.</p>
  
  <p>The black part in this complete lever:
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/APvCq.gif" alt="298c01 Lever Small (Complete)"></p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/coUQd.gif" alt="4593 Lever Small"></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-28T16:45:48.840Z
Answers.Text: It is the size of a thin pencil lead.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Major Stackings
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-28T16:48:25.453Z
Answers.Text: A picture would be immensely helpful here. How thin is a thin pencil lead anyway?
Answers.UserDisplayName: LegoSonicBoy
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-28T16:38:54.070Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2011-11-30T02:17:51.893Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2011-11-30T02:17:51.893Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Major Stackings
Answers.Body: <p>I had guessed that smallest piece I have owned is one of these (image courtesy <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x1909" rel="nofollow noreferrer">peeron</a>):</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/h79qv.jpg" alt="Minifig Accessory Helmet Floodlight"></p>
  
  <p>It really is <em>stupidly</em> small (so small that I've lost the only example that I possessed). </p>
  
  <p>However, I have since discovered that the lever weighs less, and that the screwdriver will fit through smaller holes.</p>
  
  <hr>
  
  <p>Update: I've recently come across some of these:</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ZIqWO.jpg" alt="Insect antenna"></p>
  
  <p>It's an antenna from the Twitch minifig in set <a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=7599-1&amp;name=Garbage%20Truck%20Getaway&amp;category=%5BToy%20Story%5D%5BToy%20Story%203%5D#T=S&amp;O=%7B%22iconly%22:0%7D" rel="nofollow noreferrer">7599: Garbage Truck Getaway</a>. They're pretty small.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T17:19:33.537Z
Answers.Text: I had no idea that even existed.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T19:55:50.547Z
Answers.Text: It comes with the Starwars Clone Troopers, along with a "rangefinder" type piece as well. It's a "headlamp" that attaches to a clones helmet. Rangefinder can be seen here: http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x1910 has a wider end than the screwdriver
Answers.UserDisplayName: Zhaph - Ben Duguid
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-12-01T02:16:41.943Z
Answers.Text: I have one of these and wondered what it was.  With four kids in the house, I suspect I won't have it for too much longer... :/
Answers.UserDisplayName: retracile
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T02:50:27.813Z
Answers.Text: @Zhaph-BenDuguid LEGO aren't distributing those pieces with the newer ARC trooper gear
Answers.UserDisplayName: shea
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T09:58:22.297Z
Answers.Text: @bungeshea Yeah, it looks like they're just using the "targeting scope" and visor options - for example in [9488](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=9488-1)
Answers.UserDisplayName: Zhaph - Ben Duguid
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T20:27:23.827Z
Answers.Text: @Zhaph-BenDuguid I think they dropped the others in favour of the new mimi-blaster pistols and cloth leg and arm armour
Answers.UserDisplayName: shea
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-02-22T20:28:47.353Z
Answers.Text: Plus, they're used for Mandalorians: [9496](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=9496-1)
Answers.UserDisplayName: shea
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-08-09T03:51:40.407Z
Answers.Text: I was all ready to add the Twitch antenna as an answer when I saw your update.  These have got to be the smallest Lego piece I've ever seen.  I keep my Twitch in a small plastic bag because they're always falling off into the drawer.
Answers.UserDisplayName: JohnnyB
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T16:52:33.393Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2019-08-09T03:19:12.700Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2019-08-09T03:19:12.700Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Kramii
Answers.Body: <p>The <a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=70501a#T=C" rel="noreferrer">treasure coin (70501)</a>:</p>
  
  <p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/Fd1aa.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Fd1aa.png" alt="coins on sprue"></a></p>
  
  <p>I think its one of if not the only element that doesn't connect to any other element.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-04-03T20:07:22.700Z
Answers.Text: Nice! That's certainly a tiny one. Welcome to Bricks.SE!
Answers.UserDisplayName: jncraton
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2019-12-19T07:03:21.833Z
Answers.Text: There are many other pieces that can't connect, for example all kinds of balls (football, basketball, Bionicle, NXT). Or if we are willing to stress the definition of "connect", then a minifigure hand can grab two of these coins :)
Answers.UserDisplayName: zovits
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-04-03T18:17:51.390Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2018-04-03T20:06:45.260Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2018-04-03T20:06:45.260Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: J-B
Answers.Body: <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Mi3KP.jpg" alt=""></p>
  
  <p>I've always thought those flat, round 1x1 pieces were the smallest sphere-esque shape. Most of the other pieces here are longer in at least one dimension than these guys.</p>
  
