liftarms

Liftarms are a foundational element in LEGO Technic sets, serving as rigid beams with regularly spaced holes along their length. They function as structural members and linkage components, enabling builders to create lifting mechanisms, arms, and frames. Liftarms are designed to accept Technic pins and axles, allowing for adjustable, pivoting, and extending configurations within complex mechanisms.

In terms of design, liftarms are typically made from ABS plastic and come in a range of lengths measured in studs. The holes along the beam accommodate pins for joints and connections for axles to transmit rotational motion. Variants include flat, thick, curved, and angled beams, as well as different hole patterns to suit specific mechanical needs. Liftarms also vary in color, reflecting sets, series, or production runs, which can aid in organization and assembly.

Common applications include building crane booms, robotic arms, suspensions, and other assemblies that require a strong, modular backbone. Because they connect with pins and axles, liftarms support a wide variety of mechanisms, from simple levers to multi-link systems, and are compatible with the broader Technic ecosystem as well as third-party connectors in some builds.

History and scope: Liftarms were introduced with the LEGO Technic line in the late 1970s as a primary means of constructing robust mechanical structures. Since then, the range has expanded to include numerous lengths and variants, making liftarms one of the most versatile and enduring components in LEGO Technic design.