K'Nex Tips
Making the Proper Connection
Blue and Gray Connectors allow for the construction of 3D shapes. Connecting the two, however, can be tricky. Hold one Connector in each hand so that the long, open slots face each other, then turn one Connector a quarter turn and slide the two Connectors together until you feel a firm click. Now you are ready to construct 3D models!
The Trick of Chain Links
Did you know that a Gold Splicer is half the size of a black Chain Link? Some of our very best builders have called to say, when building a chain according to K'NEX instructions, their chain is too long. This is possible since the chain links have the ability to stretch. So when connecting links that are a tad too long for the model, remember that you can substitute a gold Splicer for a Chain Link to fix the difference.
Crank, Pulley and Gear Systems
Builders must pay close attention to the positioning of Locks, Gears, Spacers and Connectors shown in the instructions. K'NEX instructions often display these pieces spread apart on the Rod. This is done so the builder can see the exact angle of the Locks, Spacers and Gears. Once the parts are in place, they need to be pushed together (which the instructions don't show) to fit on the Rod.
Locking it Up with the Tan Connector
Tan Connectors are used to lock a Rod and Connector or a Rod and Gear together to produce movement in a model. When building, make sure that any tan Connectors that are used as locks have their knobs facing the correct way on the Rod and are pushed or "locked" into the proper Gear or Connector.
Substitutions
You've run out of the parts you need to finish a model — no problem! With K'NEX, you can create various Rod lengths and angles by substituting with other K'NEX parts.
A Cross-Snap with K'NEX
One of our very best builders shared this bit of advice — Slide a Rod through the hole of the Connector first. As you get your second Rod into position on the Connector, grasp both Rods with two hands and pull together until you hear the second Rod snap into place.
Look - It's Walking!
If your K'NEX model is supposed to walk but it's not, be sure to check the construction of the legs. The connections attached on each side of the Rod that protrudes from the motor must be opposite in order for the legs of the model to move alternately back and forth in a "walking" motion. Following the instructions for your model, the Connector on one side should be pointing up or back while the other points down or forward.
A Connector Full of Rods
If you've ever tried to snap a Rod into every open space of a Connector, you probably know how tough it can be. Lucky for your fingers, we have a tip. Put the Connector, along with the Rods, on a hard surface. Then use you thumb or palm to press the Rods into the Connector. The sturdiness of the hard surface makes your job a little easier.
Hints
Helpful Building Hints: Pop Goes the K'NEX Piece!
Removing small Rods from tight fits can be a challenge. Attach a Connector to the end of the Rod to provide a larger gripping area and pull firmly on the Connector. The Rod should pop right out!
Give it a little stretch...
Flexible K'NEX Rods offer amazing building possibilities but you may need to bend them back and forth a bit before you begin building to get the best benefit from them.
Think small before you get big!
When building big structures like the Sky Sprinter Roller Coaster or the Big Ball Factory from our instructions be careful not to get bogged down trying to figure out how one section fits into another before you have built the section. Build each section one at a time, review it and then follow the instructions to put the section in place on the growing model.
It's all about the orientation...
Blue and Gray Connectors allow you to build 3 dimensionally but the orientation of the opening on these Connectors as you build is very important. Proper orientation adds strength so if one section of your model keeps falling apart or if a piece is not fitting together properly check the orientation of these Connectors.