  <p>This is probably the smallest LEGO brick that is compatible with a stud/tube connection. </p>
  
  <p>There's a version with a hole in the stud that is 'smaller' in that it weighs less, although the external dimensions are the same.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-10-17T15:29:11.677Z
Answers.Text: There's a version with a hole in the stud that is 'smaller' in that it weighs less, although the external dimensions are the same.
Answers.UserDisplayName: VolleyJosh
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2012-08-03T21:30:08.533Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-12-13T16:10:32.157Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2017-12-13T16:10:32.157Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: rsegal
Answers.Body: <p>If we're going for the lego <strong>part</strong> with the smallest <strong>cross-section</strong>, I'll nominate <a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=x77ac15" rel="nofollow noreferrer">x77ac15 &quot;String, Cord Thin 15cm&quot;</a>:</p>
  <p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/DxafO.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/DxafO.png" alt="String cord" /></a></p>
  <p>I owned the 75cm variant, as part of set <a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=6361-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">6361</a> (now lost and replaced, due to wear&amp;tear). But if memory serves right, its thickness was around half a millimeter.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-16T12:38:46.320Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2023-01-16T12:38:46.320Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: IvanSanchez
Answers.Body: <p>The smallest part in terms of fitting through holes in a mesh bag or sorting tray would be Technic Flex Cable, the shortest being <a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=bb0008c05L#T=C" rel="nofollow noreferrer">5L</a>. This could fit through a hole of diameter 1.6mm (of slightly larger without friction).</p>
  <p><a href="https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=bb0008c05L#T=C" rel="nofollow noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ENeHd.png" alt="Technic, Flex Cable 5L" /></a></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2024-09-13T08:47:00.213Z
Answers.Text: So a [US standard mesh size](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_(scale)) of 14+ should suffice/be safe.
Answers.UserDisplayName: janv8000
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-15T20:15:00.913Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2024-09-14T01:59:35.797Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2024-09-14T01:59:35.797Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Matthew Jensen
Answers.Body: <p>The smallest Lego thing I briefly owned was a thin, extremely small, piece of a metallic substance (as far as I know). Possibly about 10 mm long and 4 mm wide, this little sliver was apparently meant to separate a small battery and a light bulb during storage, to stop the battery being drained.</p>
  <p>Lego set: Creator 31062 comes with a light brick. I unpacked the secondhand set bought in a thrift store, and checked that all pieces were present. Then wrapped it for a Christmas present for my grandson. After the celebration and cleaning up, I found this little thing. Vacuumed it away with the rest of the crumbs not even realizing what it was.</p>
  <p>Lol, looking up light-bricks, I found that the little insert was a tab and was probably not classified as a brick proper, but is part of a new brick's packing. I wish we still had it to eke out the battery which emptied very quickly.</p>
  <p>I expect that there are more such extremely small but important components and so wouldn't tip everything into a mesh bag in the first instance. Get some shoe box lids and chocolate boxes and their lids. Spread new components in a single layer. Do a rough sort: big, medium, small into different mesh sized bags. The grit left will be the tinies. Use a linen bag to wash these. Good luck not throwing out tabs!</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-16T05:03:45.673Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2023-01-16T05:17:51.813Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2023-01-16T05:17:51.813Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: MocBird
Answers.Body: <p>The <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/6246a" rel="noreferrer">screwdriver</a> is also very small, but I'm not sure it beats the lever handle. Also, one could argue it has to be detached from the tools wheel first. But if you buy second-hand lots, there's a good chance it would be detached, and it would easily escape through small holes.</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/WyaEY.jpg" alt="Screwdriver">
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/4nJXE.jpg" alt="Tools wheel"></p>
  
  <p>Similarly, the <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/4502a" rel="noreferrer">various</a> <a href="http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x46" rel="noreferrer">plumes</a> aren't very large either:</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/uLRSr.jpg" alt="Minifig, Plume Dragon Wing Left">
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/Mqixx.jpg" alt="Minifig, Plume Dragon Wing Right">
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/byOI1.jpg" alt="Minifig Plume Small"></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T16:30:58.330Z
Answers.Text: I've physically compared a screwdriver to a lever. For the purposes of fitting through holes, the screwdriver is indeed *slightly* narrower than the base of the lever handle.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Kramii
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T16:42:31.853Z
Answers.Text: That's what I call dedication.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T04:48:36.013Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2011-11-29T04:48:36.013Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Body: <p>When I purchase bulk LEGO bricks, one of the first things I do is to tip the whole lot into a mesh bag and give them a good soak in the bath (of course, I remove all the electrical bits etc. first). This usually gets rid of most of the accululated muck etc.</p>
  
