<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/DcON4.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/DcON4.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>The answer is <strong>studs</strong>. Note that there are more pieces with the same ability. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/8jGQB.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/8jGQB.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p><em>Orientation of the bushing <strong>does</strong> matter when you run a rotating axle through a technic plate. Have the round side of the bushing pointing towards the studs. Otherwise the axle might lock up.</em> </p>

<hr>

<p>Here's an example from set 852 where this technique is used to attach the helicopter's rotor and propeller to an axle. </p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/PgKd7.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/PgKd7.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/gMqlv.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/gMqlv.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/S5TsD.jpg" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/S5TsD.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-19T10:40:51.457Z
I would also add that initially, when Technic was released there were no studless beams. This required for new system to adapt to existing building approach - building studs up. In the end it required new (Technic) plates and adapted bushes to interlock assembly vertically. Later parts (like connectors in the photo) just followed new system.
Alex
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-19T10:47:43.413Z
@Alex Good point! I've added an example...
Uli
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-19T21:37:33.783Z
Makes perfect sense, thanks.
Raystafarian
CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-19T08:24:52.370Z
2019-09-19T11:49:48.630Z
2019-09-19T11:49:48.630Z
Uli
<p>The wavy side allows you to wedge the bush between 4 studs on a plate or brick.</p>

<p>In my experience, placing the bush differently orientated never affects the build.</p>

CC BY-SA 4.0
2019-09-19T08:20:35.810Z
2019-09-19T08:20:35.810Z
Michael Verschaeve
<p>Exhibit <s>A</s> 3713:</p>

<p><a href="https://i.sstatic.net/uFx7O.png" rel="noreferrer"><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/uFx7O.png" alt="enter image description here"></a></p>

<p>The near side is smooth on the circumference, but the far side has a wavy pattern. In Lego directions, the photos usually show the "orientation" of the bushing, but if I put it on the incorrect way, will it affect the build?</p>

<technic>
Why do technic bushings have a flat side and a wavy side?
Raystafarian
# Why do technic bushings have a flat side and a wavy side?

(Asked by: username_0 on 2019-09-19)

Exhibit ~~A~~ 3713:

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/uFx7O.png)](https://i.sstatic.net/uFx7O.png)

The near side is smooth on the circumference, but the far side has a wavy pattern. In Lego directions, the photos usually show the "orientation" of the bushing, but if I put it on the incorrect way, will it affect the build?

**Tags:** technic


---

## 2 answers

### Answer by username_1 on 2019-09-19. Score: 12 | Accepted answer

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/DcON4.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/DcON4.jpg)

The answer is **studs**. Note that there are more pieces with the same ability.

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/8jGQB.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/8jGQB.jpg)

*Orientation of the bushing **does** matter when you run a rotating axle through a technic plate. Have the round side of the bushing pointing towards the studs. Otherwise the axle might lock up.*

---

Here's an example from set 852 where this technique is used to attach the helicopter's rotor and propeller to an axle.

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/PgKd7.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/PgKd7.jpg)

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/gMqlv.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/gMqlv.jpg)

[![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/S5TsD.jpg)](https://i.sstatic.net/S5TsD.jpg)

> **Comments:**
> **username_2**: I would also add that initially, when Technic was released there were no studless beams. This required for new system to adapt to existing building approach - building studs up. In the end it required new (Technic) plates and adapted bushes to interlock assembly vertically. Later parts (like connectors in the photo) just followed new system.  
> **username_1**: @username_2 Good point! I've added an example...  
> **username_0**: Makes perfect sense, thanks.  

---

### Answer by username_3 on 2019-09-19. Score: 3

The wavy side allows you to wedge the bush between 4 studs on a plate or brick.

In my experience, placing the bush differently orientated never affects the build.


---