  <p>However, I am concerned that the very smallest pieces will slip through the net and end up getting lost <em>en route</em> to the bath or even disappear down the plugh hole.</p>
  
  <p>The solution is obvious: to make sure that I use a bag with small enough holes that the smallest pieces can't fit through.</p>
  
  <p><strong>What, therefore, is the smallest component that LEGO have made?</strong></p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2011-11-29T04:49:06.543Z
Comments.Text: You may want to use a cloth bag, to be sure.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Joubarc
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2024-09-13T08:57:40.553Z
Comments.Text: Or wash them in a mesh bag in a [Gorilla Tub](https://www.redgorilla.red/collections/gorilla-tubs%C2%AE) and then drain the tub through a finer mesh...
Comments.UserDisplayName: janv8000
Tags: <piece-information><size><records>
Title: What is the smallest LEGO component?
UserDisplayName: Kramii
ThreadText: # What is the smallest LEGO component?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2011-11-28)
  
  When I purchase bulk LEGO bricks, one of the first things I do is to tip the whole lot into a mesh bag and give them a good soak in the bath (of course, I remove all the electrical bits etc. first). This usually gets rid of most of the accululated muck etc.
  
  However, I am concerned that the very smallest pieces will slip through the net and end up getting lost *en route* to the bath or even disappear down the plugh hole.
  
  The solution is obvious: to make sure that I use a bag with small enough holes that the smallest pieces can't fit through.
  
  **What, therefore, is the smallest component that LEGO have made?**
  
  **Tags:** piece-information, size, records
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: You may want to use a cloth bag, to be sure.  
  > **username_2**: Or wash them in a mesh bag in a [Gorilla Tub](https://www.redgorilla.red/collections/gorilla-tubs%C2%AE) and then drain the tub through a finer mesh...  
  
  ---
  
  ## 9 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_1 on 2011-11-29. Score: 24 | Accepted answer
  
  The [screwdriver](http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/6246a) is also very small, but I'm not sure it beats the lever handle. Also, one could argue it has to be detached from the tools wheel first. But if you buy second-hand lots, there's a good chance it would be detached, and it would easily escape through small holes.
  
  ![Screwdriver](https://i.sstatic.net/WyaEY.jpg)
  ![Tools wheel](https://i.sstatic.net/4nJXE.jpg)
  
  Similarly, the [various](http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/4502a) [plumes](http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x46) aren't very large either:
  
  ![Minifig, Plume Dragon Wing Left](https://i.sstatic.net/uLRSr.jpg)
  ![Minifig, Plume Dragon Wing Right](https://i.sstatic.net/Mqixx.jpg)
  ![Minifig Plume Small](https://i.sstatic.net/byOI1.jpg)
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_0**: I've physically compared a screwdriver to a lever. For the purposes of fitting through holes, the screwdriver is indeed *slightly* narrower than the base of the lever handle.  
  > **username_1**: That's what I call dedication.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_4 on 2011-11-28. Score: 25
  
  One of the smallest pieces is the detachable handle on the [1 stud gear shift element](http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/4593).
  
  The black part in this complete lever:
  ![298c01 Lever Small (Complete)](https://i.sstatic.net/APvCq.gif)
  
  ![4593 Lever Small](https://i.sstatic.net/coUQd.gif)
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_4**: It is the size of a thin pencil lead.  
  > **username_5**: A picture would be immensely helpful here. How thin is a thin pencil lead anyway?  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_0 on 2011-11-29. Score: 18
  
  I had guessed that smallest piece I have owned is one of these (image courtesy [peeron](http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x1909)):
  
  ![Minifig Accessory Helmet Floodlight](https://i.sstatic.net/h79qv.jpg)
  
  It really is *stupidly* small (so small that I've lost the only example that I possessed).
  
  However, I have since discovered that the lever weighs less, and that the screwdriver will fit through smaller holes.
  
  ---
  
  Update: I've recently come across some of these:
  
  ![Insect antenna](https://i.sstatic.net/ZIqWO.jpg)
  
  It's an antenna from the Twitch minifig in set [7599: Garbage Truck Getaway](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=7599-1&name=Garbage%20Truck%20Getaway&category=%5BToy%20Story%5D%5BToy%20Story%203%5D#T=S&O=%7B%22iconly%22:0%7D). They're pretty small.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: I had no idea that even existed.  
  > **username_6**: It comes with the Starwars Clone Troopers, along with a "rangefinder" type piece as well. It's a "headlamp" that attaches to a clones helmet. Rangefinder can be seen here: http://www.peeron.com/inv/parts/x1910 has a wider end than the screwdriver  
  > **username_7**: I have one of these and wondered what it was.  With four kids in the house, I suspect I won't have it for too much longer... :/  
  > **username_8**: @username_6-BenDuguid LEGO aren't distributing those pieces with the newer ARC trooper gear  
  > **username_6**: @bungeshea Yeah, it looks like they're just using the "targeting scope" and visor options - for example in [9488](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=9488-1)  
  > **username_8**: @username_6-BenDuguid I think they dropped the others in favour of the new mimi-blaster pistols and cloth leg and arm armour  
  > **username_8**: Plus, they're used for Mandalorians: [9496](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?Set=9496-1)  
  > **username_9**: I was all ready to add the Twitch antenna as an answer when I saw your update.  These have got to be the smallest Lego piece I've ever seen.  I keep my Twitch in a small plastic bag because they're always falling off into the drawer.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_3 on 2011-11-28. Score: 7
  
  Minifigure hands are very small:
  
  ![](https://i.sstatic.net/zlHth.jpg)
  (picture not to scale)
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_10 on 2018-04-03. Score: 6
  
  The [treasure coin (70501)](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=70501a#T=C):
  
  [![coins on sprue](https://i.sstatic.net/Fd1aa.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/Fd1aa.png)
  
  I think its one of if not the only element that doesn't connect to any other element.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_11**: Nice! That's certainly a tiny one. Welcome to Bricks.SE!  
  > **username_12**: There are many other pieces that can't connect, for example all kinds of balls (football, basketball, Bionicle, NXT). Or if we are willing to stress the definition of "connect", then a minifigure hand can grab two of these coins :)  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_13 on 2012-08-03. Score: 4
  
  ![](https://i.sstatic.net/Mi3KP.jpg)
  
  I've always thought those flat, round 1x1 pieces were the smallest sphere-esque shape. Most of the other pieces here are longer in at least one dimension than these guys.
  
  This is probably the smallest LEGO brick that is compatible with a stud/tube connection.
  
  There's a version with a hole in the stud that is 'smaller' in that it weighs less, although the external dimensions are the same.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_14**: There's a version with a hole in the stud that is 'smaller' in that it weighs less, although the external dimensions are the same.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_15 on 2023-01-16. Score: 2
  
  If we're going for the lego **part** with the smallest **cross-section**, I'll nominate [x77ac15 "String, Cord Thin 15cm"](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=x77ac15):
  
  [![String cord](https://i.sstatic.net/DxafO.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/DxafO.png)
  
  I owned the 75cm variant, as part of set [6361](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?S=6361-1) (now lost and replaced, due to wear&tear). But if memory serves right, its thickness was around half a millimeter.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_16 on 2023-01-15. Score: 2
  
  The smallest part in terms of fitting through holes in a mesh bag or sorting tray would be Technic Flex Cable, the shortest being [5L](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=bb0008c05L#T=C). This could fit through a hole of diameter 1.6mm (of slightly larger without friction).
  
  [![Technic, Flex Cable 5L](https://i.sstatic.net/ENeHd.png)](https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=bb0008c05L#T=C)
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_2**: So a [US standard mesh size](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesh_(scale)) of 14+ should suffice/be safe.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_17 on 2023-01-16. Score: 0
  
  The smallest Lego thing I briefly owned was a thin, extremely small, piece of a metallic substance (as far as I know). Possibly about 10 mm long and 4 mm wide, this little sliver was apparently meant to separate a small battery and a light bulb during storage, to stop the battery being drained.
  
  Lego set: Creator 31062 comes with a light brick. I unpacked the secondhand set bought in a thrift store, and checked that all pieces were present. Then wrapped it for a Christmas present for my grandson. After the celebration and cleaning up, I found this little thing. Vacuumed it away with the rest of the crumbs not even realizing what it was.
  
  Lol, looking up light-bricks, I found that the little insert was a tab and was probably not classified as a brick proper, but is part of a new brick's packing. I wish we still had it to eke out the battery which emptied very quickly.
  
  I expect that there are more such extremely small but important components and so wouldn't tip everything into a mesh bag in the first instance. Get some shoe box lids and chocolate boxes and their lids. Spread new components in a single layer. Do a rough sort: big, medium, small into different mesh sized bags. The grit left will be the tinies. Use a linen bag to wash these. Good luck not throwing out tabs!
  
  
  ---
  
  